HTPC spec

[chris_argyle]

I have grown bored of my FreeSat HD box playing up intermittently, so I have started collecting bits for a HTPC.

So far I have;
Case - Thermaltake DH-101
PSU - Corsair CX400
CPU - AMD Athlon 5000+ (2.2GHz)
ODD - LG Blu Ray/HDDVD

I am concidering getting the ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO from ebuyer (hopefully able to unlock a core(s) and more cache).
I have seen the Compro S350 mentioned a few times as a good value FreeSat HD option so probably get that too.
I will probaby end up with a 2Tb F3 for my data drive, would there be any real benefit with having a seperate boot drive for a HTPC?

Initially I will be using the onboard graphics I think.

Any recommendations for DDR2 and a cooler for the CPU?
Are there any better options for the motherboard with core unlocking and HDMI?

Thanks again!

[llololloy]

A seperate boot drive would mean more noise and and heat, so I'd avoid that, a 2tb drive should be plenty fast due to platter density.
I'm hopefully getting the s350 soon as I too have heard good things on other forums, cheap and works, can't grumble at that.
As for RAM, best checking today only / super specials etc as ddr2 ain't cheap any more, or keep an eye out on ebay for any bargains (or post another 11 times and check the classified here on hexus).

[dodgybob]

Running an HTPC here with an S350 without issue, it has media centre compatible drivers so you can ignore the propriety software.

I recommend getting a media centre compatible remote, if you don't have one already, makes navigation much more convenient.

[chris_argyle]

Have just realised the EVO is a DDR3 board, so looks like its the Pro version im currently favouring.
Will the onboard graphics be ok for 1080p blu ray playback?

[g8ina]

I have some DDR2 RAM for sale, Corsair XMS2 2x 1GB 667MHz matched pair. LMK if yer interested.