View Full Version : ***OPEN*** === VOTE YOUR HTPC WINNER ===
Hi Guys,
As per thread - http://forums.aria.co.uk/showthread.php?t=32755
We looked over some great builds, but we have narrowed it down to three.
Please vote who you think has the better overall spec:
1. I3r0k3N7FEET - http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=520843&postcount=85
2. NickCPC - http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=521957&postcount=97
3. clemos - http://forums.aria.co.uk/showpost.php?p=522061&postcount=103
Vote wisely :)
From those three heres my decision
I3r0k3N7FEET - Cannot go for this as it uses a tower case - not suitable IMO for a HTPC.
NickCPC - Cannot go for this as from what I have read the intel onboard really isnt up to the job of being a decent media playback device.
So I will vote for
clemos' build based on the 3 linked builds.
However to confirm if I3r0k3N7FEET had used a HTPC case that would have been my pick.
From those three heres my decision
I3r0k3N7FEET - Cannot go for this as it uses a tower case - not suitable IMO for a HTPC.
NickCPC - Cannot go for this as from what I have read the intel onboard really isnt up to the job of being a decent media playback device.
So I will vote for
clemos' build based on the 3 linked builds.
However to confirm if I3r0k3N7FEET had used a HTPC case that would have been my pick.
Second thoughts Im going to vote I3r0k3N7FEET - as Im not going to knock the rest of the build for the case choice.
i think i would go with clemos if he changed the ram to the cheaper ocz gold and the harddrive to an eco, gets a tri core insteadl of a duel black edition no need for ocing in the htpc this frees up some budget for a asus xonar. In which case it's perfect so voteing clemos
I3r0k3N7FEET
Went with that even if the case is bonkers.
Best all rounder really.
I voted for Clemos, solid build with money spent in the right places :)
clemos looks to me like the most solid build although don't realyl agree with having a Wireless card with it.
I vote for clemos, solid build.
Just double checked the 3 chosen builds and none had an OS included which meant they had about £80 more to spend on parts than those who did include an OS.
Maybe OS or not should have been made more specific as thats about a sixth of the total budget and makes a big difference to the hardware selectable.
OS shouldn't have to be there. I personally have a few retail licenses of W7 so wouldn't have to buy one!
OS should be an option at point of sale.
OS shouldn't have to be there. I personally have a few retail licenses of W7 so wouldn't have to buy one!
OS should be an option at point of sale.
I do not know many people if any that have spare w7 licences, but yes as an option would be best, but again this should have been made clear because technically its not usable without an OS (an important part of any PC) and most people buying prebuilt are not going to be going the linux/free OS route I wouldnt have thought.
I voted Clemos as I think that is the best all rounder of the three, but i too would have expected the OS to be included on a pre-built system like this.
BreadMurderer
12-10-10, 14:21
I3r0k3N7FEET
Looks like a good build and I LIKE the case - no matter what anyone thinks. :P
From experience, the Intel GPU in Core i3 processors/the G6950 is fine for playback and handles 1080p with ease. I agree with El Wayneo's point in the actual submissions thread that a discreet card would be superior in terms of colour reproduction/quality but I wanted to try and incorporate some accessories in my build, such as a wireless keyboard and couldn't afford an HD5450 without compromising other parts of my build.
Both the other choices are really very good here and I think anyone who bought them would be really pleased with their purchases, but clemos's system just wins my vote. Very solid.
doctorfonz
12-10-10, 14:43
Clemos vote from moi
I3r0k3N7FEET
Went with that even if the case is bonkers.
Best all rounder really.
