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HTPC question

Go to solution Solved by Fgtfv567,

Oh my god, boy do I have a list for you!

  • Installing XBMC (An interface that goes over the OS, kinda like the UI for consoles, but with controller support and highly reskinnable)
  • Watching and recording live TV (USB or PCIe card, hell even Sling TV to get your cable channels)
  • Video games!! (Stream your games from your gaming rig, or play them locally. Modern games like Far Cry 4, GTA 5 and retro games via emulators. Hell, as recent as the Nintendo Wii!)
  • Movies (Stream from Netflix, Hulu, Etc. Even from your NAS! You can also use a Blu-Ray player on the PC.)
  • Music (Install your music locally, play it while you play your games with Steam Big Picture. Stream from Pandora, Spotify, or whatever)
  • Internet Browsing! (Flash, Java, Chrome, Firefox, extensions beyond belief, what more could you ask for? I'd like to see smart TVs beat this)
  • Easily Upgradable, Wayy more storage than your cable box (You built it, just tear the parts out)

I'd genuinely like to see your cable box, smart TV, or streaming box try to do HALF of the things I just mentioned!

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX/WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.64 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Core Edition Video Card ($120.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $514.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-26 19:13 EDT-0400

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.79 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.64 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1105.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-26 19:14 EDT-0400

Aside from general computer perks (upgradeable, customizable) what do I get from HTPC that I can't get from regular entertainment setup?

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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playing any file 

full full disc rips....xbmc/kodi as the front end

basically never having to worry if something will play

If you need remote help fixing something on your computer

I can help over Teamviewer if you wish

just msg me on my profile

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You can have a potential gaming machine to play games on at 60FPS. In addition, you have more options in software at your disposal.

"It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brain falls out." - Carl Sagan.

"I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you" - Edward I. Koch

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xbmc/kodi

What are those

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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You can use it as a torrent station.

Any unknown button should be pressed even number of times.

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http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/353237-htpc-question/?p=4800919#entry4800919

What can I get out of a generic Comcast setup that I can't out of an HTPC?

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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You can use it as a torrent station.

A what?

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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Steam IHS for one

Nope, I want pros for the Comcast setup now.

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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Nope, I want pros for the Comcast setup now.

An HTPC you make yourself is better then dealing with Comcast at all.

"Rawr XD"

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What are those

Software that allows to run multiple plug-ins like youtube, netflix and so on. Makes a really good HTPC setup because it is an easy interface to use and runs on basically anything. http://kodi.tv/The thing that having an HTPC gives you is all the benefits of having a computer, like compatibility, gaming, and productivity, all on a bigger screen. It allows you to basically cut the cord with cable/ satellite companies (assuming you have reasonable internet speed and reliability). 

Does not having a second parenthesis around something bother anyone else as much as it does me? (Like if this statement was missing a second side)

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An HTPC you make yourself is better then dealing with Comcast at all.

If I have Comcast, can I watch live TV on my PC?

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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A what?

A fileserver.

Any unknown button should be pressed even number of times.

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If I have Comcast, can I watch live TV on my PC?

in theory..yes..in reality..it can get complicated..cause of all the DRM crap

If you need remote help fixing something on your computer

I can help over Teamviewer if you wish

just msg me on my profile

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Oh my god, boy do I have a list for you!

  • Installing XBMC (An interface that goes over the OS, kinda like the UI for consoles, but with controller support and highly reskinnable)
  • Watching and recording live TV (USB or PCIe card, hell even Sling TV to get your cable channels)
  • Video games!! (Stream your games from your gaming rig, or play them locally. Modern games like Far Cry 4, GTA 5 and retro games via emulators. Hell, as recent as the Nintendo Wii!)
  • Movies (Stream from Netflix, Hulu, Etc. Even from your NAS! You can also use a Blu-Ray player on the PC.)
  • Music (Install your music locally, play it while you play your games with Steam Big Picture. Stream from Pandora, Spotify, or whatever)
  • Internet Browsing! (Flash, Java, Chrome, Firefox, extensions beyond belief, what more could you ask for? I'd like to see smart TVs beat this)
  • Easily Upgradable, Wayy more storage than your cable box (You built it, just tear the parts out)

I'd genuinely like to see your cable box, smart TV, or streaming box try to do HALF of the things I just mentioned!

