High-End HTPC : (Last updated : October 11, 2008 )
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 | $183.99 | check prices |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L | $81.25 | check prices |
| Memory | G.SKILL 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 | $59.99 | check prices |
| Video Card | Asus Radeon HD 4870 1GB GDDR5 | $269.99 | check prices |
| TV Tuner | VisionTek TV Wonder HD 650 USB | $104.99 | check prices |
| Hard Drive | Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB | $99.99 | check prices |
| Optical Drive | LG GGCH20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader | $134.95 | check prices |
| Case | ThermalTake Bach | $98.00 | check prices |
| Power Supply | Corsair TX650W 650W Power Supply | $84.99 | check prices |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Logitech MX 3200 Cordless Desktop | $31.95 | check prices |
Component Info and Reviews :
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500
The E8500 runs at 3.16 GHz and has 1333MHz FSB and 6MB L2 Cache shared between the 2 cores. It is built on 45nm process and has a low power consumption of 65 watts TDP. The E8500 can overclock to around 4.2 GHz on air.
Reviews : Overclockers Club, Firing Squad
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.
Asus Radeon HD 4870 1GB GDDR5
This card has a core clock of 750MHz, it supports Microsoft DirectX 10.1 and features 1 GB GDDR5 memory, 800 stream processors and PCI Express 2.0 support. It is built on 55nm process and is a dual slot design.
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.
Samsung Spinpoint F1 750GB
This drive features 750 GB of storage, a 32 MB cache, and 7200 RPM speed. It is a quiet and fast drive that runs cool.
Features
• Max. 334GB Formatted Capacity per Disk
• Serial ATA 3.0Gbps Interface Support
• Improved recording stability over temperature with PMR
• Advanced dynamic FOD control for best data integrity
• Intelligent compensation of external disturbance
• SATA Native Command Queuing Feature
• Device Initiated SATA Power Management
• Staggerd Spin-up Support
• Environment friendly product with RoHS compliance
• Improved performance with dual-ARM based firmware
• ATA S.M.A.R.T. Compliant
• ATA Automatic Acoustic Management Feature
• ATA 48-bit Address Feature
• ATA Device Configuration Overlay Feature
• NoiseGuard™
• SilentSeek™
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
Corsair TX650W 650W Power Supply
The Corsair TX650W power supply is engineered using advanced technology and components typically found with high performance power supplies. SLI-Ready, 5-Year Warranty With design features such as a dedicated, single +12V rail offer the maximum compatibility with system components. Energy efficient circuitry capable of delivering greater than 80% efficiency ratings across 20%, 50%, and 100% load conditions make the TX family of PSUs ideal for the value/quality conscious enthusiast. With a large 120mm diameter temperature-controlled fan that is ultra quiet, yet still more than sufficient to cool the internals of the system. Corsair TX650W offers the reliability and stability required by the gamer, overclocker or enthusiast and high-end system builder.
Reviews : spcr
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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