Building your first 3D HTPC or Bluray PC

With the release of the first graphics card to do 3D, we can now build our very first 3D Bluray PC or HTPC.
AMD's new HD 6870 & 6850 graphics cards are 3-D ready, ushering in a new era of 3D video as well as gaming that takes users to an entirely new level. The AMD 3-D experience is truly immersive and seamless, incorporating AMD Eye-Definition (utilizing AMD’s HD3D technology & DirectX 11 for explosive performance and stunning effects), AMD Eyefinity (which supports multi-display gaming) and AMD Eyespeed (improves video image quality and application performance for amazing visuals) technologies. The cards require the use of HDMI 1.4a, so a new 3D monitor or LCD TV is required.

For 3D monitor, we recommend ViewSonic’s FuHzion LCD Designed for watching HD 3D video content as well as for the hard core gamer, the monitor bring revolutionary, pure 120Hz frame rate combines with ultra-fast 3ms video response for immaculate blur-free motion and realistic 3D rendering.

The motherboard we choose is Gigabyte's latest mini-ITX size motherboard, the GA-H55N-USB3 and measuring only 17cm x 17cm. This board support Intel Core i7/i5/i3 series processors and comes with a horde of features that other mini-ITX boaeds cannot match: Intel H55 Express Chipset with Integrated Graphics (so no need for additional graphics card), upto 8G of DDR3-1666 memory, 1x PCI-Express 2.0 x16 Slot (in case you want to disable onboard graphics), 4x SATA2 Ports, 1x eSATA2 Port, 8x USB 2.0 Ports (4 rear, 4 by headers); 2x USB 3.0 Port, Realtek ALC892R 7.1-Channel High Definition Audio, Realtek RTL8111E Gigabit Ethernet Controller, 1x DVI Port; 1x VGA Port; 1x HDMI Port; 1x optical S/PDIF-out Port; 1x RJ45 LAN Port; Audio I/O Jacks.

For processor, we choose Intel Core i5 Processor i5-661 3.33GHz 4MB LGA1156, a good balance between price and performance. It has 3.33GHz speed and can be Turbo-Boost up to 3.60GHz. It also has Intel HD graphics. Built for mainstream users who might occasionally require some additional performance, this CPU features Intel's exclusive 45nm architecture, ideal for users interested in surfing the Web, checking email, shopping online, manipulating images, downloading, and watching HD videos—all at the same time.

As for the PC case for our Mini ITX board, there is no better choice than Silverstone SUGO 07, a super-small footprint case (est 30cm x 20cm x 17cm height). Although small, it packs a punch above its weight. This case is cool and quiet.

For the 3D Bluray player software, we recommend PowerDVD 10 Ultra 3D. Optimized for the latest hardware acceleration technologies from Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD, PowerDVD ensures smoother movie performance. PowerDVD 10 launches your Blu-ray movies up to four times faster, too. Seeing is believing the kind of life-like imagery that Blu-ray 3D* can deliver, and PowerDVD 10 brings it to life on your PC. Offering the best-quality 3D movie experience possible, PowerDVD is compatible with the full range of 3D hardware on the market, including glasses, graphics cards, and monitors.


The major components of our setup are:

Intel Core i5 Processor i5-661 3.33GHz 4MB LGA1156 CPU BX80616I5661

Gigabyte Socket 1156/Intel H55/USB3/A&V&GbE/Mini-ITX Motherboard GA-H55N-USB3

Silverstone 6x Blu-Ray Burner BD-RE/8x DVD±RW DL SATA Slim Optical Drive TOB01

PowerDVD 10 Ultra 3D

Viewsonic 22 IN WS LCD 1680X1050 1000:1 VX2268WM 3D

SilverStone Mini-ITX/Mini-DTX Case with 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Power Supply SG07B (Black)

ASUS AMD Radeon HD 6850 1 GB GDDR5 Video Card EAH6850/2DI2S/1GD5