htpc for bluray/hd content

[sp3n]

hello,

my current htpc is based on a amd 3200+ with a gig of ram running windows xp media center edition 2005. i would like to bring it up to date so that it can play bluray and hd content.

it would be great to get some spec advice from anyone who has recently done the same or can recommend a decent mobo/cpu/ram/gpu combo.

i have seen an lg hybrid bluray/hddvd drive going for around £70 so thats all i have so far!

i already have an antec fusion case for this to go into, so the mobo will need to be micro/mini atx
the completed htpc will be going into 55" plasma that supports 1080i/720p - so 1080p playback is not required.

many thanks in advance

[adder]

You can go for a mobo with 780g if you want to go the amd route.

Whats your budget?

[s_kinton]

If you're desperate to save cash you could just buy a new vga card. That would take to load off the CPU and handle to blu-ray playback. The AMD cards are pretty good for this.

Otherwise, if you want to give it a complete overhaul, then spec up an AMDx2 based system. This thread has everything you need http://forums.hexus.net/hexus-hardwa...tpc-build.html

Note that media centre doesn't support blu-ray playback natively on any windows version. You will need arcsoft totalmedia (integrates straight into media centre) or powerdvd (comes bundled with the retail LG blu-ray drive you suggested.

[sp3n]

no fixed budget as such - prepared to spend what is needed for bluray/hd playback
upgrading the vga may not be possible as the current on is agp based, its probably time i moved away from that
will take a look at that thread though - thanks

is there a minimum cpu speed or ram i need for smooth playback of bluray etc?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I would get a 780G motherboard,2gb of RAM and an X2 5050e processor.

I would get this motherboard:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/150278

It has HDMI,Displayport,VGA and DVI outputs already on the motherboard. It also has HD-DVD and Blu-Ray acceleration built in:

http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1...52&modelmenu=1

AMD X2 5050e:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AMD-A...2-Cache-Retail

2gb RAM:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/116755

Using the free Scan postage for Hexus members and the free Supersaver postage option from Ebuyer the total is around £140.