***CLOSED*** HTPC - Spec us a Sub-£500 and Win [Archive] - Aria Forums

RawZ

21-09-10, 14:40

Hi Guys,

I'll dig some prizes out later on but i basically want you to build a HTPC kind of build that will be listed on the site.

No more than £500 on just the unit using items we stock on the site. I know how much you all love spec'ing new builds!

You have till Monday 27th September :thumb:

Aaron

21-09-10, 14:41

£500 inc/exc VAT & Delivery?

RawZ

21-09-10, 14:45

£500 inc/exc VAT & Delivery?

Inc VAT sorry. Delivery doesn't matter.

NickCPC

21-09-10, 14:46

Ooft, this looks like it should be a lot of fun. I'll enter but can't accept a prize :)

Mr. Grapes

21-09-10, 14:52

any specific requirements?

Andrew Moore

21-09-10, 15:00

Doe it need an OS??

I have a fantasic htpc build at the mo coming in at £491 (at a competitor - sorry :P) but I should be able to get rather close here. Its for meeeee :D

Andy

Bigian88

21-09-10, 15:02

including or excluding software?

RawZ

21-09-10, 15:04

Whatever you feel.

Terbinator

21-09-10, 15:09

http://www.upload3r.com/serve/210910/1285078163.png

Terbinator

21-09-10, 15:11

Why can't i edit ?

Also, whatever we feel? An OS in some form is needed and i cant see you selling a Linux based system...

Aaron

21-09-10, 15:11

I don't think you can edit in the Competition forums..

Sniperdude

21-09-10, 15:48

mine failed LOL Aria really need to get some cheaper media cases Silverstone FTW

not a single case below £100 :rolleyes:

http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo97/sniperdude_2008/Capture-16.jpg

Pepp77

21-09-10, 15:54

Ive gone £6 over but include OS, Bluray, after market cooler for quietness, and remote control.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/VtHa_ILtmEtdeegwZCqkxQ,,

Pepp77

21-09-10, 15:56

Ive gone £6 over but include OS, Bluray, after market cooler for quietness, and remote control.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/VtHa_ILtmEtdeegwZCqkxQ,,

Forgot to add it also includes SSD for quick startup and a second drive for storage

http://gyazo.com/cdfbae70edef9106ebdfd96d21a8de22.png

Terbinator

21-09-10, 15:58

Not to be a party pooper but the Aria specs say theres only one Internal drive bay on that case...

Pepp77

21-09-10, 16:14

Not to be a party pooper but the Aria specs say theres only one Internal drive bay on that case...

You are correct - however I built a HTPC in their last month and the SSD can be sat ontop of the 3.5" bay with no issues whatsoever which is why I went that way.

Toonshorty

21-09-10, 16:15

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/BwRbL3NFdonbkMoiDOsf6g,,

2GB RAM is more than enough for a HTPC, i3 530 for excellent performance, decent graphics quality and a 2TB HDD for storing all your DVDs and Blu-Rays right on the HTPC itself.

Also comes with Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit and a Samsung Blu-Ray player.

Terbinator

21-09-10, 16:20

You are correct - however I built a HTPC in their last month and the SSD can be sat ontop of the 3.5" bay with no issues whatsoever which is why I went that way.

Can't see Aria shipping a HTPC with an SSD clanking around inside though :p

Still waiting for confirmation on need of OS...

Pepp77

21-09-10, 16:23

Can't see Aria shipping a HTPC with an SSD clanking around inside though :p

Still waiting for confirmation on need of OS...

Double sided velcro would hold it in place lol

Pepp77

21-09-10, 16:24

Can't see Aria shipping a HTPC with an SSD clanking around inside though :p

Still waiting for confirmation on need of OS...

No editing so sorry for double post again.

Rawz has said that the OS/software is "whatever you feel" - so you can do one with and one without maybe.

sibeer

21-09-10, 16:26

I've taken a slightly different approach on mine, personally I think lots of people like Media Centrers that can game as well. If you aren't doing that then for most people there is little point going above using a Ion box like the Acre REVO with XBMC which will cost about £200. I also reckon that looks are a BIG part for serious AV peeps so went flashy on the case.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/c9o-5Kwqc4gUEPJjYgM1YA,,

power fuse0

21-09-10, 17:11

HTPC?
I don't reallly know what you mean by that. I'm guessing it's just a normal set of components though right?

Pepp77

21-09-10, 17:12

HTPC?
I don't reallly know what you mean by that. I'm guessing it's just a normal set of components though right?

Home Theatre Personal Computer - so basically one that is designed to be used for watching films etc, rather than playing games or writing emails.

sibeer

21-09-10, 17:21

Home Theatre Personal Computer - so basically one that is designed to be used for watching films etc, rather than playing games or writing emails.

HTPC means a PC that fits in with your Home Theatre kit. What specs you want it to do would depend on your budget and what you wanted to do with it. Personally my sig PC is the HTPC in my gaming room at the mo (along with PS3, 360, etc) and I use an Ion based ITX system for media only HTPC in the lounge.

sibeer

21-09-10, 17:26

What specs you want it to do would depend on your budget and what you wanted to do with it.

English fail and no edit :cry

"What specs you require depend on budget and intended usage" sounds much better.

Common requirements on them are:

1. Sleek case, preferably desktop to go in rack with other AV Kit
2. Not too noisy
3. HDMI output and HD Video acceleration
4. Ability to control from your armchair
5. Ability to game at resolutions of at least 720P, preferably 1080P
6. Some sort of TV Card if you want it to record shows (though the lack of a simple Sky plugin makes that a waste of time for me in the UK)

Zaim

21-09-10, 17:26

I think my build offers excellent quality components as well as offering the user to do some light gaming, watching videos etc without any issues. This build also has the option to upgrade components at a later date i.e. add another 2gb of ram if you need to, upgrade cpu to quad/six core etc.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/DWUedOy87yphMVTfeGVdpw,,

Gone over by £5, is that ok Rawz?

HecklerUK

21-09-10, 17:46

OK, here's my list... some slightly cheaper components but it allows for more things to be included. With this you can simply install the OS and you've got everything except the TV. :)

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/xC8svVX52hbh_5AVY7gzrA..

