Choosing parts for a HTPC. Help please.

[noiseredux]

and just to be clear, as I've never really built my own PC in the past (always buy off shelf and then upgrade pieces as needed) -- if I buy a new HDD for this PC, there's no cheap way to get a Windows OS right?

[isiolia]

1. I have a spare PC in the attic I believe, though it needs a new HDD. This means I have no OS on it right now. How would using a Linux distro prevent me from accomplishing any of A, B or C?

2. I'll most likely use a 360 controller with official wireless receiver as the 360 controller is easily one of most comfortable controllers out there. BUT, just out of curiosity, is there a cheaper wireless gamepad solution?

3. If I did go the Linux route, does the 360 pad play nice with Linux?

1. Netflix is not supported on Linux. Last I've seen, getting it to work means using a VM, or, more recently, using Wine. So, it's possible, but definitely more hoops to jump through than if you were using Windows or OS X.

2. Not significantly cheaper.

3. There's support for it. Can't say I've tried it, but it's supposed to work.

1. Now that Steam is on Ubuntu, there's not really anything stopping you.

Steam being on Ubuntu doesn't automatically make all the games available on Linux any more than the OS X version made games Mac compatible. Windows is still currently the way to go for games, by far.

and just to be clear, as I've never really built my own PC in the past (always buy off shelf and then upgrade pieces as needed) -- if I buy a new HDD for this PC, there's no cheap way to get a Windows OS right?

Depends on how cheap you mean.

You have a couple main options if ordering from most places online. Retail, or OEM. The only real difference is with Activation. As you know, Windows has to get activated - binds the serial number to a general hardware configuration, so you can only use it on one computer. A Retail license lets you activate it on one hardware configuration at a time, but allows you to migrate it to different computers. An OEM license is only supposed to activate with one set of hardware, originally intended as the "bundled" copy of Windows with a new PC.

Reportedly, some people do have success in getting OEM copies to migrate, but it's not something you can necessarily rely on. In any case, an OEM copy is a lot less expensive. For example, on Newegg, Windows 7 Home Premium retail is $179.99, on sale from $199.99. The OEM version is $99.99, normal price. You can sometimes get it for $80-90 on sale.


The further option is if you're eligible for a discounted copy from school or work. Usually it's an extension of the business or school's bulk licensing deal.
MS offers higher end business products to students for free via DreamSpark, but not the regular Windows client. Nice if you want to set up a fileserver though.

In any case, if that might be applicable to you, couldn't hurt to ask IT.

[noiseredux]

first test: plugged my old Win XP laptop into our big screen via VGA just to see if it even looks good enough to bother building a media-box. I went to youtube and fired up a video and ...holy shit! It looked so much better than I imagined!

So yeah, I'm adding Amazon/Best Buy giftcards to my Christmas list haha. I think with some minimal upgrading that old PC in the attic will make a pretty impressive first project box. I'd love to eventually build one from scratch in a mini-PC case (for size/appearance and quiet) but my first attempt will be to just see how it goes on a shoestring budget.

EDIT: wow. I used to love XP. But I'm so used to the ease of use of 7 these days...

[Hateshinai]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I ordered all the parts and hopefully everything will arrive in the next two weeks.

Basically I am getting:
AMD A10-5800K CPU
an ASUS micro-ATX motherboard
4Gb of 1600 DDR RAM
an LG Blu-Ray drive/writer
a Silverstone HTPC case and 400W PSU
2 "silent" 80mm case fans
a Western Digital 2TB 3.5" HDD
a SanDisk 120GB 2.5" SDD
a wireless keyboard with touchpad

Total cost 780 euros

I might add 2 more fans and get a remote later on, once I get all the software sorted out.

[Hateshinai]

Everything has been put together and the components seem to get along just fine. I still need to install all the software and iron out all the settings but things are looking good. Thank you all for the help.

There is more power cables than I need but a modular PSU wouldn't fit.

[pvt_awol]

^

glad you got it all put together. If you need help with some software to get everything working smoothly, I'll be happy to help.

I've got "some" experience with audio issues, and video quality settings and such that might get you pointed in the right direction.

[gtmtnbiker]

^

glad you got it all put together.

Ditto. It's funny but I'm in the process of ordering parts to build a second HTPC for my wife's TV so that I can send the DVR back to the cable company. I'm going to go the cheaper route this time. I'll post details/pics once I get it built.