Jacob Santos

Details

The HTPC is going to use MediaPortal, because I like that it is written in .NET and works with Windows. I’m thinking the MediaPortal will interface with the TV-Server for retrieving videos, pictures, and music. If not, then I’ll be looking at another solution.

The HTPC won’t be built until after the Media Server is built, so the timeline will place it in 2010 for being built. I’ll build one for each TV that I have and right now I only have one. The PC I use for coding and what not, will also have access to the Media Server, so there will only be two connections at this time for the Media Server. Actually, it is reasonable that both the Media Server and the HTPC can be built at the same time.

For one, the components will be very cheap, to enable the PC to be extremely inexpensive. This should allow for most or all of the parts to be bought at the same time. It also uses many of the same components as the Media Server, so it makes sense to just buy double and work the components into each PC that needs it.

Components

These parts have not been purchased yet. Once they are purchased, they will be moved to a separate location and the price will be removed, as well as the link.

Might be able to decrease the amount by purchasing a cheaper hard drive. 1.5TB will not be needed and actually, if I keep an old 400GB or 500GB, the hard drive component won’t even be needed. I’ll just feel safer with a new hard drive, but until it fails, the old hard drive will work fine.

1. Windows 7 Home Premium (not available)
   • Price: $NA
2. Cooler Master Centurion RC-541
   • Price: $64.99
   • 6 bays (2 5.25″, 2 3.5″, 2 HD)
   • Will allow the current HTPC case to be used for this PC and this case will be used for the Coding/Home PC.
3. ThermalTake Pure Power TWV500W
   • Price: $71.00
   • Modular
   • 500W
4. ASUS M4A78 PRO
   • Price: $109.99
   • Supports 6 SATA slots
5. AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Dual Core
   • Price: $80.24
   • 512 kB (x2) L2 Cache
   • 256 kB L1 Cache
   • 2 GHz
6. Corsair XMS2 Xtreme Performance 4GB PC2-6400
   • Price: $53.80
   • 800Mhz DDR2
7. HP DVD Burner with LightScribe
   • Price: $23.99
   • SATA connector
   • 20x DVD Writer
8. Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 1.5TB
   • Price: $129.99
   • SATA-II
   • 7200 RPM
   • 32MB Cache
   • 8.5 sec Access Time

Total: $534.00* (with hard drive) / $404.01* (without HD)

* Does not include OS software.