High-End HTPC Configuration

Last Update: Dezember 2011

This configuration is intended for off-road use of the equipment. The mounted components do not seem to enter into the philosophy of low-power HTPC, but there are people who are not satisfied with having a HTPC to watch movies only, They want to play, edit video, photos and this is where you can put this type of components. We offer two configurations, one AMD and other Intel.

Processor

In AMD we choose the Phenom II 1100T X6 3.3Ghz with 6 six-core, a dark beast for video editing.

In the Intel build we choose the new i5 2500K. It is powerfull and energy efficiency, while maintaining very cool temperatures.

Motherboard

Both boards are fitted with USB 3.0 and SATA III. Both are ATX and have an improved cooling. In the case of AMD it has an ATI HD4290 integrated graphics. The Intel configuration has an P67 motherboard, making it incompatible with the outputs of Sandy Bridge processors, but you can do OC because it is a K series processor.

Hard Drive

We choose a solid disk (SSD) of 60 GB with a SATA III interface, there really is a substantial improvement over SATA II, it is worth. With 60GB you will have to install the operating system and a few games, but few, otherwise you’ll be out of space quickly.

With the implementation of the OS from the SSD, was won in silence and running speed, but as soon you use the multimedia content disk, it will be heared . To avoid that we mount the Samsung F4 Ecogreen: is a marvel, cool and quiet.

Graphics Card

Including two mid-high range graphics (interchangeable between configurations), fine to play at 1080P without dying in the attempt. Both two are great in performance, consumption and temperature, with advantage to Nvidia.

But besides being able to play smoothly, their powerful graphics engine will allow processing an excellent video playback, which you’ll be able to get the best images, needless to say that support 3D and HD audio.

Gigabyte is the assembler of both models, since its dual cooling system is effective and quiet compared with other assemblers. Other recommended brands: HIS, PowerColor and Sapphire for their sound.

If you don’t have a big budget to graphics, we recommended the passive ATI 6570 HD with good video processing, but limited to play. The HD6770/6750 will allow you to play but with minimum filters. In Nvidia you have the GT440 or the GTX550, the latter more suitable for games.

Cooling

The Noctua NH-C14 is the perfect choice for this type of processors, and its height is supported by almost all the cases thanks to its configuration with one or two fans. Alternatively you have the Scythe Big Shuriken or the Samurai ZZ.

Optical Reader

Little to say, a Blu-ray reader and DVD burner combo.

Power Supply

We’re going to spend some money into a high quality PSU, Gold certified. The Seasonic X-560 has the advantage of being semipassive, this means that until the load reaches its about 20%, the fan does not will start so we will have less noise.

Alternatives to the Seasonic we found its S12II series, less refined, but with very low noise and lower price without sacrificing quality. Be Quiet models also very quiet. Antec, Nexus RX or  Enermax Modu.

Case

To powerful processors, we need large and ventilated boxes. I chose one of the biggest, but as you have the option of a Lian Li PC-C50, a micro ATX case that I love and it’s made of aluminum. Another option is the Silverstone GD04 also micro ATX or Zalman HD501/503. But beware, in each case you will have to check the compatibility with the height of the fan, motherboard and graphics…

High-End HTPC Recommended Components (AMD)

	Case	Antec Fusion Remote Max (ATX)	$137
	Motherboard	Asus M4A89GTD PRO/USB3	$156
	CPU	AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Processor (AD3850WNGXBOX)	$200
	Memory	Kingston ValueRAM 4 GB Kit (2×2)	$30
	Hard Drive	OCZ Agility 3 60 GB SATA III SSD	$100
	Hard Drive	Samsung Ecogreen F4 2TB	$160
	Graphic Card	GIGABYTE ATI Radeon HD6850 1GB	$177
	Cooling	Noctua NH-C14	$86
	Power Suply	Seasonic X-560	$135
	Optical Drive	LG Internal Blu-Ray Drive with DVD-Rewriter CH10LS20	$60
	Keyboard	Cideko Wireless Air Keyboard and Gyro Mouse Combo for PC, Mac, and PS3 (AVK02)	$80
TOTAL			$1321

Optional Components

	Tunner Card	AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet PCTV tuner	$70
	Optical Drive	LG Internal Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter BH10LS30	$80
	Cooling	Scythe BIG Shuriken CPU Cooling Fan	$40
TOTAL			$190

 

High-End HTPC Recommended Components (Intel)

	Case	Antec Fusion Remote Max (ATX)	$137
	Motherboard	ASUS P8P67 B3	$160
	CPU	Intel Core i5-2500K Processor	$227
	Memory	Kingston ValueRAM 4 GB Kit (2×2)	$30
	Hard Drive	OCZ Agility 3 60 GB SATA III SSD	$100
	Hard Drive	Samsung Ecogreen F4 2TB	$160
	Graphic Card	GIGABYTE GeForce GTX460 SE 1GB	$180
	Cooling	Noctua NH-C14	$86
	Power Suply	Seasonic X-560	$135
	Optical Drive	LG Internal Blu-Ray Drive with DVD-Rewriter CH10LS20	$60
	Keyboard	Cideko Wireless Air Keyboard and Gyro Mouse Combo for PC, Mac, and PS3 (AVK02)	$80
TOTAL			$1355

Optional Components

	Tunner Card	AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet PCTV tuner	$70
	Optical Drive	LG Internal Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter BH10LS30	$80
	Cooling	Scythe BIG Shuriken CPU Cooling Fan	$40
TOTAL			$190

This configuration is only a guide. We invite you to check that these components meet your expectations.