Thing is that by putting in a cheap case he has got an extra £50+ to budget so the specs are bound to be the best ;)
Personally I don't think any of them are what I would choose as a £500 media PC :p. I would never spend £500 on a media PC in a tower case (sorry I3r0k3N7FEET but it isn't really a media center), I would never use Intel Onboard GPU for a media PC (sorry Nick but it doesn't accelerate the HD anywhere near as well as AMD/Nvidia options) and I would never put a Radeon 5450 in as well as a 785 onboard (sorry clemos but you still aren't going to be able to play games at a HD resolution so it is adding nothing). Also they all have a tuner in which is something people will probably be better choosing from a drop down (as the Sat, single Freeview and double Freeview choices suggest).
The closest though would definitely be Nick's for me. By fitting in the best case by far it is infinitely more aesthetically pleasing and the system is easy to upgrade with a decent GPU. Maybe trade the Wifi, Keyboard and USB TV for a nice midrange with HDMI and you would then have a very solid base.
I3r0k3N7FEET as its a better PC
Thing is that by putting in a cheap case he has got an extra £50+ to budget so the specs are bound to be the best ;)
Personally I don't think any of them are what I would choose as a £500 media PC :p. I would never spend £500 on a media PC in a tower case (sorry I3r0k3N7FEET but it isn't really a media center), I would never use Intel Onboard GPU for a media PC (sorry Nick but it doesn't accelerate the HD anywhere near as well as AMD/Nvidia options) and I would never put a Radeon 5450 in as well as a 785 onboard (sorry clemos but you still aren't going to be able to play games at a HD resolution so it is adding nothing). Also they all have a tuner in which is something people will probably be better choosing from a drop down (as the Sat, single Freeview and double Freeview choices suggest).
The closest though would definitely be Nick's for me. By fitting in the best case by far it is infinitely more aesthetically pleasing and the system is easy to upgrade with a decent GPU. Maybe trade the Wifi, Keyboard and USB TV for a nice midrange with HDMI and you would then have a very solid base.
Yeah i wouldn't buy any of them either.
Mine cost around £300 if i added in retail prices.
Lorem-Ipsum
12-10-10, 15:33
I3r0k3N7FEET
Looks like a good build and I LIKE the case - no matter what anyone thinks. :P
^THIS
(saves me typing the same thing)
NickCPC gets my vote, i personally, i think it has the features expected on a £500 HTPC
Voting for I3r0k3N7FEET as, even if he has used a tower case, he's done it for price reasons, and it IS a Micro Tower after all...
Can we add RawZ best for £500?
http://www.aria.co.uk/Systems/Gaming+Range/Essence/Essence+Nano+Mini-ITX+Gaming+PC+?productId=41842
Love that system and the compact size and quality finish of the ITX case would make up for the form factor.
Thing is that by putting in a cheap case he has got an extra £50+ to budget so the specs are bound to be the best ;)
Personally I don't think any of them are what I would choose as a £500 media PC :p. I would never spend £500 on a media PC in a tower case (sorry I3r0k3N7FEET but it isn't really a media center), I would never use Intel Onboard GPU for a media PC (sorry Nick but it doesn't accelerate the HD anywhere near as well as AMD/Nvidia options) and I would never put a Radeon 5450 in as well as a 785 onboard (sorry clemos but you still aren't going to be able to play games at a HD resolution so it is adding nothing). Also they all have a tuner in which is something people will probably be better choosing from a drop down (as the Sat, single Freeview and double Freeview choices suggest).
The closest though would definitely be Nick's for me. By fitting in the best case by far it is infinitely more aesthetically pleasing and the system is easy to upgrade with a decent GPU. Maybe trade the Wifi, Keyboard and USB TV for a nice midrange with HDMI and you would then have a very solid base.
HD gaming with a 5450 = no, HD films and Bluray, the card is more than adequate and it is a media PC not a gaming PC :)
HD gaming with a 5450 = no, HD films and Bluray, the card is more than adequate and it is a media PC not a gaming PC :)
I think Sibeers point is the onboard on the 785 is more than enough for the HD playback, so the 5450 adds no benefit because as you say it cant play games and offers nothing more for a HTPC than the onboard.
