Ultra Budget HTPC: (Last updated : August 8, 2008)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | AMD Athlon 64 X2 4850e | $77.00 | check prices |
| Motherboard | GigaByte GA-MA78GM-S2H | $84.99 | check prices |
| Memory | OCZ Gold 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 | $50.99 | check prices |
| TV Tuner | VisionTek TV Wonder HD 650 USB | $109.99 | check prices |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB | $84.99 | check prices |
| Optical Drive | LG GGCH20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader | $139.95 | check prices |
| Case | Antec New Solution NSK2480 | $84.88 | check prices |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Microsoft Standard Wireless Desktop | $21.00 | check prices |
Component Info and Reviews :
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4850e
The Athlon 64 X2 4850e dual core processor runs at 2.5 GHz frequency and has 1MB L2 cache. It has a low power consumption of only 45W TDP and can overclock to around 3 GHz on air.
Reviews : Motherboards.org
GigaByte GA-MA78GM-S2H
The GA-MA78GM-S2H is based on AMD 780G Chipset. It supports AMD Phenom quad-core processors, with AM2+ platform support, integrated DDR2 1066 memory controller, HyperTransport 3.0 technology links and 128-bit Floating Point Units.
Reviews: OCW
OCZ Gold 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2
This DDR2 800 4GB (2x2GB) kit is rated at CL5-5-5-18 timings and comes at a bargain price.
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.
Antec New Solution NSK2480
The NSK2480 Desktop case features a unique triple-chamber structure, designed to isolate the heat and noise produced by the power supply and hard drives, ensuring a quiet computing environment. Along with its exceptional ventilation and attractively understated styling, the NSK2480 also includes an 80 PLUS Certified EarthWatts 380 Watt ATX12Vv2.2 power supply with universal input and Active PFC.
Microsoft Standard Wireless Optical Desktop
The Wireless Optical Desktop 1000 lets you navigate with ease and without the inconvenient clutter of wires. You get the accuracy of an optical mouse, plus one-touch access to e-mail, the Web, and frequently-used features. You'll get far more than productivity - an excellent ergonomic design adds comfort as you type, point and click, while also affecting your long-term health.The mouse's optical sensor tracks mouse movement, giving you greater durability, increased speed, improved accuracy and more consistant performance on virtually any surface. The keyboard features hot keys that provide one-touch access to frequently used commands. A built-in multimedia center lets you access your favorite music, video clips and media programs with the press of a key. Forward and Back Internet buttons allow you to maneuver between Web pages without clicking the toolbar, or reassign buttons to perform a common command or keystroke.
Reviews : TechwareLabs
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