Mid-Range HTPC :(Last updated : February 3, 2012)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| APU | AMD A8-3850 | $134.99 | check price |
| Motherboard | ASUS F1A75-M | $97.99 | check price |
| Memory | G.SKILL Sniper 8GB DDR3 1866 | $49.99 | 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 | SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B | $84.99 | check price |
| Power Supply | Rosewill CAPSTONE-450 450W | $69.99 | check price |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 | $24.99 | check price |
Component Info and Reviews :
AMD A8-3850
The A8-3850 APU features quad cpu cores operating at 2.9GHz frequency, an integrated on die Radeon HD 6550D graphics core , and 4MB of L2 cache. The integrated Radeon HD 6550D graphics core supports DirectX 11, operates at 600MHz, and has 400 Radeon cores (stream processors). The A8-3850 has a 100W TDP rating.
Reviews : Guru 3D, Legit Reviews, Techspot, bit-tech.net, Overclockers Club
ASUS F1A75-M
Based on AMD A75 FCH (Hudson D3) chipset, ASUS’ F1A75-M micro-ATX motherboard lets you take advantage of AMD A-& E2- series Accelerated Processors with up to 4 cores plus integrated AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series. This board features up to 5GT/s interface speed, native USB 3.0 & SATA 6Gb/s and PCI Express 2.0 x 16 graphics. Also included is the intuitive and feature laden ASUS UEFI BIOS menu interface allowing users to control and adjust their motherboard settings through the use of a mouse-enabled interface for a superior user-friendly experience.
G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR
This G.SKILL Sniper memory kit has 9-10-9-28 timings and operates at 1.5V for better internal temperatures and overclocking versatility.
Reviews : Benchmark Reviews
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
SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B
The Grandia GD05 is a follow-up of the incredible GD04 as a chassis that combines years of SilverStone expertise in SFF and HTPC designs. It has the same beautifully proportioned exterior and powerful thermal capability that rivals the best tower chassis. However, the front panel of the GD05 was designed to be more flexible so that its 325mm depth can be utilized in more places than just home theaters. Even though GD05’s diminutive size allows it to easily integrate into any home theater cabinet, it can still accommodate an impressive list of standard components such as 5.25” device, two 3.5” hard drives, a 2.5” SSD, a standard ATX power supply, and two high-end graphics cards up to 11 inches. Cooling duty in the GD05 is handled by three filtered 120mm fans designed with the same positive air pressure to enable class-leading cooling efficiency, reduced dust buildup, and silent operation. To make installation simpler, there is even enough space for cable management to be easily accomplished without the need for short cabled or modular power supply. Coupled with special attention given to the order of installation, any user can quickly assemble or upgrade the GD05 with a small and powerful PC system.
Reviews: silentpcreview
Rosewill CAPSTONE-450 450W 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Power Supply
- 80 PLUS GOLD Certified
- Continuous 450W @ 50°C
- Single strong 12V rail
- SLI & CrossFire Ready – 2 x 6+2pin Connector
- 1 x Silent 140mm Fan with Auto Fan Speed Control for silent operation
- Active-PFC with auto AC-input voltage adjustment (100-240V)
- Mesh sleeving on all cables for easier cable routing and better ventilation
- Over Temperature / Current / Voltage / Power Protection, Under Voltage Protection, and Short Circuit Protection provide maximum safety to your critical system components
- Safety & EMI Approval: cTUVus, FCC, CE, ROHS
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.
