Budget HTPC : (Last updated : October 11, 2008)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 | $119.99 | check prices |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L | $81.25 | check prices |
| Memory | G.SKILL 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 | $59.99 | check prices |
| Video Card | HIS H485QT512P Radeon HD 4850 | $159.99 | check prices |
| TV Tuner | VisionTek TV Wonder HD 650 USB | $104.99 | check prices |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB | $74.99 | check prices |
| Optical Drive | LG GGCH20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader | $134.95 | check prices |
| Case | ThermalTake Bach | $98.00 | check prices |
| Power Supply | OCZ Technology 500W StealthXStream | $39.99 | check prices |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Logitech MX 3200 Cordless Desktop | $31.95 | check prices |
Component Info and Reviews :
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
The E7200 runs at 2.53GHz and has 1066MHz FSB and 3MB L2 Cache shared between the 2 cores. It is built on 45nm process and has a low power consumption of 65 watts TDP. The E7200 can overclock to around 3.8 GHz on air.
Reviews : Legit Reviews, Techgage, X-bit Labs
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L
Based on the new Intel P45 chipset, GA-EP45-DS3L delivers a record setting 1600MHz Front Side Bus for the latest Intel® Core 2™ multi-core processors, including 45nm CPUs and supporting dual channel DDR2 up to 1200MHz. GA-EP45-DS3L features PCI Express 2.0 x16 interfaces, delivering double the PCI Express bandwidth of 5 Gbit/s for the ultimate in extreme gaming performance. GA-EP45-DS3L delivers several advanced GIGABYTE innovations including the DES Advanced, Ultra Durable design which provide optimized power savings, ultra cooling and ultra durability.
G.SKILL 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2
G.SKILL 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 kit is rated at 5-5-5-15 timings and is a good overclocker. It comes at a good price for its performance.
HIS H485QT512P Radeon HD 4850
This HIS Radeon HD 4850 has a core clock of 650MHz, it supports Microsoft DirectX 10.1 and features 512mb GDDR3 memory, 800 stream processors and PCI Express 2.0 support. It is built on 55nm process.
The card is cooled by HIS IceQ 4 cooling system, Thanks to the newly designed double-slot fans and heatsink, IceQ 4 effectively dissipate the heat from the GPU, thus enabling it for high levels of performance. The newly designed heat-pipes layout shows its strength in effectively transfer heat from the core are and reducing the GPU temperature. Larger heatsink surface areas are implemented to maximize heat dissipation. Cool air is drawn from both sides of the fan and hot air is forced out of the computer case.
VisionTek TV Wonder HD 650 USB
The TV Wonder 650 series of HD PVRs are loaded with features such as advanced 3D comb filter, noise reduction, automatic color control, and edge enhancement produce brilliant, sharp video that rivals high-end consumer television sets. Loaded with abilities, schedule, watch and record analog TV, "free-to-air" HDTV, unencrypted digital ClearQAM cable TV and FM stations, making the TV Wonder 650 the ultimate media upgrade for your PC. These complete solutions even allow you to watch the latest DVD titles, author your own DVD, or convert your recorded TV shows to take with you on your Portable Media Player. The entire experience is then elegantly packaged within the attractive, easy-to-use 3D interface of ATI Catalyst Media Center software.
Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB
This drive features 640 GB of storage and a 16 MB cache and spins at 7200 RPM speed. It has 2 of Western Digital's latest 320GB platters.
Reviews : ExtremeTech, Anandtech, Tech Report
LG Electronics GGCH20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader & Dual Layer DVD±RW Writer
LG Electronics GGC-H20L Blu-ray/HD DVD Combo Drive with Lightscribe is your all in one solution for your PC multimedia needs. Not only does it read both Blu-ray and HD-DVD disc, but it can also read and record DVD's and CD's. The Lightscribe labeling completes this package, allowing users to burn labels right onto their DVD's or CD's.
ThermalTake Bach
ThermalTake Bach is a stylish HTPC case that features Aluminum Bezel and 8 bays.
Reviews : Overclocker Cafe
OCZ Technology 500W StealthXStream Power Supply
The 500 Watt StealthXStream Power Supply offers a sufficient source of power for mainstream gaming PCs. The 500W edition features the same understated look as its 600W predecessor with a sleek black case and unlit fan for the value-conscious consumer seeking effective, quiet performance.
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3200
The Cordless Desktop MX3200 works with Windows Vista to make it easy to access advanced features such as Dynamic Search and DocFlip. The high resolution laser mouse enables ultra-precise navigation. Convenient one-touch controls allows for easy Internet call management. An integrated soft-touch palm rest provides extra support for your wrists and can help reduce fatigue. Additionally, the straight-keyboard layout, featuring Zero-Degree Tilt, offers an extremely comfortable and natural typing experience, the sculpted design of the mouse fits comfortably in your hand. The keyboard also features programmable hot-keys so you can instantly open applications, games, folders, or web pages. Dedicated search buttons help you find files faster. Both the keyboard and mouse incorporate AgION antimicrobial compound, thus providing protection against and preventing the growth of a broad range of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Finally, with Logitech SecureConnect technology, your keyboard and mouse are pre-connected to the receiver to ensure hassle-free set-up and secure keyboard encryption right out of the box. The plug-and-play USB mini receiver provides added convenience for notebook computers.
Reviews :
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