The HTPC Project

It's about time i resurrect this project. What took so long? When it comes to technology, i have to be sure that what i get is able to satisfy my need. And what i needed was a system for my TV. I had a choice between buying a Google TV, waiting for the Xbox One. But November is pretty far away and with all the heat Microsoft is getting I came to the conclusion that an HTPC would be best. 

An HTPC (Home Theater PC) is the right choice, because i need my system do do something specific. I want to be able to browse the Web, listen to music, Stream (Netflix, YouTube, etc) and play Blu-Rays. Here is the birth of this sweet-ass system that is going to do all that.

The fun part (beside assembling it) of an HTPC is that you can customize it as you wish. If you have a tight budget, you can make something to tailor your needs but if you have a 400$ budget and you want an HTPC that can play game on your TV... well i can't make miracles.

So here are the specs of this tiny beast:

Case + PSU: Cooler Master Elite 120 w/ Corsair 500w
Even though 500w is an overkill, i had to future proof the system for upgrades (not anytime soon)

Now when building an HTPC, size is very important since you don't want to build the next super computer. In the event that i want to play games, this little baby will have enough space to add a full graphics card. 

Motherboard/CPU/RAM: For motherboard, i went for an Mini-ITX which will fit nicely in this case. I coupled that bad boy with a CPU that has enough kick to run any media. And with 8 gigs of RAM (you can never have too much virtual memory.

Storage/Media/Input: 500 Gig Hard Drive. Plenty fast for storage and with a blu-ray, i can throw anything at this and it will be play it smooth. I took a special keyboard with a built-in touch pad (thank you for inventing such nice keyboard. 

Installing the components weren't that difficult... except that i got the cpu last so i had to get it in there. The only thing you need to look out for is the fan. The cord got in the way to the cpu ran hot and crash... Make sure that it's not in the way.

It took about 20 mins to install windows8! Now you may ask why windows 8? It's really not that bad once you get used to it. The netflix application is decent and you get other apps that are worth it for an HTPC (Songza, TuneIn, Tou.tv, etc)

Fail!! My HTPC Case is too big for the TV unit. I have to put it on the side... Sad Panda. 

Testing this bad boy with my favorite movie of 2010: Scott Pilgrim Vs The World! 

Well that's it. Feel free to ask me any question regarding this setup. I just love to build computer. Just ask anyone that had one built by me. 

Stay Classy Internet

Fred x

Lost & Found Again.

It has been a while since my last post. Things have been moving pretty fast in the last 6 month or so. With the new acquisition in the next few days/weeks, it's been heel to organize all of this. It's been taking a toll on me and when that happens... It affects more than just me. My entourage suffers as well. It is true, for some i have been very distant and i have to start by apologizing. I have to set a few priorities straight: my condo. 

Once that this milestone has been achieved, the old Fred will be back. 

I have to be honest with myself: lately I have been feeling a bit lost. Out of sync. Blah. Could it be winter dragging a bit too long or just being inactive (damn foot injury)? Or just impatient or anxious about things moving too slow? I daresay all of the above.

We always try to find the answers to all of our questions. The answers are either no as easy to find or it's just we are not ready to get that answer. Maybe i just need some time off or go on a trip of some sorts. I had plans to go on a UK Trip ( Ireland, Scotland and England) and see some old friends as well while i'm there. But this project will have to go on the ice for a little while. Sigh... 

I will be writing more soon. 

Fred

x