Flybye
06-10-2008, 12:22 PM
Well, me finally put a rig together. And here she is!
Core 2 Duo 2.4ghz E4600
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L
GIGABYTE 8600GT 512mb
1gb Corsair Value DDR2 667 PC25300
Seagate 500gb SATA2
450w PSU
Athenatech Desktop HTPC case
Lite-On Blu-Ray player
DVI to HDMI connection
Logitech diNovo Mini
XP
I wanted it to be a budget project, but I kept reading how no onboard video can not handle the streaming video required for Blu-Ray, so I ended up with the 8600GT and a full size MB.
Sadly, I didn't go with Linux :( Linux isn't "ready" for Blu-Ray. In order to play a Blu-Ray movie, you would first need to dump the entire movie onto the harddrive. Not fun.
My 5 disc CD changer on my stereo had broken a few months back, and I had considered replacing it. But when my TV went bye bye....muaahahaa :dninja: The HTPC is doubling up for everything VERY nicely. Have iTunes installed and playing anything through the stereo, Blu-Rays look fantastic, and I'll be slowly putting my CDs in it as MP3s. I don't have a surround sound stereo, but since the MB has 7.1 capability with the connectors in the back to support it, I may come up with a pseudo surround sound stereo setup. :)
I didn't go too crazy with the case as the market for HTPC cases is kinda weak. I'll eventually buy something fancier.
The diNovo mini takes a lil getting used to, but it sure beats having to have a full size wireless keyboard and mouse. You certainly don't want to try typing an entire Word document, but the keyboard is just perfect for going on the internet. You hold it and type with your thumbs like a Blackberry.
The only game currently on it is EVE. ;) Will have to see how C&C looks on it. That 8600 is a lil weak for FPSs. But with this MB and full height case, there is PLENTY of room for expansion.
All that is left to do is run the network cable through the attic. :) Hmm...I might even put a 1gb hub up there.
Core 2 Duo 2.4ghz E4600
GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L
GIGABYTE 8600GT 512mb
1gb Corsair Value DDR2 667 PC25300
Seagate 500gb SATA2
450w PSU
Athenatech Desktop HTPC case
Lite-On Blu-Ray player
DVI to HDMI connection
Logitech diNovo Mini
XP
I wanted it to be a budget project, but I kept reading how no onboard video can not handle the streaming video required for Blu-Ray, so I ended up with the 8600GT and a full size MB.
Sadly, I didn't go with Linux :( Linux isn't "ready" for Blu-Ray. In order to play a Blu-Ray movie, you would first need to dump the entire movie onto the harddrive. Not fun.
My 5 disc CD changer on my stereo had broken a few months back, and I had considered replacing it. But when my TV went bye bye....muaahahaa :dninja: The HTPC is doubling up for everything VERY nicely. Have iTunes installed and playing anything through the stereo, Blu-Rays look fantastic, and I'll be slowly putting my CDs in it as MP3s. I don't have a surround sound stereo, but since the MB has 7.1 capability with the connectors in the back to support it, I may come up with a pseudo surround sound stereo setup. :)
I didn't go too crazy with the case as the market for HTPC cases is kinda weak. I'll eventually buy something fancier.
The diNovo mini takes a lil getting used to, but it sure beats having to have a full size wireless keyboard and mouse. You certainly don't want to try typing an entire Word document, but the keyboard is just perfect for going on the internet. You hold it and type with your thumbs like a Blackberry.
The only game currently on it is EVE. ;) Will have to see how C&C looks on it. That 8600 is a lil weak for FPSs. But with this MB and full height case, there is PLENTY of room for expansion.
All that is left to do is run the network cable through the attic. :) Hmm...I might even put a 1gb hub up there.