- Joined
- Feb 22, 2009
I have been looking around for a while at building an HTPC. I am getting tired of television having more infomercials and commercials and crap programming that I don't watch. I spend quite a bit of time watching Hulu and other video sites.
So here goes. I had an extra E5200 and 2 gigs of ram and a low profile 8400GS laying around so I went out and bought me a nice slim-line desktop case that looks similar to my stereo reciever and a ASUS P5KPL-AM SE. I have it OC'ed to 3.2Ghz.
I ran into a few problems, initially I tried to run a TV tuner that was neither compatible with Vista or 7. After running around trying to find a way to go from SVGA to either RGB/Component or S-Video, it turns out I have to have a video card that supports S-Video. I have an older TV (480i) that does not have DVI or HDMI. It had a plug that resembles a SVGA that says RGB, but I coudlnt find anything about it. Fortunately for me I had an old 8400GS laying around that I was able to unscrew the mounting plate to fit it in the low profile case.
Ok, so I have my HTPC running, next step is getting a new 40" LCD around Christmas. I am hoping prices come down.
Now for the questions:
1. I am currently useing my HTC G1 using Gmote to control stuff when I don't want to pull out a keyboard or a trackball, however the control is limited because there is no right click. Does anyone have a wireless (small) option that works well?
2. I have my HTPC OC'ed to 3.2Ghz, I haven't changed the voltage, but would it be better on the electric bill to underclock, leave stock, or is 3.2 gonna be ok?
3. Are there Linux options that work faster/better for HTPCs?
4. Is there anyone who has dumped standard cable in lieu of a HTPC with Internet?
5. Once I go LCD TV will I be able to go from Video Card straight to LCD TV just like a computer monitor?
6. Is it worth getting a Media Card for captures from TV like Tivo?
Any input from seasoned HTPC owners would be appreciated.
Oh and in case anyone wonders why I spent money on the HTPC before the LCD... this build cost me about 180 dollars and I wanted to know it works before I cut the cable and how well it will be on an LCD.
http://www.hec-group.com.tw/pccase/7k/
Intel E5200 @3.2Ghz
2 GB DDR667
Nvidia 8400GS
80 GB WD Caviar
So here goes. I had an extra E5200 and 2 gigs of ram and a low profile 8400GS laying around so I went out and bought me a nice slim-line desktop case that looks similar to my stereo reciever and a ASUS P5KPL-AM SE. I have it OC'ed to 3.2Ghz.
I ran into a few problems, initially I tried to run a TV tuner that was neither compatible with Vista or 7. After running around trying to find a way to go from SVGA to either RGB/Component or S-Video, it turns out I have to have a video card that supports S-Video. I have an older TV (480i) that does not have DVI or HDMI. It had a plug that resembles a SVGA that says RGB, but I coudlnt find anything about it. Fortunately for me I had an old 8400GS laying around that I was able to unscrew the mounting plate to fit it in the low profile case.
Ok, so I have my HTPC running, next step is getting a new 40" LCD around Christmas. I am hoping prices come down.
Now for the questions:
1. I am currently useing my HTC G1 using Gmote to control stuff when I don't want to pull out a keyboard or a trackball, however the control is limited because there is no right click. Does anyone have a wireless (small) option that works well?
2. I have my HTPC OC'ed to 3.2Ghz, I haven't changed the voltage, but would it be better on the electric bill to underclock, leave stock, or is 3.2 gonna be ok?
3. Are there Linux options that work faster/better for HTPCs?
4. Is there anyone who has dumped standard cable in lieu of a HTPC with Internet?
5. Once I go LCD TV will I be able to go from Video Card straight to LCD TV just like a computer monitor?
6. Is it worth getting a Media Card for captures from TV like Tivo?
Any input from seasoned HTPC owners would be appreciated.
Oh and in case anyone wonders why I spent money on the HTPC before the LCD... this build cost me about 180 dollars and I wanted to know it works before I cut the cable and how well it will be on an LCD.
http://www.hec-group.com.tw/pccase/7k/
Intel E5200 @3.2Ghz
2 GB DDR667
Nvidia 8400GS
80 GB WD Caviar