Build a HTPC 2009 Edition
Ok so with the start of a new year, it’s time to look at the HTPC build, and what the best build for the new year is.
So have there been many developments since we did the last build in July last year? Well not really any major development. All parts are still pretty similar and the technology is still the same, so everything that was said in the extensive guide still applies. However as always with computers, things are newer, so you get more value for money and quieter components for the same price.
Case: Antec NSK2480B
This is still the best value for money case. It is a full size case, meaning you can fit any motherboard, and most TV tuner and graphics cards in there. It also comes with a 380W power supply and two fans. This saves you money on having to buy these components, and they are good quality and quiet.
CPU: AMD4850e
AMD runs cooler then Intel. Cooler means less cooling is required so you have less noise, which is very desirable in a HTPC. We go for the 4850e because it is energy efficient CPU as it only uses 45W (less energy consumption also means cooler). It still provides enough processing power to have smooth DVD playback, and at a reasonable price.
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-MA78GPM-DS2H
There are two very good chipsets for HTPCs at the moment, the 780G from ATI or the 8300 from NVidia. The 780g chipset still provides a slightly better performance for money, and gigabyte in my opinion is the most reliable company with the most features on the motherboard. If you want a slightly better gamin performance you might also want to consider the Asus M3N78-EM.
Graphics Card: Onboard
If you’re just using it as a HTPC, then the onboard graphics in the motherboard is enough. These are designed especially to be good at BLu-Ray video playing. If you want to play games, the best option is a hybrid power cable 9800gt with the Asus motherboard (The GTX is too big for this case). This way it can switch between onboard and the 9800gt as needed.
Hard Disk: 1TB WD Green Power
These are the cream of hard drives at the moment. They use less power and are quieter than the first generation of hard drives, and are almost as fast as the WD caviar Blues (a very fast hard drive). These currently only come in 1TB size, so you don’t really have a choice. If you can’t get these or prefer a different company, the Samsung Spinpoint L is also a very nice and quiet drive.
RAM: 2GB DDR2 800MHZ
Any company is good really (even generic is good these days, they are all probably made in the same factory somewhere anyway). I like the Kingston ValueRAM, as Kingston has always been a good and reliable company. But if you can get something from a different company for significantly cheaper, this is an area you can go generic.
Make sure to get the 800Mhz type. This is faster Ram and the extra speed helps with video decoding (especially high definition and Blu Ray)
DVD Drive: Asus SATA DVD-RW
I like the Asus burners DVD drives because they are quiet and reliable. I suggest just getting a DVD drive, because they are cheap. Also most people who watch Blu-Ray’s already have some sort of player (like the PS3). If you don’t have a Blu-Ray player and want a Blu-Ray drive the LG Multi Blu-Ray and HD DVD-Rom drive seems to be the best at the moment (I haven’t used it yet, but have heard good things about it).
Tuner Card: Hauppage 2200
This is just a good reliable TV card. It’s got dual tuners so you can watch or record two channels at once.
Control: diNovo Mini
The Logitech diNovo mini is the king of ultimate luxury portable keyboard and mouse. It does just about everything. It is quite expensive however. If you want a cheaper option go for a MCE remote instead. If you are going to be playing games though you probably want a proper sized keyboard and mouse. For this I’d suggest the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, because it is backlit making it very handy to use in a dark room.
Conclusion
So although nothing dramatically new has changed in the last 6 months in HTPCs, everything has been refined. New generation hard disks have come out, making everything a lot quieter, and you can now get a lot of value for your money.
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2 Responses to “Build a HTPC 2009 Edition”
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I think MSI Media Live 5.1 is better motherboard than you have specified.
No need for separate amp!
Also comes with pre-amp for 7.1 instead.
Are you sure about that case being full size?
I’m looking for a case for a full size ATX motherboard, and the Antec NSK2480 is listed as MicroATX.
http://www.antec.com/usa/productDetails.php?lan=us&id=92480
Unless I’m mistaken the ‘B’ version denotes the color, black.