First HTPC build, could use some advice.

I have been wanted to build a HTPC for quite some time and I’ve decided now is the time! I have a windows home server that I will be streaming all my media off and I think XBMC will complement it nicely. So I need a HTPC capable streaming 1080p video and shows off of sites like Hulu or BBC iPlayer. Here is the build I have planned at the moment:



I’m planning to use XBMC Live but would the remote I have selected work properly? Also do you think the CPU I selected is powerful enough? Any help or comments on the build would be much appreciated

The components should work fine - the integrated GPU on the Zotac board can do 1080p using VDPAU, and the CPU can decode streams from Hulu and iPlayer.
You could probably use a smaller HDD if you stream your media anyway.

Though I don't have personal experience with the Cyberlink remote, it seems it registers as a HID device and therefore is not MCE remote compatible.
So, while it is possible to use it with XBMC, buying a different, genuine MCE remote is the easier way. If you don't mind a little configuration work, though, go with the Cyberlink.

I would decide how important Hulu is to you. You can pick up a Revo from ebuyer for about £150 and it will play all of the same content (if you do some hunting around you can find the dual core version for not much more). iPlayer uses VDPAU, only thing that doesn't from your list of requirements is Hulu.

Is being able to watch Hulu worth the extra £230....

This one? (http://www.ebuyer.com/product/172706#). You make a good point about Hulu and considering it’s not even out in the UK yet the Revo is probably the better choice. I’m still having a hard time finding a good IR remote that works with XBMC and a UK retailer has in stock. Anyone have any recommendations?

Reply this is the single core version - http://www.ebuyer.com/product/167153 and is £150 this will play pretty much anything. I've also got the dual core version too, and to be honest theres not a huge difference between them. However, if you can pick up the dual core version for £150 do it - dabs and a few others had them at that price.

Pretty much any MCE remote will work, or an old xbox one will too if you have one.

This seems to be a fairly popular one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/philips-media-cent...1e590250f1

You sir have convinced me! I will be going for the single core Revo and that remote you linked. Just checking but that little box can definitely stream 1080p MKV files without any problems?

Yup, no problems at all assuming you are running linux on it and using vdpau.

I know of some people who have added another 1gb of ram to it, but i've been fine with 1gb. Still its never going to hurt if you feel the urge to.

I have a friend who runs XBMC Live on his, and i went for the XBMCbuntu approach.

http://wiki.xbmc.org/?title=XBMCbuntu

I'm planning to follow this guide http://lifehacker.com/5391308/build-a-si...-the-cheap

The link to the installer on that guide is out of date - make sure you grab the latest official version.

I'm planning to use the Camelot Beta1 version of XBMC Live. Would that work properly?