Technical > PC Hardware Discussion/Reviews > HTPC Project Build

HTPC Project Build

I cannot answer your hardware questions because it doesn't really matter. A media server is actually a pretty low-load server. Your highest consideration is going to be your network card and *maybe* your CPU would be next, due to some of the conversion.

Your network is going to be critical and that's going to be more than just at your PC. You'll want a Gigabit switch in your house if you don't have one. Absolutely no wi-fi for anything other than your devices you can hold in your lap or your hand. Any TV that you hook up to this HTPC should have a gig connection setup. You'll probably go with some Roku box for remote TVs and some XBMC setup for the rest of them.

Are you looking to store your Blu-Rays digitally? If so, I have no advice to offer about what flavor of Linux will properly read and store those. Read through the XBMCbuntu documentation for that.

»My Setup

For the rest, read that. This is my current HTPC setup. It focuses on the more difficult part of the solution, the software, rather than the hardware. You don't need a 3D accelerator or anything like that, so your concerns about memory, PSU, motherboard aren't really that big of a deal. If this were a high-end gaming PC, it would be different.

The software setup is important. Depending on your views of "Downloading and streaming Linux ISO's" (wink wink), you can discard some of that, but there's nothing wrong with converting your existing library into a digital library and then using the remainder of my post to stream things out to the other devices in your house.

With my set up, I can not only stream to all the devices in my house, but to any device I own from any location in the world that has 3G or wireless internet access.

I would strongly advise against streaming over 3G unless you:
Turn the bitrate way down (youtube quality)
or
have unlimited data

Otherwise, stick to wi-fi.

The post above is the knowledge of a massive amount of trial and error and all sorts of other headaches that I went through until I got to the point where I'm at. Good luck with your hardware concerns, but really, it won't matter in the end. Just have Gig ethernet and possibly a fat CPU and you'll be fine.

The CPU is for video conversion, converting your library into digital and for on-the-fly conversion of content to your mobile devices that can't stream 8GB worth of Blu-Ray data... although I'm starting to convert those into mobile-versions as well, so the CPU usage gets done in the off-hours and not during a live stream. This could allow me to stream to multiple devices simultaneously.
--
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -MLK

From what reading I've done, I don't like the idea of constantly trying to "hack" Blu-Rays to get a Linux player for it. I'm really just looking to share DVDs and possibly family photos. Thanks for the input, I'm currently reading your link.

reply to Immer
Of all the things you listed, the only change I'd make, assuming you are determined to go with the form factor is to try and find a 3 TB drive on sale for under $100.
--
"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand." - Milton Friedman"

reply to Immer

reply to pandora
Yeah, I was debating going with multiple 1TB drives or just a big drive. As for the linux thing... if I give up on linux I'll just buy a drive and an OEM version of Windows. I definitely won't be scrapping this project. I also have time because of the woodworking that will go into the "case". Thanks, guys.

Depending on your stance on certain subjects, there are ways to reduce your software/OS costs, but I can't post details here. You can send me a PM.

I run Win7 on my HTPC.
--
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -MLK

reply to Immer

reply to Immer

reply to Immer
Okay, so I'm less restricted in space than I had initially thought, which means I'm no longer confined to the miniITX form factor. I can manage a micro-ATX form factor, which will allow me a beefier CPU as recommended. I'm still looking for low-noise, low power consumption, so I'm probably going with the following:
• CPU - AMD A6-3650 APU with AMD Radeon 6530 HD Graphics 2.6GHz.
• MOBO - ASUS F1A75-M PRO R2.0

I've never really cared about noise levels from CPU fans until now... Any advice on finding the most quiet cooling solution for this build?

--
Guild leader of Pride and Ego (US:Nathrezim)
Good times with Great people in the Best way to spend $15/mo.

Intelligence is no substitute for Character.

No, I should have probably considered the same. My shit is loud. I don't notice it when I'm using the HTPC, but I do hear it when everything else is off.
--
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. -MLK

reply to pandora

reply to Immer
Immer,
My apology about the technet stuff. I haven't really followed it much. Looks like technet isn't a good deal anymore. This thread was as useful to me as it probably was to you.
--
"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there'd be a shortage of sand." - Milton Friedman"

Who needs technet when you have piratebay?

reply to Immer