Hello all,
This is my first post so I'll try my best to do this correctly. I am wanting to consolidate my current "HTPC" and WHS server into one device. What I mean is, that I no longer really have a need for two devices and I'm wanting to Frankenstein parts from both machines to make a budget HTPC. I plan on using the hard drives, case, and power supply from my WHS, and the CPU, RAM, Bluray drive, CD/DVD drive, and OS from my current HTPC.
Parts Currently On Hand:
Case: Sony VAIO VGC-RB43 I believe this is a MicroATX form factor
Hard Drives: (1) Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
(2) Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
(1) SAMSUNG SpinPoint P Series SP2004C 200GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive If needed, maybe as the system drive.
Power Supply: From the Sony VAIO case listed above. Note: I also have a Dell XPS720 that I am retiring if the power supply from it would be better to use. XPS720 link
CPU (from the XPS720): Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
http://ark.intel.com/products/29765/Intel-Core2-Quad-Processor-Q6600-(8M-Cache-2_40-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB)
RAM: 4 - 1GB sticks of DDR2 (PC2-5300), 333 MHz (DDR2 667), 1.8 volts
Bluray/ CD/ DVD Drive: LITE-ON Black 4X BD-ROM 8X DVD-ROM 32X CD-ROM SATA Internal 4X Blu-ray Reader Model iHOS104-06 - OEM (or similar)
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
Approximate Purchase Date: 2-6 weeks
Budget Range: Hopefully under $200
System Usage from Most to Least Important: watching movies, surfing the net, maybe watching TV/ PVR
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, parts listed above unless necessary to replace
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I like newegg, but I'm open to suggestions
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type: I'm not brand loyal, but I'd like to use the processor that I already own so I guess an Intel mobo is necessary.
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: Not sure what this is.
Monitor Resolution: 46" LCD TV, model Samsung LN46A650, 1920x1080
Additional Comments: Now for my questions and thus where you guys come in. As you can see, I'm trying to complete this on a budget. My main need right away is motherboard. I need a mobo that will fit in my case (I think micro ATX) and it needs to work with my CPU. I would also like one that has HDMI out to eliminate the need for buying a video card. I also need 5.1 surround, whether via the HDMI out or optical, etc. Optionally, I would like to have the ability to use my Harmony One remote to navigate the HTPC / WMC (this is just a wish, not a necessity). I really no nothing about TV tuners, but the idea of ditching cable one day sounds tempting, so I'm open for suggestions there too. I hope I have provided enough details to get started. I appreciate all of your help.
Thanks!
This is my first post so I'll try my best to do this correctly. I am wanting to consolidate my current "HTPC" and WHS server into one device. What I mean is, that I no longer really have a need for two devices and I'm wanting to Frankenstein parts from both machines to make a budget HTPC. I plan on using the hard drives, case, and power supply from my WHS, and the CPU, RAM, Bluray drive, CD/DVD drive, and OS from my current HTPC.
Parts Currently On Hand:
Case: Sony VAIO VGC-RB43 I believe this is a MicroATX form factor
Hard Drives: (1) Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
(2) Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
(1) SAMSUNG SpinPoint P Series SP2004C 200GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive If needed, maybe as the system drive.
Power Supply: From the Sony VAIO case listed above. Note: I also have a Dell XPS720 that I am retiring if the power supply from it would be better to use. XPS720 link
CPU (from the XPS720): Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor Q6600 (8M Cache, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB)
http://ark.intel.com/products/29765/Intel-Core2-Quad-Processor-Q6600-(8M-Cache-2_40-GHz-1066-MHz-FSB)
RAM: 4 - 1GB sticks of DDR2 (PC2-5300), 333 MHz (DDR2 667), 1.8 volts
Bluray/ CD/ DVD Drive: LITE-ON Black 4X BD-ROM 8X DVD-ROM 32X CD-ROM SATA Internal 4X Blu-ray Reader Model iHOS104-06 - OEM (or similar)
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium
Approximate Purchase Date: 2-6 weeks
Budget Range: Hopefully under $200
System Usage from Most to Least Important: watching movies, surfing the net, maybe watching TV/ PVR
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, parts listed above unless necessary to replace
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I like newegg, but I'm open to suggestions
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: by brand or type: I'm not brand loyal, but I'd like to use the processor that I already own so I guess an Intel mobo is necessary.
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: Not sure what this is.
Monitor Resolution: 46" LCD TV, model Samsung LN46A650, 1920x1080
Additional Comments: Now for my questions and thus where you guys come in. As you can see, I'm trying to complete this on a budget. My main need right away is motherboard. I need a mobo that will fit in my case (I think micro ATX) and it needs to work with my CPU. I would also like one that has HDMI out to eliminate the need for buying a video card. I also need 5.1 surround, whether via the HDMI out or optical, etc. Optionally, I would like to have the ability to use my Harmony One remote to navigate the HTPC / WMC (this is just a wish, not a necessity). I really no nothing about TV tuners, but the idea of ditching cable one day sounds tempting, so I'm open for suggestions there too. I hope I have provided enough details to get started. I appreciate all of your help.
Thanks!
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