Loading ...A hardware roundup – The Entry Level Build!
I have seen different sites put together a list of potential HTPC hardware for budgets under $1000 USD. While many of these sites are showcasing some nice systems, I think there are multiple ways to approach this project. As such, I put together my own list for a potential HTPC build while offering some options to hit different price points — entry level, mainstream/mid level and higher end systems — each less than $1000 USD. So here’s the first part of the series: The Entry Level Build.
For me, there are two things that drive my decision process when making a component selection for an HTPC; product performance/features and cost. I want technology that will offer good performance, aimed at the HTPC space, yet will not “break the bank”. As I outlined in my previous blogs, the HTPC does not require the absolute highest performance products, nor should it be about buying the cheapest products. What the HTPC needs is a combination of more balanced products that offer good performance and low power draw — all within a reasonable budget. I have seen too many individuals less that satisfied with their HTPCs because they bought the absolute highest performance products on the market and their HTPC was just too loud. Similarly, I have seen many others buy the cheapest products they could find only to realize their HTPC could not handle the tasks they desired.
So what can you expect from an entry level HTPC build? An entry level system can handle many of your standard HTPC duties. It should be able to offer smooth HD playback without dropping frames. It should handle most streamed online content (think Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, etc.). It should be able to drive HD resolutions (1080p, 720p) and do a decent job of upscaling standard DVDs. It should be able to play most mainstream games at lower resolutions (1024 x 768, 800 x 600, etc.) and still look good. However, check with the game manufacturer for complete system requirements.
Motherboard
At the heart of any HTPC platform is the motherboard and critical to the motherboard is the chipset. For this entry level budget HTPC build, I opted for the Gigabyte GA-MA785GPMT-UD2H. This board has a host of features that make for a good HTPC system. Being uATX, it can be put into a reasonably sized chassis (think ~VCR size). It is based upon the AMD RS785 chipset so it has great video performance and supports HD Resolutions (including Blu-ray), when combined with an HD monitor. The UVD-2 support is really useful for hardware acceleration of video related content. The powerful integrated graphics eliminates the need for a discrete card (saving power and money). The HDMI output offers easy connectivity to your HD TV. All-in-all, this makes for a good solution for the HTPC.
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA785GPMT-UD2H $94.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128399&Tpk=GA-MA785GPMT-UD2H
CPU
Processing power plays an important role in an HTPC. Depending on what it is you want to do with your HTPC, you may need more speed in your CPU or you may need more cores in your CPU. For example, if you will be using your HTPC to do a lot of transcoding, a CPU with more cores will offer you better performance. However, some applications may benefit from higher frequencies. You should really look at all the applications you are going to be using with your HTPC and determine if those applications would benefit from more cores or higher frequencies. In any case, you will still want low power CPUs for their superior thermal performance. The processor I selected for this entry build is the AMD AthlonTM II X2 240 dual-core processor. It is a dual core, low power processor that offers a great performance for the price.
CPU: AMD AthlonTM II X2 240 dual-core processor $60.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688
CPU Cooler
This one can be a little harder to address. When buying an AMD Processor In a Box (PIB) product, the heatsink will generally come with the CPU purchase in a nice box. These can be very effective and quiet coolers for most HTPC tasks.
Memory
Now for memory. There are not a lot of optimizations a memory vendor can do for an HTPC type scenario. Unlike video games applications or other mainstream desktop applications, HTPCs don’t need the fastest memory available. Likewise, they don’t necessarily need huge amounts of memory to provide great performance. I have found that 2GB is a pretty good amount of memory to start with for an HTPC. Rule of thumb is to get as much of the fastest memory that fits within your budget. For cost effectiveness, brand recognition and performance, I chose to go with memory from Kingston for this build.
Memory: Kingston 2GB Kit (2×1GB) of DDR3 1066 $43.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134492
Note: if you are using a 32 bit operating system, anything over 4GBs will not be recognized by the system (actually about 3.5GB will be seen by the OS).
