X86 hardware

Computers and appliance devices with an x86 processor (a "desktop class"/"normal" Intel or AMD x86/x86-64 based CPU) are the usually the most stable option for an powered HTPC (Home Theater PC) / media center computer.

Using standard x86 computer hardware provides a great amount of flexibility and can be made from spare parts, old laptop/desktop computers, or new dedicated hardware, and as such are also by definition upgradable.

x86 HTPC (Home Theater PC)
HTPC (Home Theater PC) (or Home Theatre Personal Computer) in the traditional meaning is a dedicated "media center" computer is a convergence device that combines some or all the hardware capabilities of a standard personal computer with an operating system and media player software application that supports video and audio playback, and sometimes can also offer video recording functionality. With the term "media center" referring to specialized media player application software such as which is designed to offer a nice 10-foot user interface for a lean-back experience.

HTPC and other convergence devices integrate components of a home theater into a unit co-located with a home entertainment system. An HTPC system typically has a remote control and the software interface normally has a 10-foot user interface design so that it can be comfortably viewed at typical large screen television viewing distances. An HTPC can be purchased pre-configured with the required hardware and software needed to add video programming or music to the PC. Enthusiasts can also piece together a system out of discrete components as part of a software-based HTPC.

x86 HTPC hardware
Traditional HTPC in the classic sense means using standard or optimized desktop computer hardware to build a dedicated media center computer, but usually fitted into a purpose built computer chassi case that is design for being a HTPC / media center, however today most people looking to build a new HTPC usually go the route of just buying a Mini-PC instead.

Mini-PCs
Some people think that using desktop-class (x86) computer hardware parts to make-up a HTPC means having a huge ugly, noisy computer case next to your television set, but today this could not be further from the truth. The rise of the mini-PC (miniature personal computer) over the past few years have not only given a small option, but these small options are often powerful and budget friendly as well.

Desktop PC hardware
Using desktop PC hardware to build a dedicated HTPC usually means building your rig from scratch, and as of 2015 as well as the past 10-years the desktop PC hardware scene for HTPC purposes is still dominated by Nvidia GPU based hardware if you wish you use a Linux OS, or AMD GPU based hardware if you wish to use a Windows OS, but Intel CPUs with integrated GPU is quickly gaining a broader audience for both Linux OS and Windows OS builds.

You will basically need to build a custom rig with a GPU (graphics controller) that can at least hardware decode all H.264 files that you want to play. If you are looing for a multi-purpose machine for gaming as well then the CPU and GPU will also need to to meet the requirements for playing your types of games at the resolution you want, but then the question about which computer hardware to buy really become a complete different discussion.

For most dedicated HTPC purposes the difference between desktop PC hardware and a Mini-PC is however slight. The real benefit with using desktop PC hardware for media purposes is that it is upgradable, but if you just have a good 1080p television you really like then the recommendation will normally be to just buy a Mini-PC.

Here is a good starting point for the quest of building a HTPC from desktop PC hardware:
 * http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/rmp_sg_whirlpoolpcs_htpc

Recycle methods
Advice for reusing old or spare computer parts for an HTPC.

Random notes
Feel free to place various notes, tips, and links here. As this section of the wiki gets more organized, those notes will be properly sorted. Consider this like a dumping ground for when you're not sure where to put something.

Specific device pages
Here are a few device-specific guides/help areas that the community has provided.

category = X86 category = HTPC format  = ,