HecklerUK

21-09-10, 17:50

HecklerUK

21-09-10, 17:51

gah... double post. It failed the first time and I added some extra text so can the first one be deleted please.

Mokey

21-09-10, 18:01

Here's mine, I chose the components to give excellent performance at low noise levels to avoid annoying fan noise while watching tv or movies.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/N7VuKUrB7VZJEjDZtHDb0g,,

http://i52.tinypic.com/2s0b8yu.jpg (http://i52.tinypic.com/2s0b8yu.jpg)

It is designed to give excellent performance at good value while also being very quiet (the fans would be set to low or optionally replaced with nexus real silent 80mm's which have rubber mounts).
The cpu cooler allows the i3 to be overclocked while still maintaining lower temperatures at low noise levels.
The gpu has hdmi output as well as being silent thanks to the passive cooler and is excellent value for money.
The motherboard was selected as it has good quality 7.1 sound and still fits in such a small case.
The case was chosen due it's low price and small size as well as the fact that it comes with a built in 350w psu.
Finally a blu-ray dvd-rw drive was selected for any movies that aren't on the 1tb hdd.

In addition to the optional 80mm fans, windows 7 home premium, a TV tuner and a discrete sound card (such as a Xonar DX) could be offered as extras.

Mokey

21-09-10, 18:06

Sorry, price for all the above comes to - £461.94
Could a mod add this in please? Thanks. :thumb:

Broadsword1976

21-09-10, 18:33

Here be mine.... Not super psyched about the case but came in £20 under budget with an OS and SSD.... so room for play

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/VChGqcLZgriIULft-gHB7g, (https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/VChGqcLZgriIULft-gHB7g,,)

Broadsword1976

21-09-10, 18:38

Sorry for double post - No TV tuner in that build above but that's 'cos who seriously uses them anyway? I guess you could add one and not be more than a tenner over £500.

Pepp77

21-09-10, 18:52

OK, here's my list... some slightly cheaper components but it allows for more things to be included. With this you can simply install the OS you've got everything except the TV.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/xC8svVX52hbh_5AVY7gzrA,,

It's worth noting that the case comes with a 350w PSU, but I can't vouch for it's quality or noise level. I'd recommend a Be Quiet 350w as they are perfect for small form factor builds and are utterly silent (I have one in my HTPC). I've also added a passive cooled graphics card to supplement the onboard in case it's not quite upto the job with full HD 1080p content.

I can confirm the Antec 80+ 350W PSU is excellent and silent (or it is on the build I just made with one). The 3 case fans on low are also silent and near inaudible on medium - not tried them on high.

And to add the videocard (Compro 350S) will not fit in the case as it isnt low profile.

@ Broadsword - I use a DVB-S card in my main HTPC for freesat - its great and I havent actually had sky on in about a month as a result of having it.

callumburns

21-09-10, 18:53

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/cg7j6VmNMU3re_0N7DQ45g,,

theres my entry :)

Broadsword1976

21-09-10, 18:57

I'm a total lemon...No Optical drive at all (let alone Blu-Ray) in my build either - think I should retire from this comp as I'm obviously having a bad day.

Terbinator

21-09-10, 19:06

There was none in mine either - wasn't to sure if the £40 outlay was worth it.

carebare47

21-09-10, 19:26

Here be mine =)

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/ayaqjfBwmfv2gsglGutG6A,,

Managed to get the 1055T processor and an ATI radeon 5750 512MB graphic card in with 4GB DDR3 RAM. =)

Will

21-09-10, 19:26

Here's my entry :)

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1006/htpcl.png

Will

21-09-10, 19:27

It'll be silent, cheap and a good performer and doesn't waste energy on that Hyper Threading nonsense that comes with the i3 series :P

KickButt

21-09-10, 19:34

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/03jatkin/htpccomp2.png

and i would add some of this if you could to!
Acousti AcoustiPack ML 3-layer 7mm OEM Material

https://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Case+Modifications/Acousti+AcoustiPack+ML+3-layer+7mm+OEM+Material+?productId=41444

or if we are counting delivery costs:
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm313/03jatkin/htpccomp1.png

sibeer

21-09-10, 20:24

Bumnuts, just noticed it has lost my deals when wish listing the build. Will have another crack :)

Andrew Moore

21-09-10, 20:42

http://www.upload3r.com/serve/210910/1285097780.jpg

Nice case with PSU and a low profile case at that.

Low profile dual digi tv tuner and remote along with remote for the case and a solid 350w 80 plus psu to boot.

blu-ray with an i3 530 and its built in blu-ray caperble codec to play over the HDMI on the h55 motherboard.

Some nice high quality memory and an ample 1.5tb of storage.

Should run very quiet, have a fair amount of grunt in a similar league as the Q6600 and Q9300 cpus from the lga 775 era.

Best of all is near silence due to no GPU, a suprisingly quiet stock cpu cooler and 3x 80mm tri cool Antec fans that have just enough air flow for the system in question. Space for a low profile GPU such as the low profile 5770 vtx have announced. Space for further storage and expansion with the latest windows 7 operating system to tidy you over.

A gorgeous little HTPC fully equiped for just £500 ready for any 1080p display and home theatre speaker system. All thats now needed is a wireless keyboard with trackpad to navigate the OS, surf the net and play solitaire.

