Hello all.

This is my first post so please be kind!!

I'm about to build my first HTPC and have read part 1 & 3 of DIY HD HTPC Extravaganza.

The trouble is i can't find Part 2 anywhere??

I've clicked the link in part 3 that should take me to part 2 but it takes me to part 1.

I don't suppose someone has the link to part 2 or can email the file to me so i can print it off?


Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Yam

Here are the links to parts 1 & 3

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/diy- [...] -1601.html

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/diy- [...] -1611.html

Its not hard. What do you want to know?

^Agreed. If OP's looking for build suggestions I recommend he/she gives us a budget limit(+ additional info, ie. what size/res TV,etc) an we can work on the specs.

Thanks, my main concern is the size restrictions with a HTPC case and i don't want to order something that isn't going to fit, i.e CPU cooler, graphics card etc...

My TV is a Toshiba 42" 1080p LCD hooked up to a Technics surround sound amp. I have a wired broadband connection already for my PS3 which i'll probably use for the HTPC once its installed so i don't need wireless.

My budget is around £500, for this i need a small SATA drive for the operating system and at least a 500GB for all my movies music etc

Preferably a dual core processor not fussed if it AMD or Intel but would prefer a Core 2

2GB or RAM, again not fussed on spec

I won't be using it for gaming so the graphics card doesn't need to be high end but i do want a HDMI output straight to the TV

Don't need Blu-ray as i use my PS3 and i already have a Accuratus Toughball keyboard/track ball, i'll get a cheap DVD burner. I would like a memory card reader but it isn't essential, but must have front mounted USB ports

I need to whole system to be as quiet as possible.

The only thing i am fussy on is the case, it has to be black, fairly small so it can sit under my amp, something like a Antec Fusion, nmedia HTPC200, Silverstone LC16, Thermaltake Bach, the silverstone is about as large as i'd go

Hopefully this gives you a rough idea of what sort of system i'm looking for?

Many thanks

Yam

Basically a stock cpu cooler, and a lowprofile gpu, or onboard video with hdmi out, and a low profile tv capture card, if thats your cup of tea.

E2160/2180
8800GT 512MB (esp. if gaming on that 42" or is this strictly a HTPC for recording TV,etc?)
2GB DDR2 800
Corsair 450

I have no idea if the case would fit a full ATX or if it's a mATX, so I will hold recommendations out on that.

Imo, I think atm, AMD might have a better option for HTPC, Don't have much experience with AMD stuff now esp. since Intel has been doing well with the C2Ds.

8800 gt will require a pretty tall flat case. They have a few low profile cards on newegg but not 8800s. If it was me I'd go with onboard video that supports Hi definition.

Yeah, the 780G + 65W Phenom is probably the best choice.

Thanks for the advise guys, this is what i ended up ordering:

Core 2 E2200
Asus P5B motherboard, full ATX
Aplus media centre case, black
Corsair 2GB RAM
Sapphire HD 2400PRO with HDMI out
Western Digital 80GB SATA hard drive, nice and quiet apparently
Samsung 750GB as above, a very quiet drive
Samsung SH-S203D DVD drive, again very quiet
Ebuyer 650W modular PSU, gets very good reviews, cheap and quiet
Silverstone MFP51 LCD display and remote

A 8800GT is a bit overkill for what i want and i wanted to get a passively cooled card to keep noise down, i won't be using it for gaming so the 2400PRO should be fine.

Haven't decided on a TV card yet, any suggestions?

Every thing looks good. Only thing concerning is the PSU. It is not a well known brand.

TV Tuners:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6815116015
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6815116620