We have organized several readers’ polls to find the most popular HTPC components for our 2012 builds. We have received thousands of votes and the results are now available to every one.
Bonus! These are the components I use in my own custom HTPC.
Based on your votes, here are the winning components:
Mini Budget |
Budget |
Value |
Performance |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | Learn More | |
| Price | $293 | $435 | $620 | $1095 |
| CPU | AMD E-350 | AMD A4-3400 | Intel Core i3-2105 | Intel Core i5-2500K |
| Motherboard Chipset | AMD A50M | AMD A75 | Intel LGA1155 Z68 | Intel LGA1155 P67 |
| GPU | AMD HD on-board | AMD HD on-board | Intel HD on-board | GeForce GT430 |
| Case | Antec ISK 300-150 | Silverstone GD06B | Antec Fusion Remote | Luxa2 LM200 |
| HDMI Interface |  |
|
|
|
| TrueHD / DTS-HD | |
|
|
|
| 3D Video |  |
|
|
|
| Power Consumption | 15 W Idle | 24 W Idle | 25 W Idle | 45 W Idle |
| PCMark Vantage (Movies) | 1732 | 2500 | 5909 | 7443 |