Computer to integrate within TV/Reciever/Speaker setup

[patjoyce]

Hello,

I'm building a new desktop computer for placement within my "home theater" set up… its not a proper home theater since its an apartment but its still the same. I want to thread a computer into the system in order to complete it.

I am still trying to figure out a good case. There seems to be plenty of options for towers but less so for those that lie flat. The budget is around, but not above, $2000.

This is what I've put together so far through Newegg. I know some of these are out of stock.

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar Green WD20EADS 2TB 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Motherboard: ASUS P7P55 WS SuperComputer with NF200 LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor: Intel Core i5-670 Clarkdale 3.46GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor

RAM: CORSAIR XMS3 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model CMX8GX3M4B1333C9

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM

BluRay: LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-ray Reader & 16X LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner

Vid Card: HIS H487Q1GH Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

TV Tuner:
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR 1850 (updated version of 1800) MCE Kit 1128 PCI-Express x1 Interface

Alright… so far this leaves out case, power supply, and fan for the processor. I've been looking at a case and power supply but some cases come with a power supply so I'm trying to figure out what to do. For now I am looking at these two items:

Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 380W Power Supply

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply

Now, my interest in getting a something that fits into the 7 inch space provided by my the TV stand and I'm interested in something that looks decent. According to my current overestimate using the various calculators I'm coming in at 425 watts. So, I'm not sure what to do. I have fine with the idea of buying a case from somewhere other than Newegg but I want something that isn't trying too hard not to look like a computer but also fits in with the rest of the set up. The white color doesn't throw me as I've got a Wii… but I'd prefer it to be black.

So that leaves the fan and a wireless card. For the fan I can't tell what's appropriate to go with the processor, motherboard, etc. As for the card, to be honest I forgot to look for one. Ideally I'll just get a new router (bought an Apple router when i was having trouble connecting my old router to the internet with my Macbook) and connect to the internet via an ethernet cord if i decide to start streaming netflix from the internet.

I am certainly open to all kinds of swapping of hardware and this is just an initial configuration. Especially as some of the items on this list are currently out of stock. I'm unsure about what kind of supplemental software I will need. It would be nice to have some ability to record from the TV and to have some basic editing from say a video camera. I also don't know what comes with some of the hardware listed. The primary usage is going to be for integration with the TV set up and I'm going to plug in via HDMI to my receiver.

Another feature that I'm looking for is the ability to work from some wireless devices as I would like to use this from my couch so I will end up using a wireless keyboard and/or mouse. I'm also wondering how this may impact installation as i don't have a proper monitor to use to check my progress unless there's a way to sneak in using a laptop to display.

The only other thing is that I put in a 2TB hard drive to be over the top... would 2 1TB hard drives be better with one as a back-up? Is an external a better back up? I don't have a ton of movies/music at this point taking up space. Nor can imagine that this will become a concern.

Anyhow, any advice I can get is helpful. This is a first time for me though I've been eyeing doing this since about 2002. I look forward to getting into it but I certainly want to do it right.
Thanks.

--Patrick

[orbrit]

If this really is just a home theater PC you are going way overkill on the processor, memory and video card.

Your build would be suitable for some high performance gaming though!

[glc]

Way overboard on the motherboard too. I'd get a micro-ATX board.

Suggested mods:

Motherboard: Asus P7P55-M.
CPU: Intel i5-750 or i7-860.
Ram: All you need for now is 4gb.
Video card: Radeon 4550.

This will run fine on a 380 watt PSU such as is included in the small Antec cases.

I would get 2 hard drives - something like a WD Black 500gb for OS and apps, and a big Green for your data. Use an external for critical backups, connect it when needed.

[orbrit]

Originally Posted by glc Way overboard on the motherboard too. I'd get a micro-ATX board. Suggested mods: Motherboard: Asus P7P55-M. CPU: Intel i5-750 or i7-860. Ram: All you need for now is 4gb. Video card: Radeon 4550. This will run fine on a 380 watt PSU such as is included in the small Antec cases. I would get 2 hard drives - something like a WD Black 500gb for OS and apps, and a big Green for your data. Use an external for critical backups, connect it when needed.

Aren't those a step up on processor? Does a HTPC really need that much processing power?
Wouldn't an i3-530 suffice?

[glc]

Might as well buy a quad with that kind of budget.