jagill
03-05-10, 10:23 AM
I'm new to these forums, but during my search for reviews and basic information regarding building an HTPC, I kept finding great sources here and thought it was about time to actually post something seeking some specific help.
Let me describe my project. I'm looking to build a HTPC that can be carted around with me when I travel. This would mean that it would need the ability to be used on both RCA composite, YPbPr and HDMI TV's. My TV at home allows for full 1080p, so I would hope that my hardware could utilize this, but be scaleable for non-HD TV's. I would like the system to stream online video, play dvd's and stored videos, and act as a DVR.
Up until about a day ago, I was pondering getting the VIA EX10000EG. However, after finally reading some comments about the lack of support from VIA and the HDTV capability it has being locked in the BIOS as disabled, I'm now seeking other options. Honestly, I'm pretty ignorant of the hardware available and what my options are, so here is where I ask for some help. I don't know if an embedded cpu is best, what processor speed I should be looking at for this stuff, fanless or not, which video outs are required, ect. So really, I'm asking for suggestions on some hardware that meets my needs described above.
EDIT: As mentioned above, my hope is for something really portable, so I've been looking exclusively at Micro-ITX boards. If I'm going to game on this system, it'll be limited to the occasional NES, SNES, and Playstation emulators, all of which shouldn't require too much hardware, but I really don't know what blue-ray or HD video streaming requires of a CPU. So again, lemme know what you guys suggest because I really am lost.
EDIT: After looking around a bit longer, I found the following options and need some input.
MoBo: Zotac GF9300-G-E
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7500
Memory: 2x 2GB Kingston DDR2 800
HD: 500GB 2.5 sata
Thats basically it for now, how's it look? Eventually, I plan to add a TV tuner and a Blu Ray slimline drive, but right now my budget doesn't allow for it. I'm still deciding on a case, and would love some suggestions. As far as I've ready, some of the standard cases are underpowered for this board, but again, I'm looking for something portable and hoping not to exceed 10Lx8.5Wx3H. Any suggestions?
Let me describe my project. I'm looking to build a HTPC that can be carted around with me when I travel. This would mean that it would need the ability to be used on both RCA composite, YPbPr and HDMI TV's. My TV at home allows for full 1080p, so I would hope that my hardware could utilize this, but be scaleable for non-HD TV's. I would like the system to stream online video, play dvd's and stored videos, and act as a DVR.
Up until about a day ago, I was pondering getting the VIA EX10000EG. However, after finally reading some comments about the lack of support from VIA and the HDTV capability it has being locked in the BIOS as disabled, I'm now seeking other options. Honestly, I'm pretty ignorant of the hardware available and what my options are, so here is where I ask for some help. I don't know if an embedded cpu is best, what processor speed I should be looking at for this stuff, fanless or not, which video outs are required, ect. So really, I'm asking for suggestions on some hardware that meets my needs described above.
EDIT: As mentioned above, my hope is for something really portable, so I've been looking exclusively at Micro-ITX boards. If I'm going to game on this system, it'll be limited to the occasional NES, SNES, and Playstation emulators, all of which shouldn't require too much hardware, but I really don't know what blue-ray or HD video streaming requires of a CPU. So again, lemme know what you guys suggest because I really am lost.
EDIT: After looking around a bit longer, I found the following options and need some input.
MoBo: Zotac GF9300-G-E
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7500
Memory: 2x 2GB Kingston DDR2 800
HD: 500GB 2.5 sata
Thats basically it for now, how's it look? Eventually, I plan to add a TV tuner and a Blu Ray slimline drive, but right now my budget doesn't allow for it. I'm still deciding on a case, and would love some suggestions. As far as I've ready, some of the standard cases are underpowered for this board, but again, I'm looking for something portable and hoping not to exceed 10Lx8.5Wx3H. Any suggestions?