Small HTPC recommendations

[grimstoner]

Hi

I require a small HTPC... preferably something that's "all-in-one", like the Sapphire Edge HD3. Needs to be able to connect to WiFi (802.11n would be best), have an HDMI out and a remote control (that I can control with a Harmony). Anyone care to suggest something? Don't wanna pay more than about R3k.

 

[Crowley]

For less than 3k you can kit out an HP microserver with everything you need.

 

[Gtx Gaming]

HP MS sever +1

 

[xrapidx]

What they said - I'm running a few flawlessly.

 

[bar1]

I am selling mine....
http://mybroadband.co.za/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=24067&title=zotac-mag-hd-nd01&cat=3

message me privately if you interested.

 

[grimstoner]

Can the HP MS boot XBMC off a USB stick/Flash memory? I have a separate media server running WHS2011, so this is basically just an interface. How much power does the HP MS draw in idle? When under load?

 

[yeti]

The search forum button is on the top right ... awkward.

Exercise to the reader/OP: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/333460-HP-ProLiant-MicroServer

 

[grimstoner]

Dunno why anyone didn't suggest it, but I think I might just go for the Apple TV 2. It's cheaper, no modding required (like adding a gfx with HDMI to the HP MS), low power, low noise, with remote... Seems perfect.

 

[CoolBug]

Well it of course depends on what you want.

If the apple can do everything you want and it fits the budget then go for it.

My preference of an htpc is something that can do anything I throw at it.

So that for me would be a pc with windows 7 that plays everything handles networks well, browse, stream, game etc.
The thing boots up into xmbc and I use an xbox controllers analogue stick to control the mouse with certain keys bound to different buttons.

 

[Fudzy]

If you aren't needing a NAS/HTPC setup and the Harmony remote could be replaced by something better I would hold out for one of these:

http://www.vizio.com/costar/overview/

I currently have an Antec HTPC setup running quite decent hardware and if this does 1080p nicely I don't see any point in keeping the big thing.

 

[lestoran]

HP Microserver is great, I run one as a NAS / download server and many here use it as an all-in-one media solution.

It is, however, not not nearly as small as the Sapphire Edge.

If size really is important to you I would suggest a AMD Brazos based system with a mini-itx enclosure. You really just need to add memory - CPU, GPU, sound, network is all included on the Brazos motherboard.

Some examples: MotherBoard, Case

Another possibility is to re-purpose an old core-2 laptop. Fits really well with most hifi-equipment. Just make sure it has discreet graphics. This is the route I went - picked up a 2nd hand one with a busted screen for very little.

 

[czc]

HP Microserver is great, I run one as a NAS / download server and many here use it as an all-in-one media solution.

It is, however, not not nearly as small as the Sapphire Edge.

If size really is important to you I would suggest a AMD Brazos based system with a mini-itx enclosure. You really just need to add memory - CPU, GPU, sound, network is all included on the Brazos motherboard.

Some examples: MotherBoard, Case

Another possibility is to re-purpose an old core-2 laptop. Fits really well with most hifi-equipment. Just make sure it has discreet graphics. This is the route I went - picked up a 2nd hand one with a busted screen for very little.

And power supply?

 

[lestoran]

And power supply?

The example case includes a 150w powers supply, which i plenty.

I've seen a few cases with external power bricks too. Seems Brazos just doesn't need much power.