[bmanpard]

I'm dropping from the powerful desktop scene because I don't use the full potential. What I'm looking to buy next is a computer that is quiet, small, and powerful enough to play blu-ray quality movies from file and also stream up to 1080p quality flash videos without stuttering.

Doesn't have to be silent but it's a plus
MicroATX at max, but smaller is better...for this at least lol!
Doesn't need an actual blu-ray ROM.
3-4GB of RAM is preferred.
It will run Windows 7 Ultimate. Most likely x64, but I can go x86 too.

My budget is $300.
I have peripherals, monitor, and all that. Just need the computer. Oh, I have a 500GB 3.5" harddrive and an OCZ Vertex if those can be reused. If not I'll just use the SSD and my portable hard drive.

I'm okay to buying used parts from members here on OCN.

Thank you!

 

[zrafferty]

i could suggest buying a ps3 for doing blue-ray and then just use your rig your using now to stream to it.or check over on newegg.com or tigerdirect.com both of them sites are fair on pricing.they even have barebone kits foer blue ray within them so check them out too

 

[bmanpard]

Well no, I don't need a blu-ray player at all. Just need the computer to be powerful enough to play up to that quality from file.

 

[8-Ball]

I think you're going to need more than $300 for a HTPC.

The cases are quite expensive.

All you really need is one of those low profile video cards and those will play 1080P with no problems.

 

[bmanpard]

Basically I don't even care about one of the HTPC cases. I just want something that doesn't take up much space.

 

[raiderxx]

Ok. I just bought my setup a couple of weeks ago and I love it! It plays blurays with no problem. I got some open boxes, so my total was $257.94 before shipping, but with no open boxes it comes to a couple bucks above $300 before shipping. I LOVE the motherboard.

ASRock 880GMH - 99.99
WINTEC AMPX 4GB - 42.99
AMD Athlon II X2 255 - 62.99
Antec EarthWatts 380W - 39.99
Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case - 59.99

This should be a starting point for you... The mobo was a $60 open box, but came perfect! Same with my ram, which was sold open box for $24. Look around for good open box deals. I have never had problems with them. the case is great! Although it's cable management is a little tough, it works. I plan on posting some pics of my interior once I get a optical drive in it.. Good luck!!

 

[raiderxx]

Side-note, I didn't get a separate video card, I just use the onboard and it has no problems with 1080 playback.

 

[rui-no-onna]

Wait for Llano (early July). If not, I suggest the following for hassle-free playback (no matter the video format/codec/bitrate, bar Blu-ray 3D):

Athlon II X2 260, $70
MSI 880GM-E41, $65
Rosewill R-101-P-BK, $30
2x2GB DDR3 1600, $45
Antec EA-380D, $40

Alternately, if you've got a MicroCenter nearby, check out their mobo/CPU combos. Just make sure the motherboard chipset is one of the following:
780G
785G
790GX
880G
890GX

 

[ogboba]

Antec ISK 300-150 - $80
ZOTAC 880GITX-A-E - $115
AMD Athlon II X2 245 - $60
WINTEC AMPX 4GB - $43
Use your SSD - $0
TOTAL - $298