2013-02-18, 17:01
Hello Everyone!
I have been mulling over the idea of buying/building my first HTPC to run XBMC for a few weeks now. I stumbled upon this forum roughly a week ago and have learned a TON from other threads during that time. So before anything - thanks to everyone for that!
I have come up with a few questions that I want to ask, and I'm also looking for some input on the build that I'm leaning towards thanks to a thread that eskro created.
Firstly, what I have in mind:
- I'm looking to have an independent HTPC that will run OpenELEC to run XBMC. This will save me the cost of both an OS and a Hard Drive
- The HTPC will pull files over shared folders from my personal computer over the LAN until the time comes that I can afford to build a NAS.
- I'm interested in a HTPC that will play 1080p to my HDTV, I have no need for 3D (at this time) or HD-Audio. My current receiver peaks at DTS/ Dolby Digital PRO Logic II.
I'm essentially looking at building an exact unit that Eskro mentioned in the thread I referenced above:
CPU: Intel Celeron G530 2.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($44.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1066 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce 210 1GB Video Card ($34.24 @ Amazon)
Case: Apex MI-008 Mini ITX Tower Case w/250W Power Supply ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: SilenX EFX-12-15 74.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($11.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $279.19
My Questions/comments:
- Pardon me if this is a silly question, ha.... OpenELEC = no OS. How do you/is there even a need to update the drivers on your motherboard for optimal performance?
- Same goes for updating GPU drivers.
- Do I really need a GPU for my needs? I'm leaning towards leaving it out for now, and if I decide that its needed I can purchase it later.
- I may drop RAM to 4gig as I have no intention, at least as of now, to install an OS.
Any input, recommendations or substitutions are welcomed!!
I have been mulling over the idea of buying/building my first HTPC to run XBMC for a few weeks now. I stumbled upon this forum roughly a week ago and have learned a TON from other threads during that time. So before anything - thanks to everyone for that!
I have come up with a few questions that I want to ask, and I'm also looking for some input on the build that I'm leaning towards thanks to a thread that eskro created.
Firstly, what I have in mind:
- I'm looking to have an independent HTPC that will run OpenELEC to run XBMC. This will save me the cost of both an OS and a Hard Drive
- The HTPC will pull files over shared folders from my personal computer over the LAN until the time comes that I can afford to build a NAS.
- I'm interested in a HTPC that will play 1080p to my HDTV, I have no need for 3D (at this time) or HD-Audio. My current receiver peaks at DTS/ Dolby Digital PRO Logic II.
I'm essentially looking at building an exact unit that Eskro mentioned in the thread I referenced above:
CPU: Intel Celeron G530 2.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($44.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1066 Memory ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce 210 1GB Video Card ($34.24 @ Amazon)
Case: Apex MI-008 Mini ITX Tower Case w/250W Power Supply ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case Fan: SilenX EFX-12-15 74.0 CFM 120mm Fan ($11.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $279.19
My Questions/comments:
- Pardon me if this is a silly question, ha.... OpenELEC = no OS. How do you/is there even a need to update the drivers on your motherboard for optimal performance?
- Same goes for updating GPU drivers.
- Do I really need a GPU for my needs? I'm leaning towards leaving it out for now, and if I decide that its needed I can purchase it later.
- I may drop RAM to 4gig as I have no intention, at least as of now, to install an OS.
Any input, recommendations or substitutions are welcomed!!