High-End HTPC : (Last updated : February 3, 2012)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-2500 |
$209.99 | check price |
| Motherboard | BIOSTAR TZ68A+RCH | $124.99 | check price |
| Memory | G.SKILL Sniper 8GB DDR3 1600 |
$49.99 | check price |
| Video Card | HIS IceQ H687Q1G2M HD 6870 1GB | $189.99 | check price |
| TV Tuner | Ceton InfiniTV 4 Quad-tuner Card | $269.99 | check price |
| SSD | OCZ Octane OCT1-25SAT3-256G 256GB | $319.99 | check price |
| Optical Drive | ASUS BC-12B1ST Internal Blu-ray Drive | $57.99 | check price |
| Case | LIAN LI Black Aluminum PC-C33B | $159.99 | check price |
| Power Supply | KINGWIN STR-500 500W | $129.99 | check price |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 | $24.99 | check price |
Component Info and Reviews :
Intel Core i5-2500
The 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor delivers even more performance automatically when you need it and now a better visual PC experience built-in. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the 2nd generation Intel Core i5 processor increases your PC’s speed automatically for your demanding applications.
Reviews : TweakTown, Hardware Secrets
BIOSTAR TZ68A+RCH
Based on the Intel Z68 chipset, the BIOSTAR TZ68A+ motherboard delivers the best of two worlds, the system tweaking and overclocking capability presented in the Intel P67 chipset, and the media features of the H67 platform when working with the 2nd generation Intel core processor. The brand new Intel Smart Response technology, which harnesses the fast storage of flash memory based SSDs to cache your data, can launch your Operating System and frequently used applications in seconds as well as boost your system performance to a new level.
G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR2
This G.SKILL Sniper Low Voltage Series 8GB DDR3 1600 memory kit operates at 9-9-9-24 timings and 1.25V.
HIS IceQ H687Q1G2M Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
Get second-generation DirectX 11-capable graphics. Speed up applications and enjoy brilliant video with AMD EyeSpeed visual acceleration. With flexible and cost-effective AMD Eyefinity multi-display technology and AMD HD3D technology for 3D entertainment, the Radeon HD 6870 graphics card offers the ultimate immersive visual experience.
Ceton InfiniTV 4 Quad-tuner Card
The Ceton InfiniTV 4 is the world's first multi-tuner PC card for watching digital cable TV on the PC, including support for premium cable channels. It enables Media Center PCs to play or record up to four live channels of HDTV at once, and stream live HD channels or recordings to multiple HDTVs throughout the home, all from a single cable connection and a single CableCARD™. Replace your cable set-top boxes and their costly monthly rental fees and enjoy premium cable TV throughout the home, all from a single PC. With the Ceton InfiniTV 4 your Media Center PC becomes a complete entertainment platform for all your media, including premium cable TV.
Reviews : engadgetHD, Gaming Nexus
OCZ Octane OCT1-25SAT3-256G 2.5" 256GB SATA III 2Xnm Synchronous Mode Multi-Level Cell (MLC) Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Combining high-speed data transfer rates with record-breaking access times, OCZ Octane SSDs are designed to provide a superior user experience and improved application performance. Octane leverages the cutting-edge Indilinx Everest platform and is optimized for the complete spectrum of file types and sizes, with proprietary page mapping algorithms mirroring real world conditions across a wide range of applications.
The Octane series also includes advanced features unique to Indilinx, including latency reduction technology to enhance system responsiveness and enable instant-on boot-ups, and proprietary NDurance™ technology to increase the lifespan of the NAND flash memory and minimize performance degradation. In addition, Octane drives support AES and automatic encryption to secure critical data, bringing unique enterprise features within the reach of enthusiasts. Octane SSDs also deliver the energy efficiency, durability, and reliability that traditional hard drives cannot provide. Octane Series come backed by a 3-Year warranty.
ASUS BC-12B1ST Internal Blu-ray Drive
ASUS BC-12B1ST is a powerful and energy-saving Blu-ray Disc drive capable of reading from 12X BD format and writing to 16X DVD±R format. With OTS strategy, it assures the best burning quality. The BC-12B1ST supports Blu-ray 3D entertainment, creating a fantastic 3D world for users. Furthermore, the BC-12B1ST is designed with E-Green engine which auto-closes drive applications when not in use, saving power to decrease ultimate CO2 emissions.
Reviews: Hi Tech Legion
LIAN LI Aluminum PC-C33B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
LIAN LI PC-C33B is a high quality spacious quiet HTPC case that enjoys good ventilation.
KINGWIN STR-500 500W ATX 12V v2.2, EPS 12V v2.91 and SSI EPS 12V v2.92 SLI Ready 80 PLUS PLATINUM Certified Modular Active PFC Stryker Fanless Power Supply
Kingwin Stryker STR-500 is the first ever 0dBA fan-less modular power supply with 80 Plus Platinum certification. Stryker is rated 92.83% efficiency at 50% load, completely meets the U.S.A. Energy Star Standard, and is the first of its kind in the world being offered to PC consumers. This unit features a fan-less design, which lets users operate their PC under a complete zero-noise environment. Kingwin has delivered a breakthrough solution to offer a perfect balance between power, efficiency, and noise.
Not only has Stryker STR-500 achieved 80Plus Platinum certification, it also uses the single 12V rail design which provides enough power to your high end components, including your high end CPU and the latest multi GPUs configuration. Stryker STR-500 also uses Japanese capacitor to ensure the highest quality for the power supply, solid performance for customers, and to satisfy today’s high end PC power demand.
Reviews: Techpowerup, silentpcreview, PC Perspective, Hardocp
Logitech Wireless Combo MK260
With Logitech Advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, months of battery life and eight hot keys, this compact keyboard-and-mouse combo gives you wireless convenience with the reliability of a cord.