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX/WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.64 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Core Edition Video Card ($120.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $514.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-26 19:13 EDT-0400

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.79 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.64 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.79 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1105.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-26 19:14 EDT-0400

Follow the topics you create using the "Follow" button in the top right corner!

One day I will have my GTX 970. One day. PC specs are at my profile.

Not sure how to check what part works with what? Check out my compatibility guide!

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in theory..yes..in reality..it can get complicated..cause of all the DRM crap

Not really. If you have comcast for TV, you can go to http://xfinitytv.comcast.netand login and watch TV from there.

CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X @ 4.7GHz | GPU: EVGA RTX 3080 | Motherboard: X570 I AORUS PRO WIFI | RAM: G.SKILL Trident Z RGB 32GB | Case: NCase M1 v6.0 | SSDs: Samsung 970 Evo+ 1TB, 860 Evo 1TB | CPU Cooler: H100i ELITE CAPELLIX | MonitorsLG 27GN950-B 4K 165Hz |

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Oh my god, boy do I have a list for you!

  • Installing XBMC (An interface that goes over the OS, kinda like the UI for consoles, but with controller support and highly reskinnable)
  • Watching and recording live TV (USB or PCIe card, hell even Sling TV to get your cable channels)
  • Video games!! (Stream your games from your gaming rig, or play them locally. Modern games like Far Cry 4, GTA 5 and retro games via emulators. Hell, as recent as the Nintendo Wii!)
  • Movies (Stream from Netflix, Hulu, Etc. Even from your NAS! You can also use a Blu-Ray player on the PC.)
  • Music (Install your music locally, play it while you play your games with Steam Big Picture. Stream from Pandora, Spotify, or whatever)
  • Internet Browsing! (Flash, Java, Chrome, Firefox, extensions beyond belief, what more could you ask for? I'd like to see smart TVs beat this)
  • Easily Upgradable, Wayy more storage than your cable box (You built it, just tear the parts out)
I'd genuinely like to see your cable box, smart TV, or streaming box try to do HALF of the things I just mentioned!

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.98 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX/WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.64 @ Amazon)

Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 2GB Core Edition Video Card ($120.98 @ Newegg)

Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ NCIX US)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.79 @ OutletPC)

Total: $514.35

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-26 19:13 EDT-0400

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($231.99 @ NCIX US)

CPU Cooler: Corsair H60 54.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($49.99 @ Newegg)

Motherboard: ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.98 @ Newegg)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($99.79 @ OutletPC)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.64 @ Amazon)

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($328.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.98 @ Newegg)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($87.79 @ OutletPC)

Total: $1105.13

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-26 19:14 EDT-0400is there a chance I could get you to talk a little more about the more interesting programs? I have never heard of XMBC, Sling TV, or the idea of playing a Wii game on a PC. please explain.

Just a guy who peaked at building back in the days of the GTX 980. If you see me here, assume i have technical knowledge akin to a committed hobbyist builder back then. If something's changed, you'll need to tell me(nicely plz). I'm probably asking for help with the modern build scene since I have no clue what's going on.

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All XBMC is, is just an interface that goes over the OS so that it's easier to navigate in a living room environment.

I'm not too sure about sling, but you pay 15 bucks a month for a pack of channels, and more money for more channels. There's a set top box for this, but you should be able to watch TV on your PC.

For Wii games, you have to use dolphin emulator, and get a USB sensor bar. (Or two candles) and then use a homebrew channel to rip the games. Tek syndicate has a whole video on this

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ytJcw6jIdqA

Follow the topics you create using the "Follow" button in the top right corner!

One day I will have my GTX 970. One day. PC specs are at my profile.

Not sure how to check what part works with what? Check out my compatibility guide!

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