HDD
Vendors like Seagate, Western Digital, and Hitachi also offer a variety of products for the PC space. Like AMD, they have some products that target this lower power environment. Seagate’s Pipeline HD series, Western Digital’s Green series, and Hitachi’s Cinemastar series drives are optimized for low power and quiet operation. These drives typically have fluid bearings, improved firmware and thermals that make them more suited for HTPC applications. Like memory, more storage is usually a good thing for an HTPC. If you plan on doing a lot of recording of TV, storing movies, music, etc. then again, purchasing as much storage as your budget allows is probably a good thing. For this build I chose the Western Digital 500GB Green drive.
HDD: Western Digital 500GB Green HDD $54.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136358
Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
Selecting an optical drive can be a little challenging because it is often hard to tell the advantages of one over another. I have used a variety of drives over the years — some more reliable than others and some quieter than others. However, for me when it comes to the HTPC discussion, it boils down to DVD vs. Blu-ray. With the HD DVD / Blu-ray format war over, it does make the decision a little easier, but you still really need to look at what you are planning to do and how much you want to budget for the ODD. Upscaled DVD content can look very good on an HDTV. In my opinion, the clarity of Blu-ray really starts to show up at screen sizes larger than 50 inches. At 50 inches and below, upscaled DVD can look very nice and can save the consumer some money. Therefore, to keep costs within an entry level price point, I opted for a standard DVD.
ODD: Lite-On DVD ROM $17.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106274
Chassis
In an earlier blog, I covered some of the different chassis solutions on the market. Selecting a chassis really depends on personal tastes, budget, room decor, etc. The criteria I used below included a combination of price and functionality, yet still fitting the overall HTPC look and feel. However, adjust your budget based upon your own goals.
Chassis: HEC SECC 7K09 $54.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121027
Power Supply
Included in Chassis for this build. PSU selection is an important topic and we will talk more about this in upcoming blog.
Remote Control
The Remote Control is another important piece of your HTPC. I have already posted part 1 of the 2 part series on remote controls and I am currently working on the second part of that series. Microsoft’s Media Center product that is included with some versions of their operating system does a very nice job of bringing the “10-foot experience” to the PC. They make it very easy to access things like live and recorded TV (assuming you have a TV tuner installed), music, photos and more with just a remote. In fact, I have my HTPC set up so that I rarely (if ever) need to pick up a keyboard. As such, I think every HTPC user should add a remote to their configuration. Some higher-end remotes can be very expensive while offering more functionality, but may not be required for many of the basic functions of the HTPC. For a budget solution, I opted for the basic IR-based Media Center remote from Anywhere.
Remote: Anywhere Media Center Remote with IR receiver $22.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16880121001
Keyboard/Mouse
Similar to remotes, keyboards are another important part of your HTPC solution. See part 1 of the Remote Control series for more info on keyboard options. For this budget build, I chose the Logitech keyboard/mouse Bluetooth solution for both range and functionality. Having both keyboard and mouse functionality out of the same device makes it easy to use. You could buy a separate keyboard and mouse as an option, but you would probably be close to this same price anyway.
Keyboard: Logitech Mediaboard Pro $69.99 USD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16879212011
Operating System
There are many different options here and many people will have their own opinion of what operating system to use. For simplicity, I am suggesting Microsoft’s Windows Vista® Home Premium solution. However, with Microsoft® Windows® 7 just around the corner, it may be worthwhile to wait and use that instead. Everything I have seen with Windows 7 looks to be very impressive for both general PC duties in addition to HTPC duties. (A Windows 7 capable PC configuration will be required.) Linux® is another very viable option and very cost effective. However, you might need more experience with setting up and configuring a Linux based system to get everything working to your liking.
OS: Windows Vista® Home Premium $99.99 USD (or wait for Windows® 7 Home Premium)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116485
OK, that covers most of the components you will need. The total cost of the hardware listed above comes to $420.92 USD + $99.99 USD for the operating system. Not a bad price for everything you are getting. Prices do not reflect any rebates or discounts that might be available nor does it include shipping costs. Sometimes you can get bundle deals, free shipping, etc. So do your research to get the best deals when you purchase and you may be able to get even better prices than what’s listed here.
Note, I am listing prices in US dollars found on Newegg as of the day this was written. They are not the only source and there are plenty of choices on where to purchase.
For those that would rather purchase a pre configured HTPC, see my “Build or Buy?” blog posting.
So, as you can see, building a budget HTPC is not all that expensive plus you can get very robust functionality. In the next part of this series, we will look at a mainstream, mid level build and bump up some of the functions and features to get a more robust HTPC experience.
