My HTPC MK3

[hoborg]

I will be rebuilding my HTPC soon, so here are few notes.

Here is my current HTPC: http://hobring.esero.net/htpc.htm

Firstly, i got a new TV - Panasonic 42" LCD TV TX-L42E30E. Thanks to VIERA web services, this TV have build in weather, YouTube, MyTrailers, etc..., so there is no need to use similar plugins in HTPC anylonger.

Connection HTPC (ATI 6450) <-> TV - HDMI + external stereo speekers.
I will use TV only when LAV audio decoder support downmix to stereo.

HTPC will be Win7 x86 and NPVR based, SAF6 as a complex codec solution.
+AnyDVD
+MCE standy tool
+DaemonToolsLite
+Taskbar Eliminator

I will be using it to play games too, should be working like gaming console - just connect kyapad and play!
No mouse and keyboard connected.

So, the update is planed to 3 steps:
1) - Repllace WinTV-1300 by USB DVB-t tuner - Done!, using EVOLVE MARS USB now, it seems to be workin great (WinTV-1300 had a problems...).
2) - Replace hardware by AMD APU A8-3800 + 4GB RAM - waiting, A8-3800 not available at shop now...
3) - Reinstall whole HTPC with Win7 x86 OS - this will be most time eating task...

More info will be added...

[ShiningDragon]

Interesting setup. If you're finish we could exchange experiences with my MediaCenter 01 Setup (NextPVR clientmode):

Case: GMC AVC-M1
PSU: be quiet! SFX Power 350W SFX12V 2.3
Mainboard: Intel® Desktop Board DH67CF
CPU: Intel® Core™ i3-2105 Processor
RAM: Kingston ValueRAM DIMM Kit 4GB PC3-10667U CL9 (KVR1333D3N9K2/4G)
SSD: Intel SSD 320 Series 40GB, 2.5", 9.5mm, SATA II, retail (SSDSA2CT040G3K5)
HDD: Western Digital Scorpio Black 320GB, SATA II (WD3200BEKT)
ODD: LiteOn iHOS104
Gamepad: Saitek P880 Dual Analog Gamepad
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium (32-Bit)

Total cost of this rig: Round about 600 EUR / 820 US Dollar.
Power consumption while Windows 7 idles: 21 Watt per hour between psu and wall.

Connected to a Toshiba REGZA 32" LCD TV without mouse or keyboard. Configuration runs via UltraVNC.

The integrated iGPU within the i3-2105, the HD 3000 Graphics, is a lot better then anything before from intel. It's even powerful enough to play Dragon Age 2(!), Test Drive Unlimited, SEGA Rally Championchip at 1920 x 1080 and low detail without any stuttering. Additionaly the "QuickSync" function is a great feature while using DVDfab.

If it's of interest i could post the windows experience index for comparing our machines?

[hoborg]

A8-3800 test.

There is no better solution for HTPC