Last Update: November 2011
Here is our slim HTPC configuration, in a standalone player format. We will use an Antec Fusion HTPC case, a keyboard kit and a media center remote control, with the AMD Fusion architecture, which is the most interesting alternative to the Intel Sandy Bridge to build up a home theater PC.
This config uses the AMD Fusion new architecture, simply because it offers the best audio/video integrated processing. We speak of course of the AMD A8-3850 which has the integrated graphics Radeon 6550D, video processing equivalent to a Radeon HD 6570 which, we remind, is the dedicated graphics card for entry-level reference for the home theater.
This chipset offers what he does best to play Blu-ray, TS, MKV and H.264 (with or without 24p), play Blu-ray 3D, deinterlace DVD, MPEG-2, or AVHD-HC, and transfer the HD audio (LPCM 7.1, HD audio bitstream). It can even allow you to play some occasional games, or go a little further in terms of postprocessing software using the computing power delivered by this quad core at 2.4 GHz.
We selected a FM1 motherboard, and more precisely the Gigabyte GA-A75M-UD2H model, which sets the standard with its ultra complete connectivity (USB3, S/PDIF, eSATA 3, Firewire… ) and its advanced BIOS features.
We also took advantage of the big drop in prices of Blu-ray players for inclusion in the standard components, by offering a Blu-ray option. You will have to wait now for the droping price of blank Blu-ray…
The price of the hard drives are super high right now. So we invite you to delay its purchase. Try to use one you might already have for a while.
Slim HTPC Recommended Components
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Case | Antec MicroFusion Remote 350 Mini HTPC Enclosure | $180 |
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Motherboard | Gigabyte A75M-UD2H Micro ATX Motherboard | $95 |
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CPU | AMD A8-3850 APU Quad-Core Processor (AD3850WNGXBOX) | $140 |
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Memory | Corsair TW3X4G1333C9A XMS3 4 GB Memory Kit fro PC3-10666 1333mhz 240-pin Dual Channel DDR3 | $30 |
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Hard Drive | Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1 TB 7200RPM SATA 6Gb/s ST31000524AS | $75 |
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Optical Drive | LG Internal Blu-Ray Drive with DVD-Rewriter CH10LS20 | $70 |
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Keyboard | Cideko Wireless Air Keyboard and Gyro Mouse Combo for PC, Mac, and PS3 (AVK02) | $80 |
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Remote Control | Rosewill Windows 7 Certified Media Center | $25 |
| TOTAL | $695 | ||
Optional Components
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Tunner Card | AVerMedia AVerTVHD Duet PCTV tuner | $70 |
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Optical Drive | LG Internal Blu-Ray Disc Rewriter BH10LS30 | $80 |
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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.