Broadsword1976
12-10-10, 16:23
Representing da 'Feet! - I used a MATX case in my abortion of a build too - Several mates are running HTPCs is similar cases and are happy as....
So Brokenfeet FTW!
BTW @ Pepp - I TOTALLY agree - OS should have not been suggested in the original mandate.
Can we add RawZ best for £500?
http://www.aria.co.uk/Systems/Gaming+Range/Essence/Essence+Nano+Mini-ITX+Gaming+PC+?productId=41842
Love that system and the compact size and quality finish of the ITX case would make up for the form factor.
WIN! :D
I put in the wireless card and because I would prefer to use wireless than routing an ethernet cable round the house and the TV tuner because a HTPC is all about watching TV and movies. I didn't put in the 5450 for gaming as it's not a gaming PC, it appears to perform better than the onborard 785G which is why I added it in. :)
PeterStoba
12-10-10, 18:11
I3r0k3N7FEET
Went with that even if the case is bonkers.
Best all rounder really.
This!
Case does need sorting though :)
heavywater
12-10-10, 19:27
Clem for me, and not only for the fact that he was the only person on budget. :P
Cheers, but the price doesn't include delivery. We are all in on budget. :)
I3R0K3N7FEET
12-10-10, 20:44
The case was carefully chosen as it is completely black and you can turn LEDs off so it isnt as imposing as some might think. imo i would think that a cool and non imposing case with better features (ie added sound card) is offering better value? i mean some might like sff cases but they come at a premium and are very restricitve
if i could change it i would load it with the mushkin gear now.. still i am sure the staff at aria will make amends to fit with their needs.
6ghLD9dbcqE
ps that itx build done by rawz is amazing too!
I really hope Aria get more into the ITX world. For the like of a media centre they are ideal. My Ion PC running XBMC is better for that use than anything I have had working in windows, as well as silent, tiny and awesome looking.
I have had a big think about what a system builder like Aria could add to the table on a build like this and there is one thing I keep coming back too which is well acoustically chosen components. It is very hard to get that sort of data as a consumer on all CPU coolers, PSU's, GPU coolers and general system fans (they all give ratings but that is not the same as actually measuring it). By giving customers a high spec, low noise system it would save some hastle, the only issue would be what different people class as quiet.
I think Sibeers point is the onboard on the 785 is more than enough for the HD playback, so the 5450 adds no benefit because as you say it cant play games and offers nothing more for a HTPC than the onboard.
Spot on, 780 / 785 are amazing quality for media centre use so why waste the cash and power consumption. Personally had Windows Media Centre hooked up by 780G, Ion, Radeon 4850 and Nvidia 260, no quality difference :thumb:
A mid-range card though brings a whole new functionality to the Media Centre with some proper gaming. I would imagine most people who have a decent HT setup would agree that you want to play games on it.
Personally my trials with a Sat and two Free-view cards led me to decide the quality of picture from my PC doing Freeview or Sat was significantly worse than my Sky or Free-view boxes. Spend the money on GPU omph instead ;)
Gunslinger
12-10-10, 23:33
before i even vote... i have an annoyance... lol, we need a way of linking wish lists or baskets so that you can click the items to go and view them :|
pomfretbantam
12-10-10, 23:38
I vote clemos because his is the only one thats sub £500 which was the pre-requisite i believe.
I vote clemos because his is the only one thats sub £500 which was the pre-requisite i believe.
It was sub £500 ex delivery, all are within budget :thumb:
Mr. Pineapple
12-10-10, 23:42
Voted for I3r0k3N7FEET's rig thought it was the best over all with the SDD etc
Gunslinger
12-10-10, 23:43
scratch my above comments, i hadnt looked at all of them properly, i see now it is possible :o :o :o
tough call on those three, as i like certain features of each of them, certainly some strange choices !... like expensive case, with no PSU
I finally went for I3r0k3N7FEET's mainly because i think he's included a couple of things that HTPC's should have, bearing in mind people want to plug in camera cards etc etc, although case choice >>> errr, yeah (not) :lol:
pomfretbantam
12-10-10, 23:52
It was sub £500 ex delivery, all are within budget :thumb:
cool, there has been some really good builds and i imagine it was very difficult to narrow it down. Hence the reason for my choice, when i looked at the bottom figure on each (not thinking about del charge) it made a difficult choice easy. My mistake:redface:
Voted for Clemos purely on that's the one I would buy of the three for my HTPC needs.
