HTPC Build Advice Needed

[Ryestag]

Hello everyone,

I currently use a dated gaming PC (ugly / flashy Mid tower) that I have hidden in the basement and wired to my PS3 as my media server solution. I want to ditch that set up and build a very quiet / energy efficient HTPC. I want it to look like an appliance and have the box near my TV - slick/materialistic design would be nice. I've been out on deployment for almost a year and completely out of the loop on new tech. I'm coming back in a couple of weeks and wanted to order the parts online and have it ready for my return.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for
HTPC

2. What YOUR budget is.
500-600$

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
Canada: www.canadacomputers.com or www.ncix.com
I have very good experience with both.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference.
None really, looking for the best solution. Plain and simple.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I have a ATI 4870 inside my current gaming rig that I plan on upgrading soon but that thing screems when it's under load. I'd rather not use it.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
Not really, I've been out of it for too long and everything has changed... I just want a good solution now so that I can order to parts and have the stuff at home when I get back in 2 weeks.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
The HTPC will be hooked up to a 50" Plasma, so 1-80P gaming max.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
2 Weeks

10. Don't ask for a build configuration critique or rating if you are thin skinned.
No worries

 

[Ken g6]

I'd start by reviewing [thread=2204748]this thread[/thread]. It would be helpful if you could use your existing HDD; they're really expensive lately. An E-350 CPU/mobo, such as this, is a good option if it's doing nothing but HTPC work. Otherwise you may want the CPU/mobo in that thread, plus a discrete GPU, 6450 or higher if you play games.

 

[Zap]

I want to ditch that set up and build a very quiet / energy efficient HTPC. I want it to look like an appliance and have the box near my TV - slick/materialistic design would be nice.

My case of choice for "appliance like" would be the Silverstone MILO ML03B because it basically looks like a digital cable box or older DVD player. However, it only takes low profile cards so you are severely limited in your graphics card performance/choice. This is not a problem if you were using it strictly for playing back or streaming media. However, this would not be ideal if you wanted to actually play games on it.

For that, you would need a case that is physically bigger, to be able to hold a decent gaming graphics card. I would suggest a Silverstone Grandia series case with models GD04B, GD05B or GD06B. These still fit in quite well with home theater equipment such as receivers, and since they use micro ATX motherboards, aren't as huge as the HTPC cases which take ATX motherboards. The differences between the three models are the front face, so pick the one you like the best.

For quiet and energy efficient, I would say go with Intel socket 1155 (AKA Sandy Bridge). Within your budget, if you needed a gaming graphics card then you may be stuck with a dual core chip like a Celeron G530, Pentium G820 or Core i3-2100.

For graphics card, usually the dual fan models are on the quieter side.

 

[cebalrai]

Well you said this was an HTPC then you mentioned using it as a 1080p gaming machine. Those are two vastly different things. I think until you clarify for us what your goal is that it will be difficult to help you.

If you're just wanting an HTPC I would go with an E-450 (should be out any day now), or possibly an A4 Llano for $59.

 

[Ryestag]

Sorry for the confusion, Gaming is not a priority at all. I have 2 gaming consoles, a ROG Asus laptop and a pretty decent gaming rig already. The HTPC will be used as a media server.

Ken_g6: I will read up on those links tonight when I get a bit of time. Thanks

Zap: Those cases fit the looks I was hoping for. Also, would a Llano chip + MB such as the ASUS F1A75-V Pro Ian reviewed here be a better solution?

Thanks to all for replying.

 

[mfenn]

Sorry for the confusion, Gaming is not a priority at all. I have 2 gaming consoles, a ROG Asus laptop and a pretty decent gaming rig already. The HTPC will be used as a media server.

Ken_g6: I will read up on those links tonight when I get a bit of time. Thanks

Zap: Those cases fit the looks I was hoping for. Also, would a Llano chip + MB such as the ASUS F1A75-V Pro Ian reviewed here be a better solution?

Thanks to all for replying.

There's no real point in Llano if you're not going to be gaming. A Sandy Bridge has plenty of grunt for decoding and does not need the help of a GPU.

Another key factor is whether or not you plan to store media on this box or if you have it somewhere else, like on your desktop or a NAS.

 

[Ryestag]

There's no real point in Llano if you're not going to be gaming. A Sandy Bridge has plenty of grunt for decoding and does not need the help of a GPU.

Another key factor is whether or not you plan to store media on this box or if you have it somewhere else, like on your desktop or a NAS.

Sandy Bridge it is then

As for the storage I was planning on storing it on the HTPC. I've tried streaming 1080P on Wireless N and it sometimes stutters and when I want to FFWD or RWD it's a nightmare. Wiring the HTPC is out of the question for me since my living room is on the 1st floor / across the house from my 2nd story office where my router/dsl is located.

 

[mfenn]

Unfortunately, right now is a really terrible time to be buying an HDD, especially with your budget. We're talking a third of your budget just for a single 2TB HDD.

Here's the best I can do from Newegg (feel free to PM with NCIX):

Pentium G620 $73
Biostar H67MU3 $85 - an internal USB 3.0 header will cost you at least $140 AR in the GA-Z68MX-UD2H
G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB $20 - single channel will not matter at all in this application
Crucial M4 64GB $120 - might as well given HDD prices
WD Green 2TB $202 -ouch
LG DVD Burner $21
Seasonic 300W $41
MILO ML03B $70
Total: $631 AR w/ HDD