• microITX HTPC build w/ picoPSU [AU$400-500]
    2 replies, posted
In putting together a build for a relatively low budget HTPC, I stumbled across this case: [T]http://ecosmartpc.com/wpimages/5519c0af2480.jpg[/T] The SH-80 made by ecosmartpc.com, but it (obviously) does not have room for a standardised ATX/SFX/whatever PSU. It needs something smaller. So, looking around the [URL="http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=184848"]xbmc forums [/URL], I came across the picoPSU. What kind of build could I run off one of these? I have tried to put something together [URL="http://au.pcpartpicker.com/p/2YtGK"]here[/URL], but I have honestly no idea (having not built a HTPC before) what kind of hardware is neccesary and what this psu can power. (or if, indeed, this is a reliable way to power the pc.) I think I have overcompensated... So to summarise: A microITX HTPC build centered around [URL="http://ecosmartpc.com/s197h80.html"]this case[/URL] (with the optional bluray drive, and maybe the IR reciever, more on that later), a picoPSU [URL="https://www.mini-box.com.au/PICOPSU-160-XT%20160watt%20%20(200watt%20peak).html#"](here is the 160watt version)[/URL] (unless there is a better way to power the build) and openELEC. [B]Budget:[/B] $400-$500AU (the lower the better) [B]Applications:[/B] I am planning to run openELEC/xbmc to play/stream 1080p videos/music and bluray discs. (with 3D capability, if that is any different) [B]Native Resolution: [/B]1920x1080 (TV) [B]Things I can reuse:[/B] 2 sticks of 2GB DDR3 (Kingston KVR1333D3N9/2G)from an older rig I built. No need for a monitor or speakers, it's going to be used with a TV. A keyboard/mouse is not required - the controller can be handled either via a smartphone with the xbmc app or via any IR remote with a [URL="http://flirc.tv/product/flirc/"]FLIRC adapter[/URL]. (On that note, is it worth looking into the optional IR reciever in the case? Does anyone have any idea how that would work? Is it a method of controlling the device or does it just act as a power button?) I also have an old 802.11G USB adapter floating about, but I'm not sure how well that would handle streaming. [B]Extras/notes:[/B] Booting off a small (<30GB) SSD would be nice, for the speed and silence. Media is kept on a networked drive, so no need to worry about media storage in the case. A method of turning the pc on via an IR reciever would be nice too, whether that be in the form of the FLIRC adapter being powered via USB, even when the pc is off, or by other means. [B]Where:[/B] Melbourne, Australia. I am happy to order online, however I do prefer local retailers such as pccasegear and CPL.
I haven't done the research in a while but this should give you some idea of how "low power" you can actually go, we take hardware for granted these days. I built a small ITX rig with an AMD e series APU, the E350 IIRC (Those really cheap, ITX board with the CPU already soldered in place). I haven't tested 3D but it runs 1080p HD content fine with full 5.1 pass-through out of the HDMI port. All this using the integrated GPU of the processor. The GPU is capable of doing most of the video decoding. This was using the OpenELEC Fusion distribution. (It's all preconfigured for this platform)
It sounds like an Intel Nuc could be the go: [url]http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1552&products_id=25803[/url] Or a Gigabyte Brix: [url]http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1552&products_id=25434[/url]
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