Not much in it for me but gone for clemos. Like micro systems more now.
I'm gonna have to pass on voting at all... I don't consider any of those worthy winners out of everything that was posted.
I'm gonna have to pass on voting at all... I don't consider any of those worthy winners out of everything that was posted.
I agree with you but I think clemos is best of 3.
Gunslinger
13-10-10, 19:10
lol.... harsh audience !
Not harsh... but each one has one or two items that I wouldn't consider... Case, wireless (HD streaming is useless over wireless), size of hard drives, type of tuner and so forth.
I don't think mine was a good choice either... I included Win 7 and forgot the bluray. :)
But my opinion is that there were other better spec suggestions... and if this is a build that aria are considering as a bundle... then perhaps combine the best of all 3 instead. :)
Gunslinger
13-10-10, 20:47
... I included Win 7 and forgot the bluray. :)
http://www.augk18.dsl.pipex.com/Smileys/doh3.gif
lol, i too think there would be little areas of each i would adjust
Isn't that indicative of the sort of people on the forum anyway - probably wouldn't choose the pre-built in any case...
(I also included Win7 and forgot the Blu-Ray on mine!! oops)
I actually think the three choices are far too similar, hence not really much choice. All offer low power graphics, a tuner card you might not want, a blu-ray drive and a mid range cpu. None are really geared up for either silence and style or performance, both of which are significant areas of consideration for people building a HTPC, or they were for me.
My lounge HTPC is small, sleek and silent with just enough power (Ion based ITX). My games room HTPC is my sig machine because I game on the same 50" 1080P Plasma for PS3, 360 and PC. My medium sized PC with a Sempron, Antec Oveture case, XFI Audio, Dual SAT and Terrestrial Tuners got relegated to storage. The add on cards weren't being used so it was too big, ugly and loud for just media but too wimpy for gaming.
I actually think the three choices are far too similar, hence not really much choice. All offer low power graphics, a tuner card you might not want, a blu-ray drive and a mid range cpu. None are really geared up for either silence and style or performance, both of which are significant areas of consideration for people building a HTPC, or they were for me.
My lounge HTPC is small, sleek and silent with just enough power (Ion based ITX). My games room HTPC is my sig machine because I game on the same 50" 1080P Plasma for PS3, 360 and PC. My medium sized PC with a Sempron, Antec Oveture case, XFI Audio, Dual SAT and Terrestrial Tuners got relegated to storage. The add on cards weren't being used so it was too big, ugly and loud for just media but too wimpy for gaming.
I went for silence in the build I did as that for me would be one of the most important features of an htpc. It's so annoying watching a film with loads of fan noise constantly.
Same here... the size of the case and the noise it makes are the most important things... passive graphics card as some of the onboard are a little to close to the line for coping with HD content. Power use was another factor.
The one I built for myself is roughly what I would recommend for most people... if I had to do it again, I'd change the case and possibly go for one of the athlon low power CPU's. Aria don't sell 'be quiet' PSU's and I cannot recommend them highly enough enough for HTPC builds, small form factor sizes, 350w and utterly silent, more than you need for a HTPC... even with a bluray and 3 hard drives.
But at the end of the day... everyone has different tastes and needs. Some might like a huge tower sat under the TV, whereas I think it looks ugly, I'd go with something about the size of my amp (which is pretty large) and would complement the other AV gear I have... except for the ugly white Sky+ box.
