Client HTPC

JonJon · 2007-04-30, 14:13

I'm making my first HTPC and decided to go for a server, client setup with wireless. The server is an old PC that sitting around so no problem there but I'd like to make a client for about AU$500 not including the case.

I tell you what I've come up with and you can tell me if its overkill, needs more, or you know of better parts!

Mobo: Asus M2N-E-SLI (AU$140) or Asus M2NPV-VM (AU$127)
CPU: AMD 64x2 3800+ 65W (AU$121)
RAM: Kingston 512MB DDR2-667 (AU$50)
Hard Disk: Samsung SP2504C 250GB (AU$99)
Optical: CD-RW/DVD-ROM (AU$37)
Total: AU$447 or AU$434

No sure on which mobo to get they seem similar but the M2N-E-SLI seems like it has room for expanding later on, can anyone recommend either?

So a client HTPC need a video card or would the onboard do the job?

Can anyone recommend a nice case to fit these parts? I found the Thermaltake Mozart SX Slim-VC7430SNS (comes with PSU) which is AU$220 so anything in that ball park would work for me.

petzlux · 2007-04-30, 15:57

Well your configuration will depend on what you want to do with it. If you plan on doing any HDTV, than you definitely would be happier with a reasonably fast dual core, as you planned here. Also then, 1gb of ram might be a good idea. For SDTV, you wont need dual-core and 512ram should be enough as well.

With a recent onboard graphics, I dont think there will be any significant bottlenecks for video.

JonJon · 2007-04-30, 23:09

Petzlux thanks for the quick response. I'll only be streaming SDTV, divx, xvid, and ogg files, so would you recommend the AMD 64 3800+, 3500+ or 3200+?

Am I also correct in saying that I'll need a VGA-to-Component adapter to connect it to my tv?

petzlux · 2007-05-01, 08:00

I have the Athlon 64 3500+ EE (Codename Lima) , which has a max power consumption of only 45watts. Go for a EE processor if you want to reduce power consumption, my system eats only 45 watts total when idle !

JonJon · 2007-05-01, 14:32

Did a Google search for Australian sites that sell either the 45W or 35W 3500+ but got no hits so I guess I'll stick with the 62W.

Any ideas about connecting it to the tv?

2007-04-30, 14:13	#1 (permalink)
JonJon Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Age: 25 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts Country:	Client HTPC I'm making my first HTPC and decided to go for a server, client setup with wireless. The server is an old PC that sitting around so no problem there but I'd like to make a client for about AU$500 not including the case. I tell you what I've come up with and you can tell me if its overkill, needs more, or you know of better parts! Mobo: Asus M2N-E-SLI (AU$140) or Asus M2NPV-VM (AU$127) CPU: AMD 64x2 3800+ 65W (AU$121) RAM: Kingston 512MB DDR2-667 (AU$50) Hard Disk: Samsung SP2504C 250GB (AU$99) Optical: CD-RW/DVD-ROM (AU$37) Total: AU$447 or AU$434 No sure on which mobo to get they seem similar but the M2N-E-SLI seems like it has room for expanding later on, can anyone recommend either? So a client HTPC need a video card or would the onboard do the job? Can anyone recommend a nice case to fit these parts? I found the Thermaltake Mozart SX Slim-VC7430SNS (comes with PSU) which is AU$220 so anything in that ball park would work for me.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Another possible client	CodeMonkey	General Talk	0	2007-01-07 17:43
Cant start Client	tompa	Get Support	19	2006-10-30 12:49
Where is TV Client ?	markr7	Get Support	5	2006-10-28 10:48
Last.FM Client	CodeMonkey	Plugins	10	2006-09-26 16:44
htpc client?	Innovativeuser	Hardware	0	2006-03-14 18:49

2007-04-30, 15:57	#2 (permalink)
petzlux Portal Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 52 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	Well your configuration will depend on what you want to do with it. If you plan on doing any HDTV, than you definitely would be happier with a reasonably fast dual core, as you planned here. Also then, 1gb of ram might be a good idea. For SDTV, you wont need dual-core and 512ram should be enough as well. With a recent onboard graphics, I dont think there will be any significant bottlenecks for video.

2007-04-30, 23:09	#3 (permalink)
JonJon Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Age: 25 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts Country:	Petzlux thanks for the quick response. I'll only be streaming SDTV, divx, xvid, and ogg files, so would you recommend the AMD 64 3800+, 3500+ or 3200+? Am I also correct in saying that I'll need a VGA-to-Component adapter to connect it to my tv?

2007-05-01, 08:00	#4 (permalink)
petzlux Portal Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 52 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	I have the Athlon 64 3500+ EE (Codename Lima) , which has a max power consumption of only 45watts. Go for a EE processor if you want to reduce power consumption, my system eats only 45 watts total when idle !

2007-05-01, 14:32	#5 (permalink)
JonJon Portal Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Age: 25 Posts: 19 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts Country:	Did a Google search for Australian sites that sell either the 45W or 35W 3500+ but got no hits so I guess I'll stick with the 62W. Any ideas about connecting it to the tv?