HTPC on a Budget :-)

[Belmont]

I am about to do a few budget HTPC systems for friends. If you ever get a chance to have a look at MSY they have a $45 Black SHAW HTPC style case w/ 550w PSU.

It actually looks pretty good especially when you compare it to Antec's Case and PSU prices. It dosent have quite the same build quality but for a budget HTPC would be ideal (and they usually go in a cabinet). Also its quiet!

Im looking into an 'extreme budget' HTPC for a friend this week (But still a solid performer for basic HTPC)!

Version 1

ASUS M2V-TVM All-In-One $79
AMD 2800+ $60
512MB DDR2 RAM $69
Seagate 80GB Sata $62
SHAW Case Desktop HTPC $45
Pioneer 111D Burner $49
Leadtek DTV1000 $79

$443

Version 2

ASUS M2V-TVM All-In-One $79
AMD 2800+ $60
1GB DDR2 RAM $155
Seagate 320GB Sata $135
SHAW Case Desktop HTPC $45
Pioneer 111D Burner $49
Leadtek DTV1000 $79

$602

Ideally this motherboard would be better for an extra $50

http://au.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1...38&modelmenu=1

[Gorlaz]

Go Belmont!!

Let us know how the babies perform

What sort of sound is on the mobo's?

[Belmont]

Originally Posted by Gorlaz

Go Belmont!!

Let us know how the babies perform

What sort of sound is on the mobo's?

M2NPV-VM
Dual VGA output support: DVI-D and RGB
Note: DVI-D can not be converted to output RGB signal to CRT.
TV-out support: SDTV & HDTV (bundles HDTV/AV/S output module)
Note: RGB and TV-Out can not be used simultaneously.
ADI AD1986A High Difinition Audio 5.1channel CODEC
Support Jack-Sensing and S/PDIF out interface

M2V-TVM
Realtek ALC655 6-Channel audio CODEC
1 x S/PDIF Out connector

The other motherboard worth considering is the:

Foxconn K8M890M2MA-RS2H Raid All-In-One $73
1 x SPDIF out header
5.1channel,AC’97interface(Realtek)

Id recommend the M2NPV-VM first as it has the HDTV ouput (taken from website)
The motherboard features the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 chipset that supports superior HDTV-out functionality with a higher resolution to1080i and 720p formats, which are clearer than traditional formats allow. ASUS M2NPV-VM motherboard bundles a HDTV-out module that helps you enjoy the high-quality scaling and filtering technology.

The other 2 boards have the via chipset.

[bella]

Belmont,

Do you have any experience with Shaw cases? If not, do a google on "Shaw pc case problems" and see what you find.

[Belmont]

Originally Posted by bella

Belmont,

Do you have any experience with Shaw cases? If not, do a google on "Shaw pc case problems" and see what you find.

Please remember first that this post was for a 'budget HTPC' :-)

Yes I've used them in a number of AMD and Intel systems and have had no trouble to date. They dont have the finish of an Antec or Silverstone Case but they are quiet and lightweight. The cases themselves are fine and the only problems likely to occur would be from the PSU. Having said all the systems I have built have all been fine. If you read through posts on WP and other forums you will find negatives for anything! My Antec P180B I absolutely love but you will find great reviews and negatives all over the net and that is a $220 case + $150 for the PSU

I wouldnt be expecting the same performance as an Antec SmartPower or NeoHe PSU keep in mind that the newer CPU's in particular the AM2 3600+ low voltage draw less power than older Athlon XP CPU's.

MSY also use these cases as part of their standard systems and would do 100's each week Australia wide.

Please keep in mind this thread is for a 'budget' system as some people would like to play around with a basic HTPC without the $1000+ price tag. The joys of DVD, Xvid, MP3 and Digital TV can be experienced on a low budget :-) with a bit more versatility than an xbox.

Im definately not trying to put across cheap and nasty as my main computer setup is:

E6600
Asus P5B Wifi Deluxe
2GB OCZ 5400 DDR2
2 x 320gb SATA II HDD
2 x Pioneer 111D Burners
Leadtek 256MB 7600GS
DVICO HDTV Tuner
Antec P180b Case
500w NeoHE 500w PSU

But to be honest my:

AMD Athlon XP2600+ does the exact same job in regards my HTPC needs e.g. DVDs, Xvids, HDTV watching and recording and that is in a SHAW Tornado 550w PSU on 24/7.