xXxALLANxXx

A friend of mine is going to build a HTPC for a class of his. He teaches a smart home class which deals with audio, networking, hd display, satelites etc. He wants to do 1080p, but I'm not totally sure how he would do that.
He has around a budget of $500 dollars to buy the extra parts need to build the computer.


What I suggested he buy;

ROM: Lite-On IHOS104 Blu Ray ROM
Price: $64.99

Graphics: EVGA GTX 275
Price: $289.99

Sound: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1
Price: $44.99

Media Reader: CABLES UNLIMITED USB-1610B All-in-one USB 2.0 Card Reader
Price: $19.99




Currently has;
Motherboard: XFX 630i
CPU: Intel Q8200
Off-brand computer case
and 4gb of ram
2x 500gb hdd

Anything else you think he should get/need?

Thanks

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DuckieHo

From what he currently has... all he needs to do is add a HD4350 and BluRay drive... $100.

That XtremeAudio is crap.

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WarlordOne

I'm not sure what exactly you're looking for. What is he trying to demonstrate just a computer that can output 1080p? Because for that he just needs Bluray drive and a graphics card. Is there something more?

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stumped

that 275 is way too much for an htpc. hell, my integrated HD 4200 can do 1080p without any hiccups. If he doesn't want to ge ATi, then get him like a Geforce 9400/9600 and call it good.

xXxALLANxXx

Also teaches stuff about satellites, home theaters, surround sound, and all that. He'd like to be able to use the computer that would be able to use all those.
The class is called Smart Home Technology

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