I've just completed a new HTPC build using Frodo with linux. It's to replace a circa 2005 machine running Windows XP and XBMC 10.
I reused a themaltake HTPC case with an iMon remote and LCD. I haven't got the LCD working yet. It's all controlled via a Harmony 880.
Requirements - Living room quiet, fast, usable by wife. Compatible with existing infrastructure (FreeNAS fileserver with 3TB disk, Wired Gigabit Network). Home Theater Onkyo TX-SR508 With 7.1 support
Components
Motherboard ASUS P8277 This motherboard has onboard support for Gigabit Ethernet, Optical sound, Video with support for HDMI,
Processor: Intel Core I3
Memory 8Gb
SSD - Sandisk 32Gb.
DVD - Blueray (Not yet configured)
Installation
---------------
Using the XBMCBuntu Frodo 12.0 disk, all components were recognized without the need for additional drivers, including the Optical sound using Intel passthrough and the HDMI for video output
Remote Controller
------------------------
I followed the instructions in This Thread, then to finish up with setting the last couple of keys, I used This Thread.
Conclusion
----------------
1, Easy to build - Less than 1/2 day from purchasing components to installation in final position
2. Fast. - Cold boot time to XBMC menu is 15 seconds.
3. Quiet - With the Core i3 and no add-on boards, there are no fan cases needed, just the CPU fan and power supply. The SSD is of course, completely silent
4. Ease of use - As it should be, for example the DVD control keys on the harmony work DVDs and files loaded from the media server exactly the same way. No clever key combinations required to get XBMC visible on the TV
5. Price - Not for everyone - the components came to around $380, reusing old case and controller
To-do
-------
The LCD screen on the Case - Maybe the best thing to do would be just disconnect it
Bluray support on the DVD
Audio-engine. Do to a hardware quirk, I can't look at this until I've replaced the television!
I reused a themaltake HTPC case with an iMon remote and LCD. I haven't got the LCD working yet. It's all controlled via a Harmony 880.
Requirements - Living room quiet, fast, usable by wife. Compatible with existing infrastructure (FreeNAS fileserver with 3TB disk, Wired Gigabit Network). Home Theater Onkyo TX-SR508 With 7.1 support
Components
Motherboard ASUS P8277 This motherboard has onboard support for Gigabit Ethernet, Optical sound, Video with support for HDMI,
Processor: Intel Core I3
Memory 8Gb
SSD - Sandisk 32Gb.
DVD - Blueray (Not yet configured)
Installation
---------------
Using the XBMCBuntu Frodo 12.0 disk, all components were recognized without the need for additional drivers, including the Optical sound using Intel passthrough and the HDMI for video output
Remote Controller
------------------------
I followed the instructions in This Thread, then to finish up with setting the last couple of keys, I used This Thread.
Conclusion
----------------
1, Easy to build - Less than 1/2 day from purchasing components to installation in final position
2. Fast. - Cold boot time to XBMC menu is 15 seconds.
3. Quiet - With the Core i3 and no add-on boards, there are no fan cases needed, just the CPU fan and power supply. The SSD is of course, completely silent
4. Ease of use - As it should be, for example the DVD control keys on the harmony work DVDs and files loaded from the media server exactly the same way. No clever key combinations required to get XBMC visible on the TV
5. Price - Not for everyone - the components came to around $380, reusing old case and controller
To-do
-------
The LCD screen on the Case - Maybe the best thing to do would be just disconnect it
Bluray support on the DVD
Audio-engine. Do to a hardware quirk, I can't look at this until I've replaced the television!