Till next time, Happy Trails!
Jay Taylor is a Senior Developer Relations Engineer at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites and no endorsement is implied.
(4.90 out of 5)
#1 by Cliff Forster - August 20th, 2009 at 12:09
Great stuff overall. Could you also suggest a good tuner card for local HD broadcasts as well as providing simple set up? Perhaps a good but simple amplified antenna to mate with it?
#2 by Jay Taylor - August 25th, 2009 at 16:12
@Cliff Forster, Hey Cliff, I have that in the next blog in this series along with a Blu ray addition.
Stay tuned.
#3 by Ganesh - August 20th, 2009 at 13:30
Jay,
Good choice of hardware components!
With approximately $500 investment, is there a pre-determined set of software to install which can then guarantee me the same set of file support specs as the ones found on some popular media player boxes:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=572
http://www.xtreamer.net/89/content-pages/Specs.aspx
With almost 5x the investment, I sure hope there is some SW bundle out there which can guarantee me the same specs! The advantage of the HTPC should lie in future extensibility (after the guaranteed specs are working). Till then, HTPCs are destined to remain a niche space.
#4 by Jay Taylor - August 20th, 2009 at 15:07
@Ganesh, Thanks for the comment.
I think the first thing to understand is that devices like those listed are aimed at a different audience than an HTPC. They are good at what they do, but they are also limited in functionality and features when compared to the flexibility of the HTPC.
For example, neither offer blu ray play back (no ODD options). Neither give you the full intenet expereince to get any content from any site you might want. Neither allows you to add TV Tuners, DVR capabilities. Transcoding not really an option either.
If you are looking for a low cost, specific function solution to provide access to content on your personal network, those may be a good way to go.
However, if you are looking for a single box, that has the robustness to do all that and more, an HTPC may be more appropriate.
It is not really an either or strategy, it is about what you might be looking for to meet your entertainment needs. For me, the HTPC made much more sense than a streaming box or a network/storage device.
I litterally have one box under my TV that does everything I need, not just some of the things.
#5 by Ganesh - August 20th, 2009 at 15:34
@Jay Taylor, Great to hear your response. I completely agree with your reply, and that is the main reason why I don’t have either of the boxes I mentioned in my comment above, but a HTPC.
The media box community (read NMTs) is taking steps towards bringing the experience closer to HTPCs by introducing slightly costlier models (like the Popcorn Hour C300) which gives Blu-Ray capabilities.
Look up the specs here: http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/index.php?pluginoption=productspec&item_id=12
Since these boxes are just ‘computers running specialized Linux’, browsers etc. are natural open source extensions. Both the ends of the spectrum are trying to converge and get hold of the full market share. But, I won’t go into that further than this, since I feel the HTPC guys are ahead in bringing a wholesome experience closer in reality to the mainstream consumer. (which is why, again, I am a HTPC owner).
I had written in an earlier comment (as yet, still under moderation comment — probably will never get approved as it might be considered a little bit off-topic) about how companies like AMD / ATI in particular (and Intel / Nvidia too) are still unable to get their hardware specs right in the HTPC market (for example, proper HDMI 1.3 support for DTS-HD / TrueHD).
It is this ‘Jack-Of-All-Trades, But Master-Of-None’ HTPC scenario that is leaving people frustrated.
For all the efforts that AMD / ATI puts into its GPU HW / driver development for games, if even 5% of it is given to the HTPC crowd, the whole ecosystem would encourage mass adoption.
I know you do not comment about AMD / ATI’s future roadmap, but I just wish you guys provide HDMI 1.3 and better support for the open source Linux guys (for starters) to kickstart the market.
The Maui platform, for example, would be a killer product if someone is able to build a box around it and provide at least the same functionality as the specialized boxes (maybe even 5x the cost is OK for consumers). [ I looked up the specs online, but couldn't find whether HDMI 1.3 or audio over HDMI is supported. And with no Linux support on Maui, you can't expect the open source guys to help you guys in realizing the complete potential of your platform -- Just my 2 cents ]
#6 by Ganesh - August 20th, 2009 at 15:50
@Jay Taylor, Addendum to earlier comment / Reply to the one on the Maui ( http://blogs.amd.com/home/2009/03/26/im-all-in/#comment-399 ):
Good to hear what the people at AMD / ATI really think about the state of the market. I am a techie user who has been observing both the HTPC market and the media box market closely over the last year or so to decide which one is more suitable for me. (So, not as much background as yours, but still hours and hours spent browsing forums and working hands-on to get a good experience going).
