3 best home theater p cs

A home theater PC, often abbreviated as HTPC, is a specialized computer designed to be used as the central hub for home entertainment systems.These PCs are typically connected to a television or a projector and are used to manage and playback various types of media content, including movies, TV shows, music, and more. Here are some key aspects related to home theater PCs:

  1. Hardware Components: HTPCs are built with components similar to regular desktop computers, including a CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage (usually a large hard drive or SSD), and a power supply. However, they may be designed to be compact and quiet to fit seamlessly into a home theater setup.

  2. Graphics and Video: A dedicated graphics card or integrated graphics with support for high-definition video playback is crucial for HTPCs. Many HTPCs also support 4K Ultra HD and even 8K video playback for an immersive viewing experience.

  3. Audio: HTPCs often support surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Some enthusiasts may even use dedicated sound cards or external audio interfaces to enhance the audio experience.

  4. Operating System: Popular operating systems for HTPCs include Windows, Linux (with media center software like Kodi or Plex), and specialized media center operating systems like OpenELEC or OSMC.

  5. Media Center Software: Media center software like Kodi, Plex, or Emby is commonly used to manage and organize media libraries. These software applications provide user-friendly interfaces for browsing and playing media content.

  6. Remote Control: HTPCs are usually controlled using remote controls, wireless keyboards, or smartphone apps to provide a seamless user experience from the couch.

  7. Connectivity: HTPCs should have various connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, to connect to other devices in the home theater setup.

  8. Storage: Given the large size of media files, HTPCs often have multiple terabytes of storage capacity to store movies, TV shows, and music libraries.

  9. Streaming: HTPCs can also stream content from online services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. This requires a fast internet connection and the installation of streaming apps.

  10. Gaming: Some HTPCs are also used for gaming, and users may install gaming consoles or gaming controllers for a more versatile entertainment experience.

  11. Form Factors: HTPCs come in various form factors, including full-sized tower cases, mini-ITX cases, and even compact media center cases designed to blend in with home theater equipment.

  12. Customization: Many enthusiasts enjoy building and customizing their HTPCs to meet their specific needs and aesthetics. Custom cases, lighting, and cooling solutions are common additions.

Overall, a home theater PC is a versatile and powerful solution for those looking to centralize their home entertainment and media playback while enjoying a high-quality audio and video experience. The specific components and software used can vary widely depending on individual preferences and requirements.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best home theater p cs on the market
  

AK1 Mini PC Windows 10 Pro, ACEPC 4K Mini Computer Intel Celeron J3455 Processor(up to 2.3GHz) Micro Desktop PC, 4GB DDR3/64GB eMMC, 2.4G+5G Dual WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, BT 4.2

ACEPC

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 🚀【FASTER RUNNING SPEED】ACEPC AK1 Mini PC equips with Windows 10 Pro Intel Celeron Apollo Lake J3455 Quad-Core processor.And loaded with 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Memory, Bluetooth 4.0,Fast Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. Powerful hardware makes it run more smoothly and stable.
  • 🚀【EXPAND STORAGE BY MULTI-WAYS】1.Fit mSATA SSD to the mSATA slot inside the main unit(mSATA SSD up to 128GB,but not include),by this way you can choose to clone the preinstalled Win 10 into the SSD; 2.It's expandable with the addition of up to 2 TB of 2.5 inch SSD or HDD fitted in the base expansion box.
  • 🚀【STRONG WIRELESS SUPPORTS】The latest wireless connectivity with 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Wi-Fi,it offers speeds up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band & 1300Mbps on the 5GHz.
  • 🚀【GREAT HOME THEATER PC】The mini desktop computer comes with 4K ultra high definition streaming capability, giving you a best-in-class television experience with true-to-life picture quality, which can be used as a media center to enjoy TV shows or games.
  • 🚀【WHAT YOU GET】Designed with fan helps to reduce heat. All important connections are available: 1x LAN, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI, 1x audio output, 1x Micro SD slot (for TF cards with up to 128GB). ACEPC provide 12-month satisfaction and LIFETIME technical support service, please feel free to contact ACEPC customer service if any issues happened.

Product features

GIFTS FOR MEN

Christmas Gifts, Father's Day gift, Birthday gift, Valentine's Day Gifts, Business PC for Men Husband Dad Boyfriend Teen boy and Women. A nice PC gift for men who specialized in business or family who like to enjoy home theater entertainment. Get more done faster on a reliable mini computer that can keep up with your everyday tasks, that's also cheap enough to purchase several for your office desk. Ideal for visually home entertainment, home office, conference room, etc.

Double Screens Display-Double your work efficiency

Built in Intel Celeron Apollo Lake J3455 Processor(Quad-core, 4M Cache, up to 2.3GHz) and Intel HD Graphics ,Pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro(64-bit) version, set up is effortless.Works with all Microsoft products in a seamless fashion and maintain productivity.

Intel HD Graphics ACEPC AK1 mini computer comes with integrated Intel HD graphic supports the 4K videos smoothly,giving you a best ultimate playback experience.The max support resolutions is 3840*2160@30Hz.

