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I've seen a few places that post specs on the HTPC (small media center based pc's for the living room) that they make, but I've never found a dedicated site that was good.
I know there are a few that deal with just hardware, but does anyone know of any sites that keep up with the hardware + the different OS's used and their regular updates?
there's really no science in doing in...
1. get a nice looking box
2. get a mATX form-factor board
3. try to make that board include HDMI (highly recommend the Abit i-n73HD)
4. install XP (or any other OS, really...)
5. install media-portal or other similar software to use as a frontend.
that's it.
The thing is you don't really need a high end computer at all if it is only going to be used as a HTPC as Cabalo said number one is the case, or in my situation THE case
http://www.hardveraj.hr/shop/images/...-htpc-crno.gif
Some of the newer HTPC cases will accept full ATX boards so thats not even the biggest deal now either.
Agreed you should find a board with integrated HDMI although if you get a decent Raedon HD card they usually come with a HDMI adapter. In one of the few times you will ever hear me say this i would say go with Vista and use the Media Center or with my case and some of the more high end ones they will use the IMON software which I don't personallt love but it gets rave reviews.
If you search here in the HW section for HTPC you will see more than a few veeery helpful threads here man. What specs do you have in mind?
getting some E1200 or E2xxx will be enough for media centers, even for 1080p. keep in mind they clock like bitches at stock volts, so it's always a good deal.
1g ram is enough, but for their current prices, better stock yourself up with 2Gb.
as for HDD, any will do, as i am supposing your HTPC will be networked to other computer where the main storage will be.
@ detale.... that case of yours costed alone more than my HTPC here at home... i looked at it for a while, and even considered buying it, but heck...
Yeah but Im a whore that way, when I saw it I HAD to get it. I saved my pennies for that one Shirley. I have to say the thing is really well built and looks sharp as hell with the piano black finish ;)
yeah, but 370€...
i admit i like good looking cases, and there is one that has been tempting me last year or so...
the TT mozart TX... it is the size of a mini fridge, but damn, it has all the bells and whistles one could wish for in a case...
but so far i've managed to keep my head on top of my shoulders.
maybe if someday it drops to 150€, i might go check my credit card...
Yeah but the TX is a Cube tower not a HTPC case at all.
http://www.allhtpc.com/
new site looks good so far
http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/default.aspx
If you use MCE
Most front ends have there own sites which have good sections for htpc's
I use mediaportal so I usually go to there forums
http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/