First HTPC build

[TossedSalad]

Here's my first HTPC build. It will be hooked up to a HDTV; it's primary task is to playback 1080p, h.264 encoded movies. My budget is $450 - $600.

Case:Antec Aluminum Veris Fusion Black 430 Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case with IR receiver - Retail - $199.99

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-E7AUM-DS2H LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9400 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail - $134.99

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 Wolfdale 2.66GHz LGA 775 Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7300 - Retail - $119.99

Memory: Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2K2/2GR - Retail - $25.99 - $4.00 Instant = $21.99

Storage: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD103UJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $94.99

Subtotal: $571.95

Choosing a good case was hard. I ended up going with the $200 Antec because it has a decent 430W psu, and good cooling, with 2x120mm fans. It also has a IR receiver. Any recommendations on good IR remotes for use with this receiver? And any other suggestions would be great. Thanks!

 

[mpilchfamily]

Well if you want to go with that case then great but i wouldn't stick with the PSU. It looks like the PSu is one of Antecs low end base line PSU. It may even be leftover from the Smartpower line. If thats the case then you will want to stay clear of that PSu and get something better. So if the PSU was the deciding factor on the case then get something else.

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

Here are my thoughts.

1.) I really don't get the whole integrated into the case IR receiver. What is the point?
2.) Get one of these. Then you have a tuner card and your remote/receiver problem is solved. I have this card and remote and I love it. Works great with vista ultimate and VMC, Power DVD, etc.
3.) Find a case with more internal 3.5" bays. You'll want them in the future. Trust me I've got (2) 1 TB GP's in my HTPC, am about out of room, and have no place for more drives. I'd either have to hook up an external enclosure (sucks), build a NAS (no thanks), or get a couple of the uber flaky 1.5TB Seagates (no thanks).

Just my $.02. Take it for what it's worth

 

[jacktesterson]

Just my 2 cents...

but if you look at my HTPC build, my 780g Motherboard with a 5000+ with 2 GB of Ram would play 1080p content through onboard video/HDMI without any stutter at all. I was very impressed. I did some testing for a week with these settings just to try it out. (I have a 32" 1080p LCD in my bedroom as a 2nd TV)

It would save you a little money if thats all your going to use it for. My motherboard was $100, and the processor was $55 on sale.


The Spinpoint F1s are good drives BTW, excellent choice. quick drives that dont slow as they get full.

I also recommend a small drive just for the OS and programs only. I found it increased performance.