Htpc

[ncnmra]

I'm looking for a small form factor PC I can use as an HTPC. I would most likely be installing XBMC on it, but it should have (or be able to run) Windows XP.

Prefered Specs:
- Small Form Factor
- HDMI output for Audio & Video
- Must be QUIET!
- Internal HDD
- Around $400

I missed the deal a while ago for the Acer AX3200 from CC, but something like that would be perfect.

[glemlin]

Just quickly took a look at what it would take to put one together, if you're willing to build it:

ASUS M3A78-EM $97.98
Hitachi Deskstar P7K500 500GB SATA2 $58.99
LG GH22NS30 Black DVD+RW SATA $26.98
Apex DM-317 mATX HTPC Case 275W PSU $56.88
Buffalo Select D2U800C-2G/BR 2GB 1X2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 $25.99
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual Core Processor AM2 2.7GHZ $69.99
-------------------
Total: $336.81

This is from NCIX without looking at price matching which is available for some of the items.. You'd potentially need an OS if running XBMC as a dashboard, and a mouse/keyboard.

[ncnmra]

Nice find....I like the motherboard.

Though: did the prices go up? Looking at NCIX today looks like the prices are all higher than what you quoted? What's up with that?

[TheHemming]

NCIX can vary greatly depending on where you add things to cart, or price match them.

I tend to take their product code and run it through PriceCanada.com and then price compare if it's cheaper.

My HTPC was built about a year ago with slightly lower specs.

AMD 4600+
gigabyte 780G mother board
2x2GB Ram G.Skill
320 gb HDD
Antec case

but it's just a matter of shopping around.

[glemlin]

Nice find....I like the motherboard.

Though: did the prices go up? Looking at NCIX today looks like the prices are all higher than what you quoted? What's up with that?

Those prices are based on the current sale.