I went for silence in the build I did as that for me would be one of the most important features of an htpc. It's so annoying watching a film with loads of fan noise constantly.
It is very important for me in the lounge because I sometimes use it for normal TV programs through the TV speakers. In the gaming room it doesn't have to be silent as it is always overruled by the AV. That said, I still put effort into it being fairly quiet as bad cooling is VERY LOUD!
But at the end of the day... everyone has different tastes and needs. Some might like a huge tower sat under the TV, whereas I think it looks ugly, I'd go with something about the size of my amp (which is pretty large) and would complement the other AV gear I have... except for the ugly white Sky+ box.
I hide the huge tower for my gaming PC well away from the AV (in shame). I spent ages looking for a large HTPC case I liked and failed.
SilveR_172
15-10-10, 20:33
Clemos for me =)
I hide the huge tower for my gaming PC well away from the AV (in shame). I spent ages looking for a large HTPC case I liked and failed.
Something like one of these perhaps?
http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc16m&area=
They do some lovely HTPC cases... if I decide to recase mine at some point... may very well be after the CW03 as it's luuurrrvvveeerrrlllyyy
Gunslinger
15-10-10, 22:31
yes, silverstone do make a good range of HTPC cases of various sizes and different designs to cover many tastes
I'd go for I3r0k3N7FEET's build.
ashleighallan
16-10-10, 12:21
I voted for clemos
Dunno if this has been covered and I missed it, but when does voting on this end?
winstonngo
16-10-10, 12:31
clemos as hes got a gfx card in build
Confabulation
16-10-10, 13:29
clemos
clemos
Lmao, first ever post, vote for clemos. Know him do you dude ? :P
I don't know him but good decission. :p
Gunslinger
16-10-10, 17:18
Lmao, first ever post, vote for clemos. Know him do you dude ? :P
and it didn't even register as a post for him :lol: ... nothing like posting in the introductions section first is there lol
I don't know him but good decission. :p
:lol: :lol:
I imagine that anyone who has registered and voted after the comp starts will have their vote deducted anyway.
I imagine that anyone who has registered and voted after the comp starts will have their vote deducted anyway.
Why would that make any difference?
Shill voting... IE getting your mates to register just to vote for you.
Shill voting... IE getting your mates to register just to vote for you.
LOL! You really think I'm doing that?
I didn't say you 'were' I just said that was a possible reason not to count votes from members registered after this thread was posted. :)
The number of times I've seen signs of shill bidding on ebay has made me a little cynical I think. :)
I'd go for I3r0k3N7FEET's build.
Is this any different ?
Is there a closing date?
I was wondering this as there is not mention of one anywhere I have seen. :confused:
I'm sure RawZ has just forgot to mention when it closes, he's a busy man.
I'm sure RawZ has just forgot to mention when it closes, he's a busy man.
ye, congrats anyway mate, looks like you've won :thumb:
heavywater
21-10-10, 17:42
Did we ever find out what the prize was? :rolleyes:
It hasn't finished yet. :)
heavywater
21-10-10, 18:10
I know, but Tom was going to post it shortly after the competition was announced.
He said he'll dig some prizes out later on.;)
Haha, we're more eager to find out what you might win than you are...
Haha, we're more eager to find out what you might win than you are...
Or are you...;)
Or are you...;)
Probably not - but very intriguing as it has been going on for some time now. And congratz as well mate
It's only been up a week, quite a lot have voted.
I3r0k3N7FEET's build is best though shame about the case..
I3r0k3N7FEET's build is best though shame about the case..
All personal choice really, I would consider it more important to have a dedicated gpu in it rather than an ssd but it was so difficult to get everything you wanted in it for under £500. I think everyone did a good job on this.
All personal choice really, I would consider it more important to have a dedicated gpu in it rather than an ssd but it was so difficult to get everything you wanted in it for under £500. I think everyone did a good job on this.
That's my view, I don't feel a SSD is needed in a HTPC.
