[Sublime_pie]

Over a year ago, I purchased an Acer R3700 to use as a HTPC. I doubled the ram, but otherwise left it untouched. Since then, it has worked swimmingly, with its small footprint and silent operation. Then came the proliferation of 10-bit h264, with which the Acer simply cannot cope. I have grown weary of having to differentiate between 8-bit and 10-bit files and seek a system that can handle the newer encoding.

I have read through several threads in this forum suggesting different builds, but they all seem to be overkill (in both power and physical size) for my purposes. I do not seek to play bluray disks, 3D, or games, or house large hardrives. I simply need a system that can pull files from my NAS and play 10-bit files without issue. (Not sure what group # that makes me.) I value small size, quiet operations, and a quick wake up. I am not seeking to impress, merely get back to my carefree viewing.

Does anyone know of a device or could point me to a thread discussing a build that suits my purposes? I neither fear nor relish building a machine; I will either buy or build what will work best. Any recommendations is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Jetster]

Your group 5 or 6 depending if you want to bitstream HD Audio or not.

Whats your budget? and do you have any parts laying around

[Sublime_pie]

I would like to keep it below $1k. I have a few old machines in the basement, but nothing that I can turn into a viable option. Perhaps someone more clever than I could create a frankenHTPC out of 5-10 year old parts, but such a devise would be ill-suited to my purpose of small and quiet.

[Hellcat]

For under $1K you have a boat load of options. For that budget, why not go for an HTPC that can deal with 1080p (24/60) and HD audio, and do a good job with games if you are so inclined? I'm trying to do that right now to pull MKV files off my NAS (both HD and SD). Understand HD file size is an issue, but why not have the option. Many options under $500 for such an HTPC, including pre-built albeit lower power. You can take a look at my thread (http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=120637) where there are several good posts and links.

Aside from SSD, power supply, and assuming I keep my ATX case, which I'm still vascilating over, I've selected the components listed below. A new case (if I go micro ATX and select different mobo) will set me back $60-$90. A good PS (400W+ dual 12V rail) will be another $50-$75. And a SSD (looking at 3 or 4 in the 60-64GB range) will be another $100. So I should be right around $500.

ASRock A75 PRO4 FM1 ATX Motherboard for $90 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813157258)
AMD A8-3850 Llano 2.9GHz Quad-Core APU with Radeon HD 6550D for $120 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103942)
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1600 for $75 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231445).

[Jetster]

Take a look at this. It might help

http://mymediaexperience.com/htpc/

[Hellcat]

Take a look at this. It might help

http://mymediaexperience.com/htpc/

Very interesting! Most useful aspect is some of the parts choosen that one may not have considered. I would warn though that price calculation is off in many cases I checked. Also, links are all to Amazon, so check other sources like newegg for price and user ratings.

[Sublime_pie]

Jetster - Thanks for the link. It suggests a Zotac Zbox, which I looked at but am afraid that the Intel Atom won't do the job. I'm not sure how much CPU I need to handle the 10-bit videos. Does anyone know if the Intel Atom can handle 10-bit videos?

Hellcat - Thanks for the link as well, I think the Gateway SX2370-UR30P maybe something I should consider, though it would be nice to turn the HTPC on/off with my Harmony remote, which would probably require a build. See, that's the problem -- spec creep. I will start at a suitable processor speed and think, well for just a few dollars more I can get a much better CPU. That CPU then becomes my price point and I soon think, well for just a few dollars more I could get a better rated CPU -- and on it goes until I'm looking at the Intel Core i7 3960X.