
In 2007, I decided to build myself an HTPC, however it wasn’t much of a success – first of all, the case I had chosen was too wide for the cabnet where our TV was (and still is), and the BluRay drive I later got for it never worked, because it wasn’t compatible with the AMD chipset or something. I eventually sold it, and got my PS3, but it was a bit of a failure.
However, since I got a TV late last year, I decided to build myself one again, but this time, 1) it would be for my bedroom, and not the lounge, and 2) I decided to base it off an Intel CPU, and using a Shuttle SFF PC as the base. So, I went ahead and ordered the parts, one by one, and I got the last order yesterday, from Scan – the CPU, HDD, DVD burner, and a few other bits I wanted for other stuff. I was actually going to get a Pentium Dual-Core CPU, and Windows Vista Home Premium OEM, but I decided to get a more powerful CPU instead, and use the Windows 7 beta until the final version is out, and I can buy that.
I set about building it today, and, got it up and running successfully – almost. Windows 7 installed without a hitch, and almost everything worked – except for the ethernet card. Because the Shuttle has no WiFi, I *had* to get this working somehow, and the included driver CD wasn’t much help – despite including Vista drivers, it simply refused to work. So, I did a bit of Googling and found someone else who had tried Windows 7 on a similar model, with no success – however, by getting the drivers from the Marvell website, they fixed the problem. So, I did the same, and boom, it worked! I then installed my usual must-have apps for every install I do (Firefox, Wakoopa, Whatpulse, Last.fm, and Steam), and since this is the first Windows box I’ve had for a while, I installed Xfire too, since there’s no Mac-alternative for Xfire, and of course, since it’s an HTPC – the K-Lite Codec Pack. I know codec packs are generally a bit crap, but I’ve never had an issue with the K-Lite one, and it’s one single installer, so I’ve always used it.
So far, I’m pretty happy with it – it handles 1080p video no problem, and Windows 7 is very stable so far, so no problems there. I also ordered a Microsoft Media Centre Remote off eBay, so I can use my Harmony Remote with it (the remote itself includes an IR reciever, which is what I wanted). It’s not arrived yet though.
It seems that Microsoft have actually discontinued the remote, which is a great pity, because it’s a good remote overall (I had one with my last HTPC) and the only way to get an IR reciever otherwise is to order another brand remote, and all the ones I’ve found look pretty cheap – plus, only a few of them offer true Media Centre compatibility.
Anyway, the all important specs:
- Shuttle XPC SG33G5B SFF PC
- Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 @ 2.66GHz
- OCZ 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM
- Samsung SpinPoint F1 500GB HDD
- Sony DRU-V200 DVD Burner
- Akasa Internal Card Reader
- Microsoft Media Centre Remote
I also had a rather clever idea – I could make my room even more minimalistic (and a bit quieter) if I put both the HTPC and the Sky+HD box into the roof – it’s cooler up there (better cooling), and they’ll be out of the way. Only, it’s not exactly easy to do this, since I would have to 1) get a power source up there, 2) get the Sky wiring into the roof somehow, and 3) route two HDMI cables down to my TV. If we owned this house, I can’t see that being a problem, since I could just drill holes all over the place, but we don’t own it, and I don’t want to make the landlord angry. I’m guessing they’ll already be slightly cross for the hole in my bedroom wall for the Sky+HD cabling, so I don’t want to make it worse.