- Jan 26, 2011
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Howdy folks,
I was hoping the AnandTech community could help me out with my latest tech dilemma: should I build a multi-purpose HTPC or just buy consumer electronics that accomplish the same thing.
My goal is to stream media to my TV/living room HiFi system (music, ripped DVD movies, Netflix) in a way that is both flexible and cost-effective. Another big consideration is that my wife should be able to use this solution with minimal headaches. Blu-ray capability would be nice as I have a 40 1080P Toshiba LCD TV. Finally, it needs to remain in the Microsoft ecosystem as I am a Zune marketplace subscriber, ruling out Linux/XBMC/Boxee.
Option one: the HTPC.
I live near a Microcenter, so I can build the following:
AthlonII X4 640: $95
MSI 785GM-P45 (AMD 4200 integrated graphics): Free
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR3 1600: $50
Crucial C300 64 GB SSD: $135 (just missed the Newegg shellshocker, damn)
Lite-on 4X blu-ray OEM: $50
Silverstone Grandia micro-ATX case: $100
Silverstone ST40F-ES 400W power supply: $49
IOGear GKM561R wireless keyboard: $50
TP-link TL-WN722Nwireless adapter: $20
Windows 7: $61
Shipping: $30
~ $640 total
(could save $185 w/ apex dm-387 case+power supply and a 500GB spindle HD, but sheesh, that case is a little fuglykeep in mind the WAF, Wife Acceptance Factor as well at the CPSF, Craptastic Power Supply Factor)
Option two:
Xbox 360: $200
Blu-ray player: Sony BDP-S370: $150
~ $350
Other options include Zotac barebones systems based on CULV/Brazos processors. Id like stay away from Atom-based systems. However, these approach the cost of the HTPC above, but at a fraction of the performance.
Bitstreaming is not a concern as my receiver precedes the HDMI era (Pioneer Elite-VSX-43TX)
I love building stuff, but in this case, I cant justify the added cost/complexity of the DIY approach. Am I mistaken? Any input or alternative suggestions are most appreciated.
I was hoping the AnandTech community could help me out with my latest tech dilemma: should I build a multi-purpose HTPC or just buy consumer electronics that accomplish the same thing.
My goal is to stream media to my TV/living room HiFi system (music, ripped DVD movies, Netflix) in a way that is both flexible and cost-effective. Another big consideration is that my wife should be able to use this solution with minimal headaches. Blu-ray capability would be nice as I have a 40 1080P Toshiba LCD TV. Finally, it needs to remain in the Microsoft ecosystem as I am a Zune marketplace subscriber, ruling out Linux/XBMC/Boxee.
Option one: the HTPC.
I live near a Microcenter, so I can build the following:
AthlonII X4 640: $95
MSI 785GM-P45 (AMD 4200 integrated graphics): Free
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR3 1600: $50
Crucial C300 64 GB SSD: $135 (just missed the Newegg shellshocker, damn)
Lite-on 4X blu-ray OEM: $50
Silverstone Grandia micro-ATX case: $100
Silverstone ST40F-ES 400W power supply: $49
IOGear GKM561R wireless keyboard: $50
TP-link TL-WN722Nwireless adapter: $20
Windows 7: $61
Shipping: $30
~ $640 total
(could save $185 w/ apex dm-387 case+power supply and a 500GB spindle HD, but sheesh, that case is a little fuglykeep in mind the WAF, Wife Acceptance Factor as well at the CPSF, Craptastic Power Supply Factor)
Option two:
Xbox 360: $200
Blu-ray player: Sony BDP-S370: $150
~ $350
Other options include Zotac barebones systems based on CULV/Brazos processors. Id like stay away from Atom-based systems. However, these approach the cost of the HTPC above, but at a fraction of the performance.
Bitstreaming is not a concern as my receiver precedes the HDMI era (Pioneer Elite-VSX-43TX)
I love building stuff, but in this case, I cant justify the added cost/complexity of the DIY approach. Am I mistaken? Any input or alternative suggestions are most appreciated.