Andy

sibeer

21-09-10, 20:46

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Ml6DJEvZOqk/TJkIF2dBN_I/AAAAAAAAAFA/FUFagXFkMYc/s800/%C2%A3500%20Media.jpg

£496.93 Inc VAT. Blu Ray, gorgeous case and a top class GPU make this a real best of both machine. If all you want is media playback then you shouldn't be spending £500 ;)

Alternatively, if you must fit an OS in then you have to cut out the future proofing of BluRay, TriCore, SATA 6 and USB 3:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Ml6DJEvZOqk/TJkLHyyXpkI/AAAAAAAAAFI/tkIfVPoX6Ts/s800/No2.jpg

f12f12

21-09-10, 21:24

heres mine.

a very good case (:

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/0vjbO_V8j5oTw9m3lI57fQ,,

Mr. Pineapple

21-09-10, 22:08

http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/9735/htpcbuild.png

This is mimes. OS = Linux and its free :D

Tricky

21-09-10, 22:11

Good luck dudes! :ariaboss:
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/1446/ariaf.png (http://img31.imageshack.us/i/ariaf.png/)

Tricky

21-09-10, 22:36

I just relised sorry :o

Rhys

21-09-10, 23:16

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/hHuMsMR4T15r086JD-Qvlg,,

thought id give it a go.
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/8182/58214955.png
comes to £448 i believe. under the £500 mark which people are going over :)

Pepp77

21-09-10, 23:21

Rhys - sorry mate but not sure that CPU cooler will be any good, the biggest heatsink you can fit in the 350 is approx 75mm ;)

Rhys

21-09-10, 23:33

Rhys - sorry mate but not sure that CPU cooler will be any good, the biggest heatsink you can fit in the 350 is approx 75mm ;)

bummer.

is it possible to update to http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Fans%2C+Heatsinks%2C+Coolers/CPU+Coolers/THERMALTAKE+CL-P0537+775%2FAM2%2FAM3+ISGC-100+?productId=37644 then?

making it then

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/2209/35086604.png

EzyRyder

22-09-10, 17:57

Hi guys,

Here is my entry:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_b4KAZUEHLfc/TJo0cDFlSrI/AAAAAAAAAXg/BinqipGZiqE/HTPC.jpg

Nice Aluminium case which oozes quality
Quality Power Supply
Quality Motherboard with HDMI out and 7.1 Sound + expansion PCI slot for those with gaming pretensions!
Intel Core i3 with integrated GPU
Quality RAM with Lifetime Warranty
A really nice Blu-Ray Player
Low Profile CPU cooler to keep things cool
A speedy 1TB HD from Samsung

£490.08 Including VAT

I didn't include OS as not everyone needs one and you could always add it as an option, same goes for the graphics card.

mac124

22-09-10, 18:50

My suggestion https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/tj9mglO4CKwxcLdLQRL-IQ,,

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y1/mac124/mediacentrebuild.jpg

Here is my reasoning behind the build.

1) The case comes with a remote control, a must imho for a media centre, imho.
2) Fitted with a Blu Ray drive, a bit of a luxury maybe but people may have or want to at a later date watch Blu Rays.
3) Motherboard has onboard HD capable graphics to go with the above.
4) Dual Digital TV card, watch one channel and record another, again a must for a media centre, imho.
5) A large hard drive to store all those recorded tv programs, and anything else the use may want to put on there, music, pictures etc.
6) As its "only" a media centre it doesn't need a massivly powerful cpu, hence the x2 250, ample for media centre duties
7) As is "only" 2gb of memory, mine runs fine with 2gb.
8) To power it all, a modest yet probably over the top branded 400w psu.
9) None of the above will work without an operating system, hence 7 64bit.

PeterStoba

22-09-10, 19:42

Here's my entry :)

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/1006/htpcl.png

It'll be silent, cheap and a good performer and doesn't waste energy on that Hyper Threading nonsense that comes with the i3 series :P

Yeah them nonsense i3 series CPUs with the built in GPU that allows you to actually output video...

dav532000

22-09-10, 22:50

Hears my link:-

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/fttpSL-fvZCTLYLvnHtKEQ,,

All the components needed for a HTPC.
Decent Motherboard.
Cpu can be upgraded in the future
Good Ram specs
Sata III Hard Drive
Blu-Ray Drive
Low Profile CPU Cooler
Low Profile TV Tuner
Windows 7

I have gone for a cheaper HTPC Case with a 450 watt PSU.
As I think that if the case has a good speck System inside then rather than offering
the customer upgrades to components, which they will most likely expect in the first place, you could simply offer the same specks in differant cases.

Total Price £498.15, if someone is spending £500.00 then surely they apply for free delivery.

dav532000

22-09-10, 22:53

The link states £487.45 not £498.15, need to do my Sums.

I3R0K3N7FEET

22-09-10, 23:31

can we use superspecials?

if so

this comes to £499.93

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/I3R0K3N7FEET/Untitled-28.jpg

I3R0K3N7FEET

22-09-10, 23:37

maybe use a cheaper case, + larger HDD or TV card and it would be near perfect?

Peter

23-09-10, 00:23

I don't think I missed anything so here's my entry, including a screenshot in case prices fluctuate.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/lGcbZPssEoXrihIxk0Libw,,

http://www.truhost.co.uk/htpc.png

Should work nicely. There's motherboard has HDMI and DVI out to utilise the i3's onboard GPU.

Nice big F3 hard drive to store all of your content on, and a BluRay player for... well... BluRay playback.

Nice solid PSU, RAM and Windows 7 to finish off the deal. And all for under £500. :)

Peter

23-09-10, 00:24

There's motherboard

Woo typo that I can't edit out!

NickCPC

23-09-10, 00:33

I suspect pricing will change before the weekend, so this is like an almost-final entry (but I will probably tweak it before Monday);
http://i53.tinypic.com/21acr4z.png (https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/1Ba2uHvATrQnaDHgPla5KA)

I wanted to try and focus on useful accessories, so have a TV tuner, wireless adapter, BD drive for futureproofing and wireless keyboard with touchpad. G6950's GPU should be more than powerful enough for 1080p decodes. I want a bigger HDD but then checking my film folder I currently have 55x 720p or 1080p films taking up 323GB, so I'd put the F4 2TB as an upgrade option, along with Windows 7 Home Premium. My thinking with this is that if you're looking to buy an HTPC, chances are you are actually pretty clued up technologically (as it is a fairly niche type of PC) and you might have a copy of Win7 lying around anyway.

I'm really hoping that the CX400 drops in price, as I don't like the OCZ 400W PSU, and I'd ideally like Corsair RAM too but can't have everything I guess. Would also have made use of the PCI slot for a TV tuner but prices are currently too high. Anyway, that's a first (and non-final) attempt, will post another one on Sunday.

