$300 htpc - Hardware & Software

Hello, I am currently planning to build a computer that will be mainly used for home theater. There will be no gaming done on the computer. However, I would like to watch HD movies and videos on this computer smoothly. My budget is $300. Here's what I picked out so far. Case: Coolermaster Elite 335 [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119161[/url] CPU: AMD Athlon II x2 250 [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103681[/url] Motherboard: Asrock a790gmh [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157162[/url] PSU: Antec 430W [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371023[/url] HDD: 250GB [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152244[/url] RAM: 2GB OCZ DDR2 800 [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227124[/url] Would this play 1080p videos well? Can I reduce the price anywhere in this build? Also, if anyone has a better build or advice, I will gladly take that into consideration. I do not need a monitor, mouse, keyboard, DVD drive, or OS.

You might want to get a DVD-Drive. [editline]12:26AM[/editline] And I think a mid-tower case MIGHT be a bit much for an HTPC, depending on where you plan to place it.

Last time I checked, you will need an OS... judging by reviews and appearance, I'd suggest [url=http://xbmc.org/]XBMC[/url] (It's free, BTW)

I forgot, but actually, I just remembered that I have a spare lying around somewhere. And to Pretiacruento, I do not need an OS. [editline]4:22PM[/editline] I have another question. With that motherboard, can I have the HDMI output to the TV, and have the DVI/VGA output to a monitor at the same time?

Alright, I have very limited experience with HTPCs, but I'll try to bring down costs.: 1. DVDDrive + Case Combo: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.492949[/url] Save an extra $5 with promo code.

Sorry, but I don't need a DVD drive anymore... But thanks for the suggestion though!

[url]http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=15707346[/url] More compact and quiet build. Motherboard has inbuilt bluetooth so you can hook up a bluetooth keyboard/mouse and it'll work better than a traditional wireless one. Also 1TB of storage, which will store around 200x 4GB 480p DVD or 90x 10GB 720p films I recommend using [url=http://xbmc.org/]XBMC[/url] for the media center software [quote]I have another question. With that motherboard, can I have the HDMI output to the TV, and have the DVI/VGA output to a monitor at the same time? [/quote] I doubt you can use the DVI because usually the DVI and HDMI uses the same signal, however the VGA [I]should[/I] work as output for a secondary monitor.

[QUOTE=Tools;24819755][url]http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=15707346[/url] More compact and quiet build. Motherboard has inbuilt bluetooth so you can hook up a bluetooth keyboard/mouse and it'll work better than a traditional wireless one. Also 1TB of storage, which will store around 200x 4GB 480p DVD or 90x 10GB 720p films I recommend using [url=http://xbmc.org/]XBMC[/url] for the media center software I doubt you can use the DVI because usually the DVI and HDMI uses the same signal, however the VGA [I]should[/I] work as output for a secondary monitor.[/QUOTE] Thank you! I'll probably go with this one

[QUOTE=Jaehead;24819977]Thank you! I'll probably go with this one[/QUOTE] Beware though, these tiny cases are a bitch to work with, and expect to slice your finger or burst into rage at some point.

[QUOTE=Tools;24820093]Beware though, these tiny cases are a bitch to work with, and expect to slice your finger or burst into rage at some point.[/QUOTE] Yeah I know. I was building a computer a couple weeks ago, and I sliced my finger open pretty bad.

You are better off with nvidia graphics if you intend to use XBMC on Linux, atleast then you will get VDPAU acceleration which will help keep the HD video playing smooth.