As entertainment continues to become increasingly web-centric, the ability to bring all of your TV, internet, digital photos, and video games into one center is exciting. Assembling your own media computer or Home Theater (HTPC) computer is beneficial and you can save money instead of buying a pre-assembled computer. Learn how to assemble a media computer by following this guide.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting the Right Computer Components
Step 1. Go shopping
The prices offered by each store can be very different. Find a retailer that has a good return policy as computer components may die when they arrive at your home. Purchase the parts you need from companies that accept product exchanges in the simplest way possible.
Step 2. Choose a processor
For a media computer, you don't need the latest and most expensive version of the processor you might need for a gaming computer. You need a processor that can play movies that have high resolution (HD). Look for a mid-range quad-core (four-core) processor.
Try to use a power-efficient processor so that you don't need a lot of cooling components, thereby reducing the overall noise generated by the computer
Step 3. Choose a motherboard (motherboard)
The motherboard to choose depends on the processor of your choice. USB 3.0, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi are the core components of a good motherboard. Get a motherboard with HDMI and DVI connectors, depending on the type of TV you want to connect the computer to. HDMI transmits both audio and visual signals, so if you're not connecting your TV via HDMI, you'll need a connector like SPDIF.
- If you plan to use a solid state drive (described further below), make sure that the motherboard supports SATA III.
- The size of the motherboard is determined based on the case used, and vice versa.
Step 4. Buy RAM
RAM is a simple component to buy when assembling an HTPC. Compare reviews to make sure you're buying it from a trusted company, as RAM has a fairly high chance of being damaged. The pin number on the RAM chip must match the PIN number for the motherboard. Make sure that the type of DDR and frequency of RAM used is supported by the motherboard.
Since RAM is inexpensive, get the highest frequency RAM the motherboard can support. Buy 4 GB of RAM, either in the form of 4 pieces of 1 GB or 2 pieces of 2 GB
Step 5. Choose a video card (optional)
You only need a video card if you plan to run games too with an HTPC. Most motherboards can handle video playback and streaming well. If you're adding a video card, you'll need to make sure that the power supply and case (below) can support it.
Step 6. Determine the size of the data storage drive capacity
The need for storage space depends on your purpose for using the HTPC. If you play videos over the internet and watch movies on DVD and Blu-ray, you don't need a huge storage capacity. If you store video and music files, you may need several terabytes of storage space. No matter how you use your HTPC, you need at least 60 GB of space to install the operating system and media programs.
Consider a solid state drive for the operating system. Solid state drives are quiet and power efficient, and also work slightly faster than traditional hard drives. This drive will speed up the time it takes to turn on the computer. These drives are indeed more expensive, and may not be suitable if you need a large storage capacity
Step 7. Purchase an optical drive
Modern HTPCs should have a Blu-ray drive installed. Blu-ray drive will produce the best picture quality when watching movies with high resolution. Most Blu-ray drives have a reading speed of 12x. Make sure that you buy it from a trusted manufacturer, as optical drives have a high tendency to damage. Blu-ray drives can also read DVDs and CDs.
Step 8. Choose a case
Look for cases for HTPC. There's a computer case that works to lay horizontally, and it's about the same size as a stereo receiver. Choose a case with a good cooling system and a quiet fan. Also make sure that the case is big enough to hold all the components, but not so big that it takes up a lot of unused space.
When buying a motherboard and case, make sure that they are the right size. Ensure that the case has adequate fans; if the fan isn't sufficient, add one or two 120mm fans, which usually work the quietest
Step 9. Choose the right power supply (PSU)
The amount of power supply you need will depend on the components used, but if you're not using a video card and using a solid state drive, you won't need more than 300 watts of power. Look for a PSU that is modular, that is, the type of PSU that can only be connected to the parts it needs. This way, you can reduce space requirements, and lower power requirements mean your computer will run more quietly.
Step 10. Buy some extra equipment
Buying a mouse and keyboard without cables will be very helpful in operating the computer. There are also other options for wireless devices, such as devices connected via Bluetooth or infrared. You will need video and audio cables to connect your HTPC to your TV and sound system.
