Upgrading HTPC

[mikeyb]

Hi,

I am considering upgrading the HTPC that I use in the main room for watching dvd's, HD Files and viewing photos etc I am running Windows MCE, I would like to upgrade to Bluray for movie watching and it would also allow me to use files from my dad's new HD Video Camera which currently WON'T run on the machine just now.

I have picked a few items as can be seen from the basket below, any thoughts on price and can this lot be gotten cheaper anywhere else?

I am fairly set on these items and can offset the cost by selling off the parts removed from the HTPC such as processor, m/board, ram, graphics card etc, but any thoughts would be welcome too.

Thanks,

Mike.

 

[Gazza_DJ]

What site is that? Ebuyer? Try Dabs, scan.co.uk and overclockers as well, they are usually competitive.

 

[Steep]

Make sure both your monitor/tv and graphics card are HDCP compliant.

I've had two gigabyte mobos in the last couple of years, both have been garbage, personally I'd look for an Asus board.

Also try Aria www.aria.co.uk, they use google checkout and are usually a bit cheaper.

 

[mikeyb]

Hi,

Ordered the gear as listed above from eBuyer on Tuesday and it came Wednesday with the cheaper postage option

All built now and Bluray movies playing no problem, still busy putting back all the software I normally use. One thing that has improved is that DVD files now play in Dolby Digital from within Windows Media Centre which didn't work before the upgrade, they would play outside of MCE by using Theatretek prior to the upgrade. Bluray looks fantastic on the 42" Plasma and superb on the 92" projector screen

Total cost of upgrade was £240 and I still have the old bits to get rid of to offset the cost, probably not worth a lot but might get something back, or might even just build another machine as I have an old case lying here too

Mike.