Packed with connectivity

AK1 mini pc has all features of old desktop computer, it works with server, monitoring equipment, office equipment, monitor, projector, tv and so on.

Super mini and wisdom

Smooth edges and compact dimensions measuring just 5.04*5.04*2.05inch.Holding it easily in your palm. One mini PC for a tidy, clutter-free environment.

Strong Wireless Supports

2.4GHz+5GHz Dual Band WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0 make everything smoother whenever transmission and download.

SilverStone Technology Home Theater Computer Case (HTPC) with Faux Aluminum Design for ATX/Micro-ATX Motherboards (SST-GD09B-USA)

SilverStone Technology

Based on 476 reviews Check latest price

Product description

As the leader in HTPC design, SilverStone's Grandia GD09 and GD10 are the pinnacle of space efficiency and compatibility. Designed to fit full size components such as ATX power supply, ATX Motherboard, 5.25" Drive, 3.5", and 2.5" Drives, it is still compact enough to fit inside most living room TV stand or home theater cabinet comfortably.

  • Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling/quietness and dust-prevention
  • Support expansion cards up to 12.2". Support ATX motherboards
  • Quick access filters included
  • Incredible 358mm depth to fit comfortably inside home theater cabinet
  • Drive cages with multi-purpose mounts eliminate need for adapters.Independent graphics card vent

User questions & answers

Question: Some pictures of this show the front as a brushed aluminum and some pictures show it as a smooth cover. Is the front of this case smooth or not
Answer: The front of this case is brushed aluminum.
Question: How many 3.5" hard drives will fit in this case
Answer: I fit 3 3.5 drives and a 2.5 SSD as well as a cd drive in mine. But in order to this you need to not utilize one of the side fans at the top (left side)
Question: Is this case suitable for a monitor resting on top
Answer: This would be ideal for a light monitor - the structure is solid, but wouldn't support a heavy object on top.
Question: I'm confused about the dimensions. Amazon lists dimensions as 22 x 18 x 11 inches, and another seller says 17.32"x14.09"x6.69". Can someone verify
Answer: Using a tape measure, I measured mine. Its 17.25" x 14" x 6.75". This is total outside dimensions. Obviously since I was using a tape it may be +/- a few tenths. Looks like the other seller is correct.

Product features

SilverStone Technology Home Theater Computer Case

GD09

ïż­ Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling/quietness and dust-prevention

ïż­ Support expansion cards up to 12.2 inches (309mm)

ïż­ Support ATX motherboards

ïż­ Quick access filters included

ïż­ Incredible 358mm depth to fit comfortably inside home theater cabinet

ïż­ Drive cages with multi-purpose mounts eliminate need for adapters

SilverStone Technology SST-GD08B-USA Home Theater Computer Case with Aluminum Front Panel for E-ATX/ATX/Micro-ATX Motherboards GD08B-USA

SilverStone Technology

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The introduction of Grandia GD07 and GD08 cases from Silverstone ushers in a new era of home theater computing like never before. For the first time, the power and storage capacity of a server can now be neatly stowed beautifully and quietly in a home theater environment. Completely engineered to fully utilize all available spaces, The Grandia GD08 can accommodate an incredible amount of drives (up to twelve) and high-end components (graphics cards up to 13.6 inches long) with minimal sacrifices. It is even possible to fit SSI EEB (12” x 13”) extended ATX motherboards In the GD07 despite maintaining an exterior Dimension similar to SilverStone's previous generation full-size HTPC cases. With a wealth of lessons learned from building the best performing tower cases in the last several years, Silverstone engineers upgraded gd08’s cooling performance tremendously with up to five 120mm fan options. And to make sure owners can easily maintain their cases’ cooling ability over time with the lowest noise possible, custom designed removable filters surround the case for positive pressure to work effectively and quietly. To complement the tremendous new design, the GD08 is built with the thickest aluminum front panel of any Silverstone case with a styling that pays homage to the most popular HTPC case ever made, The La scala LC17. For HTPC enthusiasts all over the world, This case is truly a dream come true!

  • Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling/quietness and dust-prevention
  • Support expansion cards up to 13.6 inches (345mm)
  • Supports extended ATX Motherboard
  • Quick access filters to prevent dust buildup
  • Aluminum front panel with premium styling
  • Led indicator with adjustable brightness
  • Impressive storage capacity of up to twelve drive Bays

User questions & answers

Question: Can I put a disc drive in it
Answer: The power supply sits behind the 5.25" external drive cage. The case is 13-1/4" deep. If you use a conventional internal optical drive (6-3/4") you have only 6-1/2" for power supply and cables. Most ATX power supplies will be a very tight fit, so consider a compact ATX PSU like the Corsair CV series. I used a fanless power supply which is oversize (6.7" deep) so to fit a DVD drive I resorted to an ICY Dock MB343SPO with a 9.5mm laptop drive.
Question: Can liquid cooled cpu radiator with dual 120mm fans fit with a ATX motherboard
Answer: I installed an intake fan since my power supply has a 120mm fan that is providing the exhaust functionality. That setup seems to keep everything pretty cool (

Latest Reviews

View all