I have always been under the impression that many other people on the forums were on the same boat as me (i.e, could jump into either the HTPC or the media streamer side of things depending on which one was able to satisfy them the most).
I feel that there is only one market (people who want to enjoy media), and that explains why Popcorn Hour is trying to encroach upon the HTPC space with their about-to-be-released C200, the specs of which are already out.
I know that the PCH is also a niche market, but that is more due to lack of marketing dollars on their end. The HTPC crowd has more marketing dollars, but still remains niche because the implementations and avalable platforms are so numerous that it leaves the end-consumer confused.
#7 by Datsun - August 20th, 2009 at 21:38
I want to build my own Home NAS because my current NAS Thecus N3200PRO powered with AMD GEODE is not enough. So, I will using NVIDIA Geforce 8200 with AMD Athlon X2 250 to build RAID 5 storages for my multimedia files. I will build it with Geforce 9600GT to accelerating video files transcoding. With attached wifi card with access point capability and bluetooth, I could access my files everywhere in my home. I think this is an example of innovative Multimedia NAS platform.
#8 by Jay Taylor - August 24th, 2009 at 13:38
@Datsun, Sounds like an interesting solution.
There are a lot of different ways to approach moving content around the home. HTPCs, NAS boxes, Windows Home Server, networked PCs each have some advantages.
But I think your example just further drives the notion that people want content, whenever, whever they are.
Both the h/w and s/w developers need to develop solutions that meet customer needs around entertainment content.
Thanks for the comment.
#9 by Charlie Owen - August 21st, 2009 at 22:58
My wife is looking over my shoulder saying ‘you’re gonna build another one?!??!!’
Great post.
#10 by Al - August 25th, 2009 at 04:58
I have to say building your own does work out much cheaper and give you more flexibility. Saying an upscaled DVD looks just as good unless you have a screen over 50″, has set me thinking… As my current TV is only a 32″, I’m not sure whether to do as you’ve suggested, or get a bluray player in anticipation of a larger screen! (wife allowing!)
#11 by Jay Taylor - August 25th, 2009 at 10:27
@Al, Hello Al,
To be clear, I do believe that Blu ray does look better on just about any screen. However, the difference between Blu ray on a 32″ screen and a upscaled DVD on a 32″ screen is not huge. It is not like going from SD to HD. As such, if budgets are tight, you can save a little initial cost. Adding Blu ray later is very easy and could be more cost effective in the long run as Blu ray drive prices continue to come down.
However, if your budget allows, getting a Blu ray now would leave you set for when you do get the larger screen.
This base build was more of a guide to get folks started. If some areas are more important to a reader, then by all means, upgrade that part. This should just give the reader an idea on where prices can start at and move up from there.
Of course, the really inexpensive path to an HTPC is to just upgrade some h/w on an existing system.
In the end, I think HTPCs add a lot of value to any home entertainment system. This is more true today than anytime in the past. With all the content out there (online, Blu ray and DVD, OTA TV, etc.), the PC platform is a great solution for consuming that content. It is easy to use and cost effective.
Regards,
Jay
#12 by Luis - August 27th, 2009 at 23:36
I too have been following this market and have a nice HTPC rig myself. However, as of today I must say I am not very optimistic, let me explain. Most of us, still watch TV the old fashioned way – analog cable with a ’sprinkling’ of OTA HD or ClearQAM depending on the type of tuner you have in your system. Well according to this post on AnandTEch, the FCC has just passed a ‘ waiver ‘ for the cable companies to not have to have ClearQAM channels for any of the ‘ expanded basic ‘ channels. That means that soon enough all clearqam channels will go bye-bye, leaving us with no analog cable nor clearqam to use with our HTPCs. Until online streaming can substitue all broadcast content, we shall all be victims of the big CABLETV conglomerates…
link to article -> http://anandtech.com/weblog/showpost.aspx?i=637
#13 by Jay Taylor - August 31st, 2009 at 09:44
@Luis, Hello Luis,
I did read that article as well. While I agree that this is disapointing, I really don’t see it as that big of an issue for the HTPC user. The amount of content online now is very large and continues to grow. I personally feel that the combination of OTA and Online is more than enough to provide content for all my viewing needs and those of my family. As mentioned in one of the earlier blogs, I completely cancelled my paid TV service completely and don’t miss it at all.