PS Some great builds so far, been really interesting reading through them.

pomfretbantam

23-09-10, 01:25

Here's my attempt but its certainly difficult with the compromises you need to make.https://www.aria.co.uk/myAria/Wish+Lists/htpc+comp?operation=wishListMakePublic&listId=1

Peter

23-09-10, 01:32

Here's my attempt but its certainly difficult with the compromises you need to make.https://www.aria.co.uk/myAria/Wish+Lists/htpc+comp?operation=wishListMakePublic&listId=1

You need to click that link and then post the wish list URL. What you've posted there is the link you click to actually make the wish list public.

pomfretbantam

23-09-10, 01:39

Ok thanks, here is my 2nd attempt to post it then lol.:o
https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/0_XrsEEmtRBSZeCsKEtw4Q,,

power fuse0

23-09-10, 07:03

I did my best.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/hxTxjE12SVCbACNqUSJlgg,,

marsey99

23-09-10, 08:22

33879 @115
37659 @118
30175 @30
6935 @13
39802 @53
39370 @45
38271 @76
37094 @49

total £500 ;)

Ninjacat

23-09-10, 09:07

here's mine

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/gTb9vgHNew9xx4PApK6drA,,

and i would build this my self (if i had the money :()

Lynx

23-09-10, 09:41

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/d92Hfff9fWF2JnxnIBPRzw,,

Here is mine :)

dav532000

23-09-10, 16:38

Pepp77

23-09-10, 16:52

here's mine

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/gTb9vgHNew9xx4PApK6drA,,

and i would build this my self (if i had the money :()

Would the DVB card fit in that low profile case considering its a full size card?

dav532000

23-09-10, 16:52

Sorry for this but heres my new link.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/PI4AWHrlAadq4pFD2M2Udw (https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/PI4AWHrlAadq4pFD2M2Udw,,),,

Comes in at £446.11, Includind Vat and Delivery.

Pepp77

23-09-10, 17:02

here's mine

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/gTb9vgHNew9xx4PApK6drA,,

and i would build this my self (if i had the money :()

Oh and sorry Bahamut but the case doesnt allow you to use 3.5" drives only 2.5" ones.

Check out a review of the case here:-

http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=523&Itemid=61

dav532000

23-09-10, 17:53

https://www.aria.co.uk/myAria/ShoppingCart

Done a Amd one so here is my Intel package.
Going to do another one of each, but with no OS.

dav532000

23-09-10, 18:40

https://www.aria.co.uk/myAria/ShoppingCart

Done a Amd one so here is my Intel package.
Going to do another one of each, but with no OS.

Wrong link try this one.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/LwkCXQiSwSwkRBqv_uNUcw,,

Pepp77

23-09-10, 19:04

Rawz - normally competitions are limited to one entry arent they, is this one different then and if so can we enter an unlimited amount of different specs?

clemos

23-09-10, 19:39

Intel build:https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/T2S7JDeL9HplS_QqpvYGhQ,,

AMD build:https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/iq8cAO1gJvHKJTODYEeHVw,,

dav532000

23-09-10, 21:25

Done a AMD build with an OS, this one has not got one.

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/lR3riUlMtaOcyGFfgp1YLA,,

I think that it should have been made clear at the start whether to include a OS or not, as people who do not include one can give better, or more components. So everyone do both, if you have the time that is.
I myself am disabled, and unable to work, so it has given me something to occupy my mind so I dont mind.

Andrew Moore

23-09-10, 21:34

You'll be asked to chose your spec your entering.

This is what was requested last time there was similar.

Andy

jbromley

25-09-10, 14:28

Okay folks, here's my entry - some thought gone into this, as I've been using Media Center now for about 5 or 6 years, and this system makes for the stuff that I find important, and I'll list the reasoning below...

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/-waHeTLECG8vA9VGMJESlw,,

Case is an ASUS Vintage Bare-Bones System, as in my situation the system will be sat behind the TV/Monitor and is VERY rarely accessed, so the looks don't necessarily matter.

I have put 2x HDD in there, 1 for System and DVD/Video rips, the other for the Recorded TV, doesn't really matter which way around they go, more down to personal taste as to which needs more space, TV programs or Videos. The main reason for splitting it is the potential system slow down when recording 2x TV Programs and watching a third at the same time, believe me, it's amazing how many times this happens.

Also I have included a seperate graphics card, albeit a low-end on for the simple reason that the on-board i3 GPU just doesn't hack it when it comes to playing video. Whilst some may argue that it is Stutter Free, which it mainly is, it suppers from washed out colours and blocky appearance - just adding a cheap graphics card is light night and day, pushing it to proper HD quality when watching .mkv files etc.

The extra three items which are essential to ANY media centre experience are a 2 tuner tuner card, the remote control and obviously, Windows 7 Home Premium (or above)

Smifis

25-09-10, 14:42

my birthdays the 27th, i'm feeling lucky :D

RawZ

25-09-10, 14:43

You'll be asked to chose your spec your entering.

This is what was requested last time there was similar.

Andy

This.

mac124

25-09-10, 14:45

I only did one so guess which one i am entering :D.

I3R0K3N7FEET

25-09-10, 15:19

here is my improved entry.

comes to (not including delivery)

£499.25

improvements such as larger HDD, better connectivity, better upgrade options with selectively chosen products to make use of mobo slots without using up the pcie x16 lane should a graphics card be added on later.all the while keeping a healthy 4GB ram and an SSD for OS. along with good quality sound card and TV/ satellite tuner

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/I3R0K3N7FEET/Untitled5.jpg

I3R0K3N7FEET

25-09-10, 15:20

oops ive made a mistake xD

low profile sound card? xD

I3R0K3N7FEET

25-09-10, 15:26

triple post? ;D

ok improved again. sorted out the sound card and improved the cpu too.

wile some might argue on the case imo it is a very non imposing case that can have a change of use too which is good.
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/I3R0K3N7FEET/htt.jpg

I3R0K3N7FEET

25-09-10, 15:27

oh price is £493.38

quad post i feel so badd

Littlestman

25-09-10, 15:59

https://www.aria.co.uk/myAria/ShoppingCart heres mine

legs21

25-09-10, 16:57

i5 750@3.9Ghz,Corsair H50,GTX260,GA-P55A-UD3,2x2GB GSkill DDR3,
600W OCZ PSU,Pioneer 216,64GB SSD,Black Fractal Case loaded with quiet fans.

gaunty

25-09-10, 17:34

oh price is £493.38

quad post i feel so badd

I'm going to do 10 consecutive posts and see if I can beat you.
And see how 'badd' you feel.

