Budget HTPC

[IceWizard]

Hey AnandTech,

I'm looking to build a pretty basic HTPC for around $300-350 before taxes/shipping for Hardware only. I have a separate budget for software. I'll be buying my parts in the US. I have no brand loyalty at the moment. I plan to build this within the month (as soon as I know which parts to get.)

I Want to run Windows (Boxee, Sickbeard, Sabnzbd). I'd like support for Netflix & possibly streaming from Amazon. No need to support a cablecard or tv tuner, but the future ability would be a plus if it was must a matter of adding a new piece of hardware. I may also use it as a simple file storage to share between home computers. I don't intend to really play any hardcore games or anything on it.

I want it to have Wifi (On-board would be nice, but I could just throw a USB dongle on it that I already have) and it needs to have HDMI output for 1080P.

I also want it to have a BluRay player, possibly a burner for the future. I'd like the hardware capability to copy dvd/blurays and encode them (Home movies of the family... of course.) It doesn't need to be fast (overnight is fine for encoding) but not where it takes a whole week.

I also want a Remote for it. My ideal remote would be able to turn on my TV as well, but I don't know if that can be done without a really expensive one.

I also want it to be quiet..


I've read a few threads and lifted these components from some of them.


1) Case: APEX MI-100 $54.99 or APEX MI-008 $54.99.

I like the steel look of the MI-100. I read reviews that talked about bad air flow. Is that true? Also, would 250watts be enough to run this if I were to ever get a 2nd SATA HDD in the future?

2) Mobo/CPU: GIGABYTE GA-E350N-USB3 AMD E-350 APU (1.6GHz, Dual-Core) AMD Hudson-M1 FCH Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo $119.99 (before $30 rebate)

(I've heard sometimes people have problems with NetFlix/Silverlight. Would this GPU handle it?)

3) Crucial 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model CT51264BA1339 $22.99

4) HDD : Seagate Pipeline HD ST31000322CS 1TB 5900 RPM SATA $69.99

(Would this be fast enough? I'd like a quiet one)

5) BluRay: LG WH12LS30 $79.99 (Burner) or SAMSUNG SH-B123L (Reader) $59.99

6) Rosewill RRC-126 Windows 7 Certified Media Center Infrared Remote Control with Netflix Function $24.99

(I'm still researching remotes.. any ideas?)


I'd appreciate any feedback you can give me.

If need be I could always leave out the BluRay drive and add it later.

 

[Ken g6]

2) Mobo/CPU: GIGABYTE GA-E350N-USB3 AMD E-350 APU (1.6GHz, Dual-Core) AMD Hudson-M1 FCH Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo $119.99 (before $30 rebate)

(I've heard sometimes people have problems with NetFlix/Silverlight. Would this GPU handle it?)

I don't know about the GPU, but the CPU wouldn't. Try a G530 with this mobo, total $113 AR.

Your RAM would be faster, for encoding and such, if you used a pair of sticks. Since you're worried about airflow and PSU power, and since this might be on a lot, I suggest low-voltage sticks for literally a couple bucks more than the normal ones. $5 more than your single stick.

Do save $10 by getting the Samsung Spinpoint 1TB hard drive instead.

 

[IceWizard]

Thank you. I'll go with your recommendations based on what I've read. I appreciate the help.

You can totally tell I haven't built anything in a while -- I didn't even know they integrated video into CPUs now.

 

[mfenn]

I don't know about the GPU, but the CPU wouldn't. Try a G530 with this mobo, total $113 AR.

Your RAM would be faster, for encoding and such, if you used a pair of sticks. Since you're worried about airflow and PSU power, and since this might be on a lot, I suggest low-voltage sticks for literally a couple bucks more than the normal ones. $5 more than your single stick.

Do save $10 by getting the Samsung Spinpoint 1TB hard drive instead.

:thumbsup: Agree on the CPU and HDD. Damn Netflix and their use of Silverlight.

I don't think that the RAM speed really matters for this application unless encoding performance is really important. Then again, the likelihood of ever needing to upgrade to 8GB is also low.