Building an HTPC from an old PC


  1. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Version 6.1 (Build 7600)
       #1

    Building an HTPC from an old PC


    Hi Friends,

    I plan to build an HTPC for playing 1080p MKV and Blu-Ray in future. I plan to do this by taking the processor, motherboard, RAM and DVD Drive from my old PC and then adding in the rest. Then I put in a new processor, motherboard and RAM for my old PC.

    Here are the components of my old PC that I wish to use for my HTPC

    Intel Core2 6300 @ 1.86 GHZ
    Intel DP965LT Motherboard
    2GB DDR2 RAM
    Samsung DVD Combo drive
    Pinnacle PCTV 110i TV Tuner

    And, I wish to put in the additional components to complete my HTPC

    Cabinet: Zebronics Slim Series "Flair"
    LINK

    Hard Disk: Samsung 1TB SATA 3.5"

    Keyboard & Mouse: Logitech Wireless Desktop MK250
    LINK

    Remote: Logitech Universal Remote Harmony 525
    LINK

    Video Card: Powercolor HD 4350 512MB DDR-II
    -[OR]-
    Point of View Geforce GT210 512MB DDR2


    here are the doubts i have:

    * Will my Motherboard fit into the Slim cabinet? The Intel website says that the form factor of the mother board is microATX and the zebronics website says that it supports microATX. But, Afterdawn says its a ATX board. I'm confused

    Intel Link - LINK
    Afterdawn Link - LINK

    * Is Western Digital 1 TB better than Samsung?
    * Is the 4350 a good choice for an HTPC video card? Or is the GT210 a better buy?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,035
    Vista 64 Ultimate, Windows 7 64 Ultimate, Ubuntu 9.10
       #2

    Will you be running 32 or 64 bit version of Windows 7 for this application?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Version 6.1 (Build 7600)
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Im planning to use 64-bit for this setup

    Another doubt I have is how will I connect the Logitech remote to the PC?
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,035
    Vista 64 Ultimate, Windows 7 64 Ultimate, Ubuntu 9.10
       #4

    Games Goblin said:
    Im planning to use 64-bit for this setup

    Another doubt I have is how will I connect the Logitech remote to the PC?
    You will find the tuner is not 64 bit compatible, a Hauppauge 2250, or 1250, 1850 will be about the best for 64 bit and they come with a Media Center Remote about $100 if you do a little research or you could use 32 bit and your tuner should work, the rest is acceptable for what you plan.

      My Computer


  5. Posts : 51,381
    Windows 11 Workstation x64
       #5

    Seems a little pointless to be using 64bit when it's only going to have 2GB of ram.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 15
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 Version 6.1 (Build 7600)
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Currently the TV card is being detected in Windows 7 x54, but I have not tried using it.

    Building an HTPC from an old PC-untitled.jpg

    z3r010 said:
    Seems a little pointless to be using 64bit when it's only going to have 2GB of ram.
    What is the problem if a PC having 2GB RAM runs x64?
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 2,913
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #7

    It can be a pain to get codecs working with x64, so I always recommend using x86 for HTPCs.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 826
    Windows 7 Ultimate x32
       #8

    About the remote,
    Logitech Harmony 525 Advanced Universal Remote Reviews



    "...You program it on Logitech site using web interface and then sync your remote via USB cable..."
    "...you have to load a program onto a computer and then add devices to the remote using the provided usb cable ..."
    Logitech Harmony 525 Advanced Universal Remote Infrared Universal remote control for DVR, TV, VCR, DVD player, Audio system - Read Reviews

    seems you'll have to spend few hours programing it. Its a online setup if I understand correct.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 1,035
    Vista 64 Ultimate, Windows 7 64 Ultimate, Ubuntu 9.10
       #9

    I use a laptop with 7 pro 32 and it's fine but would not consider using a 64 bit without at least 4Gb, my own has 12Gb which may seem like overkill but processing large photos with a 64 bit photo program uses large chunks of RAM (photos in RAW are 30-40Mb each that's a lot of data).
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 48
    win 7 ultimate x64
       #10

    conflicting reports on size - why not simply measure it and see ?

    9.6" x 9.6" is maximum size for mATX
      My Computer


 

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