I3R0K3N7FEET

25-09-10, 18:22

meh whatever if i could edit my post i would have. i simply made a mistake and corrected it. :)

am interested to see what you can come up with :D

gaunty

25-09-10, 21:17

No point really seeing as Aria employ people to do these things :)

Mokey

25-09-10, 21:43

No point really seeing as Aria employ people to do these things :)
I trust you don't enter competitions either as "Aria already know the answer".

gaunty

25-09-10, 22:02

That would mean a different answer to a different question :D

Spaceboy

25-09-10, 22:24

Just realised deadline was fast approaching :eek:

My attempt...
Wish list link
https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/uXQWJcfoZBqAdGrI07uPzQ,,

http://www.spaceboy.co.uk/general/htpc.jpg
Nice case, Intel i3 with dual channel RAM and a blu-ray drive. CPU should have enough grunt for HD, while the motherboard supports enough video outputs :) Squeezed in a wireless keyboard even though this case comes with a remote, and a wireless PCI card to save dragging network cables around :D

Bezza

26-09-10, 15:19

Here's my attempt. Apologies for the image, but everything deleted from my cart....

http://www.negativereflections.co.uk/images/HTPC.jpg

Benefits of my system:
- Full HD experience (BD Drive, external GPU so can handle HD videos) :popcorn:
- Quiet as a mouse (not stock CPU cooler)
- Quality PSU so less returns :ninja:

Bezza

26-09-10, 15:20

Oh, and full HDMI connectivity (video and audio)

NickCPC

26-09-10, 16:04

Finalised entry (clickable image linking to wishlist);

http://i55.tinypic.com/aze96t.jpg (https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/HHACXTsC0DbDRPI0Z350nQ)

Link to explanations of the majority of components is here (http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=514631&postcount=61). Changes in this finalised build include a PCI 802.11n networking card, so less external clutter, an upgraded Samsung F3 1TB HDD, and now a retail BD-ROM drive (as the old OEM one has been discontinued). Price is £498.08 inc VAT (after delivery and VAT on delivery has been removed).

Smifis

26-09-10, 16:07

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/6730/htpc.png

Truly silent design, CUDA support, Quad core, Native HD internall, "A MASSIVE" 1TB Storage for all of your films and music :knock: etc.

marsey99

26-09-10, 16:15

i still think mines the best set up for sitting under the tv :thumb:

El Wayneo

26-09-10, 16:19

I think people are putting wayyyy too much into these.

My HTPC is in my Sig and can play blu ray and 1080p MKV perfectly.

But having won 3 of the last 6 comps i'll refrain form this one.

marsey99

26-09-10, 16:25

I think people are putting wayyyy too much into these.

My HTPC is in my Sig and can play blu ray and 1080p MKV perfectly.

But having won 3 of the last 6 comps i'll refrain form this one.

so do i, hence why i went for the lowest power draw i could for a system that will play full hd too ;)

Smifis

26-09-10, 16:31

I've put mine together on the basis that it's a 'one up' on what they currently have. https://www.aria.co.uk/Systems/Mediacenter+Range/Pandora/Gladiator+Pandora+Fusion+Home+Theatre+PC+-+Windows+7+Home+Premium+?productId=41210

I should think that costs them around the 350 mark to build and send, so one that cost 500 should be better.

clemos

26-09-10, 17:06

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/iq8cAO1gJvHKJTODYEeHVw,,
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6730/htpc.png

Will

27-09-10, 12:08

Yeah them nonsense i3 series CPUs with the built in GPU that allows you to actually output video...

so does the G6950 :confused:

RawZ

27-09-10, 17:19

Right this will take some time. Can everyone please state their entered spec!

I3R0K3N7FEET

27-09-10, 17:22

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=520843&postcount=85

that one

NickCPC

27-09-10, 17:34

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=521957&postcount=97

:)

Peter

27-09-10, 17:34

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=514597&postcount=59

mac124

27-09-10, 17:40

My entry http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=513447&postcount=53

Linky to wish list (https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/tj9mglO4CKwxcLdLQRL-IQ)

https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/tj9mglO4CKwxcLdLQRL-IQ

clemos

27-09-10, 17:44

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=522061&postcount=103

Pepp77

27-09-10, 18:07

Im entering my only attempt

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=510465&postcount=14

Mokey

27-09-10, 18:10

Here's mine: https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/N7VuKUrB7VZJEjDZtHDb0g
(https://www.aria.co.uk/WishList/N7VuKUrB7VZJEjDZtHDb0g)

Smifis

27-09-10, 21:08

My Only Entry
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/6730/htpc.png

Spaceboy

28-09-10, 00:22

My only entry :)
http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=521415&postcount=94

RawZ

28-09-10, 08:00

Anymore?

Andrew Moore

28-09-10, 08:32

http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=511265&postcount=43

Thats mine :P

Andy

aspdend

28-09-10, 08:43

thought I was too late for this, so here's mine Rawz

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/4480/htpccomp.jpg

callumburns

28-09-10, 10:18

i dont think that cooler would fit in that case mate, but i could be wrong :p

Pepp77

28-09-10, 10:22

i dont think that cooler would fit in that case mate, but i could be wrong :p

You could be but Im fairly certain you're not

aspdend

28-09-10, 10:23

You are quite right callumburns - got the width and height mixed up...

callumburns

28-09-10, 10:24

think i will check measurements to check because it will annoy me if i dont find out i have OCD that way :chairfall:

aspdend

28-09-10, 10:27

thought I was too late for this, so here's mine Rawz

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/4480/htpccomp.jpg

Change cooler to scythe shuriken Rev B Low Profile Quick Code 40592

Overall cost now £494.66 :D

callumburns

28-09-10, 10:28

lol im sure Rawz will allow and exception mate good luck looks good :D

aspdend

28-09-10, 10:31

Thanks for the heads up - feel soooo stupid that I checked it to make sure it did fit and got it wrong anyway!! Got one in my own HTPC and that fits just fine...LOL

Melancholic

28-09-10, 17:03

Heres what i configured, equipped with a quad core and 4 gigs of ram, encoding will be no problem.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/9387/htpcbuild.jpg

Think i got good specs there, originally had water cooling in there. Not really necessary in a htpc :p

Pepp77

28-09-10, 17:10

Heres what i configured, equipped with a quad core and 4 gigs of ram, encoding will be no problem.

img

Think i got good specs there, originally had water cooling in there. Not really necessary in a htpc :p

Shame the TV card will not fit in the case :) (I dont think as it isnt low profile and the case is quite slim).