Furthermore, for those that really want these channels, OCUR may still be an option. Granted, this may be a more expensive route, but it will likely still be an option.
Again, I do agree that this is a disappointing turn, but far from being the death blow to the HTPC.
#14 by Scott - September 3rd, 2009 at 21:07
Jay –
Great post. I’m just getting started in the HTPC world and your post is a great primer. I have a question that’s probably obvious to most people – so forgive me.
If I put a tuner card in my box, can I get rid of my cable box? (I don’t have any premium channels). Also, how do you browse listings? My primary goal is to use the box as a DVR.
Scott
#15 by Jay Taylor - September 8th, 2009 at 12:38
@Scott, Hello Scott,
It may very well be possible to eliminate your cable box and use your HTPC as your primary viewing device. However, some of this depends on how the cable companies are transitioning their h/w.
At the heart of the issue is how the channels are desiginated (clear QAM or restricted). Most TV tuners today are capable of pulling in channels that are sent as Clear QAM over the cable. However, we are in the midst of some changes right now so it is difficult to say how that is going to look in the near future.
I suspect it will still be possible, but you may need a different type of tuner callled a Digital Cable Tuner to tune in those channels that are restricted. This can be done today with a DCT called OCUR (Open Cable Unidirectional Receiver).
Looks like I may need to blog this topic as it is hard to cover everything in a comment box.
As for the Guide data, that would come in from the Media Center application. See my blog on What you can do with an HTPC.
http://links.amd.com/HTPC1
On a side note, you may also be interested in a couple of other blogs on this topic.
http://links.amd.com/AllIn
http://links.amd.com/Cordless
These cover how I am using my HTPC in place of a paid tv service and saving some money along the way.
Regards,
Jay
#16 by Glyn - September 6th, 2009 at 17:07
Thanks Jay, this is an excellent article.
When can we expect part 2?
#17 by Jay Taylor - September 8th, 2009 at 12:39
@Glyn, Thanks Glyn,
I am working on it right now. I am out at CEDIA this week so it may be a couple of weeks yet before I can get it completed and through the approval process.
Stay tuned.
Regards,
Jay
#18 by DenverDave - September 14th, 2009 at 11:48
Jay,
Thanks for the article. I have been monkeying with older hardware, Linux (Ubuntu), AGP cards, Pentium 4 CPUs, various amounts of RAM, blue tooth mice and keyboards, older chassis, loud power supplies and fans and recycled hard drives for some time, in an attempt to cobble something workable together for a BASIC HTPC. I have had many successes and have learned a lot over the past few months, and you article points me to the next step in my HTPC evolution. Thanks for all the great information!
#19 by Jay Taylor - September 14th, 2009 at 16:02
@DenverDave, Hello Dave,
You are certainly welcome. I am glad you found the info useful. I am continuing this series with a blog on things to upgrade to even further enhance the HTPC experience. I also saw some very cool things at CEDIA last week and will likely blog on that topic.
In addition to all this, we recently annouced Eyefinity which offers some very cool technology that can potentially be leveraged in the HTPC space. Simon Solotko talks a little about it in his AMD@Home blog posted this week. Nice read, you might want to check it out. I may also jump in on this as it relates to the HTPC. Stay tuned.
#20 by DenverDave - September 16th, 2009 at 11:14
@Jay Taylor,
Thanks for the note. I also saw stuff on Cedia and the AMD site when I found your article. I will continue to follow the blog. I have also been trying to keep up with the h.264 stuff as it applies to Linux, because that is where I reached an impasse with my current setup.
Once again, thanks for all the additional resources. I can’t wait to build out some additional boxes.
DenverDave
#21 by acegreaser - September 16th, 2009 at 11:15
Hi Jay,
So far your blog is the only blog which has given me a lot of information. Thanks for all the in-depth info.