That's my view, I don't feel a SSD is needed in a HTPC.
All depends whether you are looking for media storage, general use, silence or speed of boot. For a pure media centre (i.e. media / recorded programs stored elsewhere) a small SSD is a perfect match. Quick boot, silent and fits into a nice ITX case. For a gaming media center it is also good, but you can't do that to the £500 budget here.
A gaming media center? Most people use a HTPC for watching and recording programmes, movies, music etc and a bit of web surfing.
A gaming media center? Most people use a HTPC for watching and recording programmes, movies, music etc and a bit of web surfing.
Personally my sig PC is connected to a 50" 1080P plasma for media and gaming duties. I would class it as a gaming media centre and I know a number of people in a similar boat. Surely all that makes it a HTPC is sitting it with your AV kit connected to a big screen and decent speakers? Preferably in a nice looking case, if you can make it compact and quiet even better. Why not use it for gaming too?
If you are only using it for the uses you have listed then what is the point of buying anything more powerful than a Atom based Ion system? Adding an SSD for speed of boot and opening of apps makes sense, but you simply don't need any more power. All you are adding is noise, cost and heat.
I3R0K3N7FEET
28-10-10, 07:28
personally i think a dedicated gpu is a waste of power and resources when the 785g/880g IGP is more than perfect for HTPC tasks.. talking from experience.
also SSD is good in any build, also my spec has a larger storage HDD
though tbh i would rework most of the build now anyway... maybe its worth having a spec a htpc MK2 thread..
The thing is about a gaming HTPC, where do you use the keyboard and mose?
Most people use them for those purposes, but others may want to run programs like Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Office etc and maybe a few games. I don't think a dedicated GPU is a waste as the comparison between the 5450 and 785G shows that the 5450 gives better performance, and uses hardly any power.
The thing is about a gaming HTPC, where do you use the keyboard and mose?
I have a 360 controller running off mine for most gaming. I then have a USB extension cable for my keyboard and a G7 if I feel the need for keyboard and mouse.
personally i think a dedicated gpu is a waste of power and resources when the 785g/880g IGP is more than perfect for HTPC tasks.. talking from experience.
also SSD is good in any build, also my spec has a larger storage HDD
though tbh i would rework most of the build now anyway... maybe its worth having a spec a htpc MK2 thread..
Agreed on all counts :knock:
pomfretbantam
29-10-10, 11:32
my brain is still fried from the first one lol.
LOL! to the above text :-)
I vote for the Clemos HTPC
You need to choose the person and click vote now at the top.
@ Clemos. I did that already, I was just letting everyone else know :)
Ok, there must be a limit that the box can display peoples user names.
It's been about a month since this was started now, is it ever gonna finish... :confused:
They want as much people as possible to vote.
Gunslinger
11-11-10, 21:32
they should make entering one of the daily competitions tied to voting in here.... can't enter till you've voted LOL
You'll notice our current Media range is empty. ;) We'll come back to this very soon.
Gunslinger
12-11-10, 20:16
lol ... i have a feeling this thread will still be around when you do :lol:
Gunslinger
12-11-10, 20:17
... and getting spammed.
(btw, seems auto merge don't work in the competitions section :lol: )
clemos - due to being the cheaper option.
i would go with I3r0k3N7FEET (http://forums.aria.co.uk/member.php?u=8634) and just stick the case out of the way like by the side of the tv stand or something. i really like the nzxt vulcan TBH
All look good to me but I think I3r0k3N7FEET just pips clemos to the post.
I3R0K3N7FEET
18-11-10, 15:17
when the time comes rawz do a MK2 of this thread..
a fair few thigns has changed since this thread as well as prices.
Gunslinger
18-11-10, 16:43
hahahaha, good point ! anyone looking at it now would be thinking, why did they select those parts when xxxxxxx is available for less and is better :lol:
I agree - this has been going on for quite some time now...
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