Rhys

28-09-10, 17:19

shame to everyone who entered in the last 17 hours lol.

comp ended "Monday 27th September".

So yeah.
Someone change to closed??

callumburns

28-09-10, 17:19

i think this has been all forgotten about

Melancholic

28-09-10, 17:35

Shame the TV card will not fit in the case (I dont think as it isnt low profile and the case is quite slim).

I though that too, but i also though it had to fit as the metal expansion slot attachment thing is the same size as the graphics card. Surely that would mean they would both fit?

(P.S do not take this as hostility, I've been wondering about it for some time :p)

sibeer

28-09-10, 18:17

did we ever find out what was to play for on this one? Good luck anyway people, may the best system win :P

Pepp77

28-09-10, 18:25

I though that too, but i also though it had to fit as the metal expansion slot attachment thing is the same size as the graphics card. Surely that would mean they would both fit?

(P.S do not take this as hostility, I've been wondering about it for some time :p)

Ah nope - the GPU comes with a normal metal expansion slot attachment thing as standard and a low profile one in the box.

Although as Rhys said you did enter after the closing date lol

clemos

28-09-10, 18:26

I'm guessing there's going to be a poll for the best?

Pepp77

28-09-10, 18:27

I'm guessing there's going to be a poll for the best?

I think Rawz said they were going to go through them and decide.

Ninjacat

28-09-10, 18:36

think the prize should be the system suggested ? what you think ?

sibeer

28-09-10, 18:39

think the prize should be the system suggested ? what you think ?

I would literally wet my pants if they sent me the system I suggested (non-OS version ;))

Would feel a bit sorry for my ITX ION MC currently in the lounge though as it would be off to the bedroom :thumb:

EzyRyder

28-09-10, 19:21

me too! It would finally mean that my only computer is really for my use and my wife could use the cube!!!

Mokey

28-09-10, 19:23

I would literally wet my pants if they sent me the system I suggested (non-OS version ;))

Would feel a bit sorry for my ITX ION MC currently in the lounge though as it would be off to the bedroom :thumb:

+1 for the pants wetting. :thumb:

Can't exactly see it happening though... :(

NickCPC

28-09-10, 19:25

think the prize should be the system suggested ? what you think ?
I would strongly recommend you don't get your hopes up lol. We've helped to spec at least 5, probably 10 PCs which Aria now sell for no prizes/reward, let alone getting the actual system (personally that's fine by me as I really enjoy just speccing builds for people, and it's my way of giving back to the forum), so if you won I'd be grateful for anything they can find to send you :thumb:

mac124

28-09-10, 19:33

I really enjoy just speccing builds for people, and it's my way of giving back to the forum, so if you won I'd be grateful for anything they can find to send you :thumb:

Ditto on that, i like spending other peoples money :D

sibeer

29-09-10, 08:29

I would strongly recommend you don't get your hopes up lol. We've helped to spec at least 5, probably 10 PCs which Aria now sell for no prizes/reward, let alone getting the actual system (personally that's fine by me as I really enjoy just speccing builds for people, and it's my way of giving back to the forum), so if you won I'd be grateful for anything they can find to send you :thumb:

In no way disagreeing, but you have to admit that would be the best prize ever :thumb:

El Wayneo

29-09-10, 08:34

Having the majority of Rigs of i build for others being HTPC i can't see the winning entry having "onboard" graphics.

Its just plain awful in HD compared to a standalone card.

Pepp77

29-09-10, 08:55

Having the majority of Rigs of i build for others being HTPC i can't see the winning entry having "onboard" graphics.

Its just plain awful in HD compared to a standalone card.

Sorry but thats rubbish - my last HTPC build used onboard (780G) and shows no difference in picture quality when playing video/bluray back than my other PC running a dedicated graphics card and Im about to change the one with dedicated GPU out for an 880G motherboard to go onboard.

The 780G and up motherboards are recommended for HTPC's because they can easily handle HD content, are silent and do not require an extra hot device to be in the case.

I would actually be disappointed if the winning entry wasnt using a correct version of onboard.

Lynx

29-09-10, 08:55

Unless its an AMD based onboard, they play HD more than adequately.

El Wayneo

29-09-10, 09:43

Sorry but thats rubbish - my last HTPC build used onboard (780G) and shows no difference in picture quality when playing video/bluray back than my other PC running a dedicated graphics card and Im about to change the one with dedicated GPU out for an 880G motherboard to go onboard.

The 780G and up motherboards are recommended for HTPC's because they can easily handle HD content, are silent and do not require an extra hot device to be in the case.

I would actually be disappointed if the winning entry wasnt using a correct version of onboard.

Well we'll just have to disagree, personally i feel there is a massive difference between, HD3000, HD4000 and a standalone HD5450.

I'm not arguing playback ability, just picture quality, depth of colours is awful on IGP still.

I haven't entered so have no bias towards my own entry, but having built around 100 HTPC for people i personally think the winning entry should have a standalone GPU.

I wouldn't want AGP for £500.

Smifis

29-09-10, 09:53

I wouldn't want AGP for £500.
This.