A question for you then: Since HDMI is to allow a single cable for video and audio, how do I go about setting the HTPC to do just that, rather than have the HDMI to the TV and the optical cable to the surround sound system?
#22 by Jay Taylor - September 17th, 2009 at 09:56
@acegreaser, Thanks for the comment. This is really dependent on your h/w configuration, drivers, etc.
Assuming you have the right drivers, config, etc. then it is simply a matter of going into the audio properties panel and selecting HDMI as your default audio output path instead of the SPDIF optical output.
If you are having trouble with your system, you might want to reach out to our support team for more detailed assistance.
http://emailcustomercare.amd.com/
#23 by acegreaser - September 22nd, 2009 at 12:21
@Jay Taylor,
Are you saying that the video card HDMI output can also output sound? I thought that in a PC, the video is purely video and the Sound Card is purely for sound.
#24 by Jay Taylor - September 22nd, 2009 at 13:52
@acegreaser, While that is true of VGA and DVI, it is not the same with HDMI. The HDMI specifications require that any device that is HDMI compliant must support both audio and video over the HDMI interface. Therefore, if the video card is HDMI compliant like our Radeon 4xx family, then it will also support audio over that connector as well.
Please note that a DVI to HDMI adapter does not automatically make the output HDMI compliant.
#25 by maya tutorials - September 21st, 2009 at 04:21
Hi, This is really ice post. I am working on HTPC wright now so this post helped me a lot in my work. Thanks and post it’s second part soon.
#26 by Jeff Donville - September 21st, 2009 at 08:38
Jay,
I have been looking to build a MSI 7411 (DIVA/MAUI)-based system for media and moderate gaming in my living room, and while the motherboard is still available, supplies of compatible AMD CPUs (AM2, AM2+) are drying up or gone from major retailers. You may want to suggest to the powers that be that MSI update the 7411 to support the new AM3 socket CPUs.
J
#27 by Jay Taylor - September 21st, 2009 at 10:03
@Jeff Donville, Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the comment. Actually, the board does support the newer AM3 processors. You just need to install the latest BIOS.
In fact, I am using the newer AMD Phenom II 905e CPU in the platform as we speak.
Do note that the AM3 CPUs will work with the AM2+ socket and DDR II memory.
#28 by DenverDave - September 21st, 2009 at 10:12
@Jay,
I am going to build out this system, based upon your specs, with just a couple of exceptions. Since I have a case with compatible 600-watt power supply, I am going to use it.
http://ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=59&pPath=369&productID=518
I have had this power supply for 1-2 years, and it doesn’t have many hours on it. It isn’t very quiet, so could be an annoyance for some people’s HTPC setup. However, the volume from my TV and movie watching usually masks the noise.
After reading the motherboard documentation online, I found that my not-quite-new PS would be more than sufficient for power even if NOT 100 percent perfect for power connectivity. For those interested in reviewing the connectivity requirements, please see this link, page 24.
http://america.gigabyte.com.tw/FileList/Manual/mb_manual_ga-ma785g(p)mt-ud(s)2h_e.pdf
My power supply has a 20+4 pin and a single, 4-pin connector for motherboard power. Gigabyte caps connectors on the motherboard for older power supplies, like mine. For those of you with ATX and uATX power with 24-pin and 8-pin connectors, you will have to uncap these sockets in order to accommodate your hardware. Gigabyte recommends 500+ watts, but of course, that is for those who plan to use/push more hardware to maximum levels.
If I had the cash and didn’t want to recycle parts, I’d definitely consider downsizing my case and power supply to save on rack space and PS fan noise.
I report back when I have cobbled my system together. As I mentioned earlier, I plan on using Ubuntu. As well, I am using a Dell Bluetooth mouse and keyboard and a D-link WUA-1340 USB wireless NIC because I have not yet cabled my TV room. I am also recycling some SATA drives (160-GB and 320-GB from my non-HD TiVo boxes that I hacked sometime back).
I hope to drop my DirecTV package by year’s end, saving me about $75/month in Denver. We’ll see what my wife has to say about that when she gets done traveling for work. Doh!
Cheers!
DenverDave
#29 by gabs - November 12th, 2009 at 21:14
just wondering Jay, what kind of power usage for this setup? i have been trying to research this, but i can never find any numbers…