Client HTPC (1 Viewer)

[JonJon]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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?