El Wayneo

29-09-10, 09:56

Thats supposed to be IGP.

sibeer

29-09-10, 09:58

Have to say that the image quality from my two integrated systems on HDMI (780G and ION) is as good as that from my 260GTX. I have a pretty good media setup and a keen eye for these things too. I would honestly suggest you give either of them a go next time as they are both great for getting what you need working cheaply.

ION has the benefit of lowest power usage, size and noise, it's also far and away the better choice if using XBMC due to the quality of Nvidia Linux Drivers. For similar cash you can get a bit more power with an AMD LE chip / 78x chipset, the MATX builds also give more of an upgrade path.

That said I think the winning machine should have a separate GPU as I think you want to be able to play some games on a £500 machine too. Otherwise you might as well go for an ION or budget AMD system as it does the media duties just as well.

aspdend

29-09-10, 10:17

I'm with Sibeer on this one - for my own HTPC I chose an MSI motherboard without on board graphics as I knew I wanted a separate GPU to play some games etc also...

jbromley

29-09-10, 10:22

Ninjacat

29-09-10, 10:35

I would strongly recommend you don't get your hopes up lol. We've helped to spec at least 5, probably 10 PCs which Aria now sell for no prizes/reward, let alone getting the actual system (personally that's fine by me as I really enjoy just speccing builds for people, and it's my way of giving back to the forum), so if you won I'd be grateful for anything they can find to send you :thumb:

was just a suggestion :P

im happy with what ever Rawz decideds as the winning prize:thumb:

Pepp77

29-09-10, 10:35

Pepp77

29-09-10, 10:38

Should say 37" 1080p TV.

sibeer

29-09-10, 11:05

As mentioned in my entry, the i3 on-board is pretty poor for playing TV and HD content, not the speed or stuttering, but in the blockiness and colour depth. It reminded me of cheap old early LCD tuners, whereas when I upgraded to a simple 2600 card it leaped into the realms of near HD quality. I've not seen the ION performance, but it would need to be "significantly" better to justify NOT having a card.

Haven't tried the Intel onboard, but most reviews say it isn't the one to go for in media centres. (or for gaming, or for image quality, or for anything really if you have the choice). I get a stunning Full HD image from both my IGP systems running Blu-Ray rips that near matches my Panny BDP-60.

Also to those saying it needs to be able to play games as well for £500 then it isnt a HTPC anymore really is it, its more of a multi purpose machine.

If it is in a nice looking case and under your TV or in your AV Rack then it is a HTPC. I have a number of consoles in my Home Theatre room, are they not welcome at the party either because they play games? I reckon you will have a hard job convincing customers to pay £500 just for a bit of extra silence and boot speed in their media box. If that's all they are after then a WD-Live is faster and quieter for £100 ;)

jbromley

29-09-10, 11:07

As said i have compared a 2600XT to a 780G motherboard and I could tell no difference on my 27" 1080p 100Hz TV.

Also to those saying it needs to be able to play games as well for £500 then it isnt a HTPC anymore really is it, its more of a multi purpose machine.

Well, as I said, I've only really tried the i3 system, so can't comment on AMD or even P4 stuff.

I3R0K3N7FEET

29-09-10, 23:02

jbromley

29-09-10, 23:44

personally ive found things like 'colour depth' and quality more important with the screen you are using than on graphics cards :/

the amd 785 and 880g chipsets are perfect for HTPC

if aria stocked it personally i would have chose this mobo

http://uk.asus.com/websites/global/products/vhi75jnBeZVzizh0/P_500.jpg
http://uk.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=vhi75jnBeZVzizh0&templete=2

Well, tbh - that was the way I found out about the i3 thing. Built myself a new HTPC for the living room, around an i3 530, using the on-board and the same tv I'd been using for ages, thought to myself - this looks terrible, really poor colour depth and ghosting etc... Fitted a 2600 graphics and bingo - problem gone.

I3R0K3N7FEET

29-09-10, 23:59

not used an i3 but used the IGP on a 785G mobo for a fair few months and cant see any difference in colour depth at all compared to a 9600gt, 4890, 5850 and a gts250.

i have 3 conclusions

that either people simply stopped using vga cables and started using hdmi and went wow! and for some reason they thought it was the graphics card

the i3 GP is rubbish

there are some people who can see a greater spectrum than myself.

sibeer

30-09-10, 08:09

jbromley

30-09-10, 08:26

Definitely option 2, I was using HDMI cables, but also agree that VGA gets a bad rap

Ninjacat

30-09-10, 10:06

Do we know who won ?

sibeer

30-09-10, 11:33

Do we know who won ?

Quite a thread to go through, no decision yet.

aspdend

30-09-10, 11:46

there were a few cracking build options in there I must say - gonna be a toughie

clemos

01-10-10, 15:49

Any news. :)

Ninjacat

01-10-10, 21:05

Don't think so as someones said earlier there's alot of good bulid :)

callumburns

01-10-10, 22:34

i would give it till monday until a winner is announced.

Smifis

02-10-10, 13:47

...monday teh following week after :d

There is an awful lot of work here :D

Mokey

05-10-10, 17:30

No news so far... :(:cry

clemos

05-10-10, 17:32

Maybe they're building each system and testing them out...:rolleyes:

Smifis

05-10-10, 17:44

lol, glad a remembered a PSU this time, they might have an issue otherwise :D

Ninjacat

05-10-10, 19:37

i cant take much more need to now !!!!!

sibeer

06-10-10, 12:12

The new Essence Nano Mini-ITX Gaming PC would have been a decent contender too, shame the box doesn't fit in your rack (thing I hate most about my sig machine being a media PC).

EzyRyder

06-10-10, 13:34

There are so many entries and so many of them so similar that anyone could win to be honest. Some of them will be out of date too after so long!

RawZ

06-10-10, 13:51

Taking some time as their very similar. We may take to a poll. Bare with us.

Will

08-10-10, 15:01

2 days later..

