Will this Desktop work as a htpc?

[justinswrx]

I have a $600 budget and need a desktop that will be used as a media server/htpc. Amazon has an i5 Asus that caught my eye and im just wondering if it would work well for what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846

 

[Quiltface]

I cant see why it wouldnt... kind of big for a htpc though IMO.

 

[daisymtc]

refurbished product, check warranty before you buy.

 

[diduknowthat]

Depends on what you want out of this HTPC. It doesn't have a TV tuner so you won't be able to connect it to any sort of antenna for over the air TV or your cable box. It also doesn't have a sound card, which I guess isn't a bit deal unless you're planning to hook this up to some nice home theater speakers. Other wise it's not aesthetically pleasing to put in next to your TV and it probably runs rather loudly seeing the tiny CPU heatsink + fan.

 

[Quiltface]

Depends on what you want out of this HTPC. It doesn't have a TV tuner so you won't be able to connect it to any sort of antenna for over the air TV or your cable box. It also doesn't have a sound card, which I guess isn't a bit deal unless you're planning to hook this up to some nice home theater speakers. Other wise it's not aesthetically pleasing to put in next to your TV and it probably runs rather loudly seeing the tiny CPU heatsink + fan.

It has a hauppage win tv card in there and on board audio.

 

[diduknowthat]

It has a hauppage win tv card in there and on board audio.

Oh good call, didn't see the TV tuner. And I know it has onboard audio, just saying it doesn't have a separate sound card.

 

[Quiltface]

yeah the on board isn't awesome but will get the job done until you upgrade... you can use something like this...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...156&cm_re=audio_to_rca-_-82-196-156-_-Product

to hook up to a home theater system.

 

[diduknowthat]

Yep, the above mentioned cable for analog hookup or this cable:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Av20000B03-PureAV-Digital-Optical/dp/B000F6NTUC

for digital hookup.