Method 2 of 3: Assembling the Computer
Step 1. Discharge static electricity from within your body
Static electric shocks can damage computer components. Ensure that you have removed any static electricity before working with any part of the computer. If you have an antistatic wristband, wear it and attach the bracelet head to the metal case. Do not assemble the computer on a carpet, and if you are standing, remove your socks. Do not wear synthetic clothing when assembling the computer.
Step 2. Install the motherboard
To install the motherboard, you must prepare the case. Open an empty case by laying it on its back or bottom facing the floor. Install the motherboard I/O plate into the case. The plates of each motherboard are different, and each plate has holes for connectors.
- Install the motherboard fixing bolts. There are several bolt holes in the case for attaching the lifting bolts. Lock the bolts into the holes that match the motherboard used. The bolts are finger-locked, and there is a hole on the top that can be used to attach other bolts.
- Install the motherboard over the lifting bolts. Gently push the motherboard into the I/O plate after the bolts are installed. Start with the bolt closest to the I/O plate and work the farthest.
- Install the processor. Carefully remove the processor from the packaging box, and position the triangle on the processor socket on the triangle that is printed on the processor.
- Ensure that no rough contact occurs on the processor pins, and ensure that you do not force the processor into the socket.
- Once the processor is inserted, secure it by locking the socket lever.
- Install the CPU cooler. If you bought your processor from a retailer, then you most likely got a cooling fan when you bought a processor with thermal grease applied. Otherwise, you must apply a thin layer of thermal grease to the processor before installing the CPU fan.
Step 3. Install RAM
Position and match the RAM notch with the hole for the notch in the socket. Press the RAM in the center firmly until you hear a clicking sound. Both ends of the ram must be securely locked with the clamps on the sides of the two ends.
Step 4. Install the hard drive and optical drive
Depending on the type of case used, you may have to attach the tray to the drive before inserting it. Make sure that the optical drive fits snugly against the front of the case. Some cases require a cover to be attached to the front of the optical drive tray.
Step 5. Install the video card (if possible)
If you want to equip your HTPC with a video card, do it now. Look for the PCI-E slot on the motherboard. The PCI-E port is shorter than the other slots and has a different color. Press the video card into the slot until it clicks into place, and the clamp will secure the video card in position. The back plate must be in a position parallel to the back of the case.
Step 6. Install the fan
Most fans have an indicator on the top that shows the direction of airflow. Use one fan to draw in air and one opposite fan to expel air. In this way, cooling in the computer will run optimally, because the cool air can be distributed evenly among all components.
Step 7. Connect the motherboard
Before connecting the computer components, first connect the case parts to the motherboard. This means you'll need to connect the power switch cable, LED power, all USB cables and audio jacks on the case, fans, etc. Most motherboards have connection labels, although you may still need to consult the motherboard instructions for the specific location of each hole.
Step 8. Plug in the power supply
Snap the power supply into place, then lock it with the bolt. Install the appropriate power connector for each device. Make sure that all components that have been installed are properly connected, including the motherboard. If you are using a modular power supply, you only need to connect the necessary cables. Also, fold and insert the cable inside the case.
Step 9. Connect the computer components
Connect hard drives and optical drives to the motherboard using SATA connectors. Fold and thread the excess cable and make sure that nothing is blocking the fan.
Step 10. Close the case
A well-designed case maximizes airflow. Make sure that the case is tightly closed, and avoid running the computer with the case open.
Step 11. Connect the HTPC to the TV. Connect the HTPC to the TV using an HDMI cable, or DVI and SPDIF connectors
Make sure that the TV is set to receive the right channels when you are using the HTPC.
Method 3 of 3: Running HTPC
Step 1. Install the operating system
Once the computer is complete, it's time to install the software needed to make it a media center. First of all, you need an operating system. Windows is the most common choice, with Windows 7 or 8 being a good choice depending on the user's preference. If you have RAM with a size exceeding 4 GB, install a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system so that the excess memory you have can be put to good use. If you are a technically savvy computer person, Linux is a free option that can perform all HTPC functions. However, Linus is more difficult to use than Windows.
Step 2. Connect the computer with the home network
Via the Ethernet or Wi-Fi port, connect the HTPC to the network so you can play web content like Netflix and Hulu.
Step 3. Install the media player
Windows has its own media player, but it cannot run most downloaded video formats. If you're using an HTPC to play downloaded media files, you'll need a good media player to run some complex file types. There are many good media players that are free and available online.