Ninjacat

08-10-10, 15:03

.. and i win :P

callumburns

08-10-10, 15:05

mines is zee best i have a bit of everything for under £500 :D:D

aspdend

08-10-10, 15:07

I vote for a poll for this one...it's a tough comp

Ninjacat

08-10-10, 15:09

well rawz is greating one lol

must be too many for the aria forums to handle :P

El Wayneo

08-10-10, 15:09

I vote for one that has an add in soundcard and GPU.

clemos

08-10-10, 15:14

None have a dedicated soundcard...

callumburns

08-10-10, 15:15

mines has an asus sonar in it and a 5550

El Wayneo

08-10-10, 15:15

Really, would have thought it was a must.

Given how many on the forum have them over onboard.

Will

08-10-10, 15:16

Onboard sound cards kick ***

clemos

08-10-10, 15:21

Ahh didn't see yours as it's not after RawZ said state your entered spec.

Mokey

09-10-10, 11:16

Everyone knows that I should win... :p

It was actually really difficult to get everything you would need into it with < £500, in the end I had to use the mobo's onboard 5.1 sound. :(

sibeer

09-10-10, 20:54

Really, would have thought it was a must.

Given how many on the forum have them over onboard.

On a £500 machine it is a good chunk of the budget that could be better spent. To get an ideal Media PC in my mind you probably need closer to £800 budget.

mac124

09-10-10, 21:17

Onboard sound these days is quite good, unless you have a high end amp / speakers to plug it into you probably wouldn't tell the difference, and if you have then you probably wouldn't be spending "only" £500 on a htpc.

Just my 2p :)

AmdOverclocker

09-10-10, 21:34

I vote for one that has an add in soundcard and GPU.

thats clever... a Add in sound card for a £500 budget PC, nice one lol.

Broadsword1976

09-10-10, 21:44

Having the majority of Rigs of i build for others being HTPC i can't see the winning entry having "onboard" graphics.

Its just plain awful in HD compared to a standalone card.

Has not onboard GFX not got good enough yet to handle smooth HD?

Darn, I was hoping you can get away with some... Would an integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 not be comparable with, say an 8400GS?

I kinda thought these type of MATX boards were designed to do..

I'd definitely spec an HTPC for myself with a separate card...but that's 'cos I'd want it capable of gaming to a modest level.

Anyway not checked this competition since I botched my entry (no Optical drive.. Doh!) so missed the deadline.

For those still in, how many added an OS?
and will Aria treat those who didn't in a slightly less favourable light?
-Just 'cos £70 frees up a lot of hardware kitty, that would probably give something of advantage over those who chucked in a Win7 OEM :confused:

AmdOverclocker

09-10-10, 22:11

thats clever... a Add in sound card for a £500 budget PC, nice one lol.

ok actually it is HTPC so fair enough but still the difference between onboard vs sound card is nothing unless you get an expensive one but that's going to ruin the rest of your budget so yeah there not much point.

El Wayneo

09-10-10, 22:16

Just me then i suppose, but isnt it Home Theatre PC?

And its playing blu rays and other HD content.

The Xtreme Music card i have in my HTPC is much much better than the onboard, beats the 7.1 on my EVGA X58 as well.

El Wayneo

09-10-10, 22:41

Will

09-10-10, 23:07

Has not onboard GFX not got good enough yet to handle smooth HD?

Darn, I was hoping you can get away with some... Would an integrated ATI Radeon HD 4200 not be comparable with, say an 8400GS?

I kinda thought these type of MATX boards were designed to do..

I'd definitely spec an HTPC for myself with a separate card...but that's 'cos I'd want it capable of gaming to a modest level.

Anyway not checked this competition since I botched my entry (no Optical drive.. Doh!) so missed the deadline.

For those still in, how many added an OS?
and will Aria treat those who didn't in a slightly less favourable light?
-Just 'cos £70 frees up a lot of hardware kitty, that would probably give something of advantage over those who chucked in a Win7 OEM :confused:

no no no no NO! :lol:

Toonshorty

09-10-10, 23:23

I put in a copy of Windows 7 OEM.

Not only that but it had some nice spec too.

Toonshorty

09-10-10, 23:24

I put in a copy of Windows 7 OEM.

Not only that but it had some nice spec too.

Well, you could replace that OS with a graphics card :|

Pepp77

09-10-10, 23:34

Edit: Something like that.

http://www.upload3r.com/serve/091010/1286660428.png

The compro doesnt fit in the case, its a full size card :), and speaking from experience you dont really want 3 cards in a case that small, with low speed quiet fans and a card directly in the slot next to the passive GPU, I tried it in my V351 and my passive 5450 was hitting 80c on idle and even hit 100c under load (my 2600 with a fan also with another card right next to it managed to stay at the midish 60s, but the fan had to become audible - something you do not really want in a HTPC)

I will completely defend the use of the right onboard video (I have the 4250) and onboard sound if it is over HDMI or optical and output to a decent sound system (mine is just a £130 System, but it does DD, DTS via optical) and I would allow anyone to come round and watch/listen to say the lobby scene from the Matrix in 1080p and then still think dedicate GPU and sound cards are needed for a normal home HTPC setup, when all they add is extra heat, extra power consumption and the possibility of extra noise.

mac124

10-10-10, 11:16

I included an OS in mine, as i assumed Aria would be selling the pc with one?

And yes onboard is plenty good enough for blue ray / hd playback thats all i use in my htpc.

I agree with you to some extent Wayneo in an ideal world i would probably upgraded my build to include a sound card, but like i said most people, probably myself included, won't have the extra kit to appreciate the difference between an Xfi or better sound card, plus the budget on this build wouldn't stretch to it. I thought a "proper" media centre case complete with a "proper" remote control was more important.

El Wayneo

10-10-10, 12:56

Oh well, i suppose everyone is going to defend to their own builds.

I just did that one to show that you can have an add in GPU, soundcard and OS in their for £500.

pomfretbantam

10-10-10, 17:43

I didnt include an os as i think most bundles you buy come without anyway or certainly bundles ive looked at in the past

mac124

10-10-10, 17:43

Absolutely, theres no right and wrong solution, just different ones :D.

mac124

10-10-10, 17:44

Bah can't edit my above post.

Oh well, i suppose everyone is going to defend to their own builds.

I just did that one to show that you can have an add in GPU, soundcard and OS in their for £500.

Absolutely, theres no right and wrong solution, just different ones :D.