sub 30w HTPC

[georgewgrainger]

I am looking to build a HTPC to use as a DVR and a media center that runs XBMC on Ubuntu. Recently I saw a video on Youtube in which a man built a super low-power HPTC, which he claims as never gone over 24w of power. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA9Dz_ZXKL0) I would like to do something similar to this that can play 1080p video smoothly and watch and record live TV. Does anyone have any suggestions for parts?

 

[jamesd1981]

Where are you from george ?

For a low power system you would be looking at a form factor called, mini itx, here are products below.

http://www.ebuyer.com/search?sort=pricelow&store=2&cat=14&filtersubcat=1373&limit=10&page=1

 

[georgewgrainger]

Where are you from george ?

For a low power system you would be looking at a form factor called, mini itx, here are products below.

http://www.ebuyer.com/search?sort=pricelow&store=2&cat=14&filtersubcat=1373&limit=10&page=1

and that means i can achieve sub 30w power, yes?

 

[claptonman]

I'd look into the AMD APUs. Low power, no need for additional video card.

 

[byteninja2]

I don't know, 1080p on 30w? 1080p on a tv requires a fair bit of power, a A8 needs at least a 200w, for one hdd, a a8, and a matx board. A a8 should run videos on a 1080p 50 incher, with little trouble. 30w would be a atom mini itx build, with enough power to run a 20 inch 720p monitor.

 

[FuryRosewood]

/me blinks

Uh not sure about that, my system pulled a little over 200 with a gtx460...from the wall that is, so i dunno where your gettin your numbers, and i doubt a a8 would be necessary for this application.

 

[claptonman]

There's a difference between having a 200w power supply and using 30w. You aren't going to be using all 200w.

 

[Hyper-Threaded]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103957

This is the lowest APU, and its still 65w.



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121536

That will do your power goal but would be super slow and not play videos.
Its probably not going to happen. Do one with the 65w duelcore APU, with a ITX board.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv300VDiS2U&feature=related

Something like this will meet your energy requirements but not enough to play vids on TV.

 

[MyCattMaxx]

A hdd (non ssd) will use roughly 6 watts on the low side to 12 watts + alone.
I doubt someone built a HTPC that ran on 25 watts.