Mid level HTPC build - Need help picking out a CPU/Mobo & Case!

[aoommen]

Hi,

I'm getting the component specs in place for a new HTPC build (was thinking about a NAS build but figured out what I really needed was an HTPC to play my ripped movies)! Need help figuring out which way to go - need help picking a CPU/MoBo & Case:

Objective for the new build:

The HTPC build, would be primarily used for watching DVD & Blu-ray ripped movies (ripped to my external HDD - MKV, H.264, MP4, AVI etc) and playing DVD's & Blu-Ray's, and streaming - netflix, hulu, youtube etc. Having said that, I also don't want to build something that would be obsolete or outdated in a year, I would like to future proof it as much as possible.

I have a pretty powerful desktop system (at least I'd like to think so ) on the home network that the HTPC would also be hooked up to - specs in my signature - so I'm pretty sure any encoding or CPU intensive applications would be run on that and also gaming would be on that!

I'll list out the parts I already have and plan to use for this build:

1) Samsung 12 X Blu-Ray player & DVD writer

2) I have 16GB (4x4gb) of Corsair Vengance RAM installed on my recently built Gaming system (before anyone says it, I know it is overkill and knew it even while building it - I got it at a great deal for $70 and picked it up and hence used it. However now for the new HTPC build I'm planning to remove 2 sticks out of the slots (2x4GB) and use it for this - anything wrong with doing that, would it affect my already built system, if I remove/reduce the RAM?

3) HDD - 1x 3 TB Hitachi Deskstar

Okay so now to the part that is confusing me the most:

CPU / MoBo - I was sold on this Asus Fusion E-350 mobo & CPU combo till I read about Llaano, now I've been comparing the E-350, Llano & even the Core i3-2105 (HD3000) but cant seem to make up my mind which way to go - especially after reading these articles this article and this one (both of which i found from links on this forum). Can anyone who have had more experience than me on this issue help me pick one out - and share your reasoning behind it please?

Case/PSU - Form factor is the main concern here - I started planning this build with a Mini-ITX MoBo - Zotac but switched to a Micro-ATX because I could not find a lot of good Mini-ITX cases or PSU's. Micro ATX was still small enough and had better options! But I'm still unable to narrow down to a specific case considering this Antec Case - but I'm open to suggestions.

My requirements from the case are:

1) that it be small enough to fit under in my media console, max as big as a PS3 or an Xbox.
2) At least have have one 5.25" external bay for my ODD - not planning to spend on a slim drive for this build! Also 2 internal HDD bays for my SSD and HDD!
3) good airflow and ventilation
4) does not look like a computer but looks more like a media device
5) if it comes with a PSU, it be a good quality PSU (80 plus if possible) - what wattage would be appropriate for my use?
6) would be great if it has a remote control and volume control knobs on it!

The memory sticks I have has heatsinks on top so I am also worried whether the case would have clearance for these - if you know or if you can make an educated guess as to whether these would fir then please let me know, thanks!

I'm planning to include an small capacity SSD as a boot drive, and planning to run Windows 7 (XBMC & Media center mainly) - What size SSD would you recommend as a Win 7 - Home Premium boot drive?

All the above including my OS & SSD purchase - I would like to keep it under $400 - if possible!

Please help in picking out the components - your help and advice is greatly appreciated - Thanks in advance!

 

[mfenn]

A couple of comments:
- You're not going to get an MicroATX system that's anywhere near the footprint of a PS3 or Xbox 360. You'd be looking at twice the volume minimum. Thus, I suggest sticking with a mini-ITX build.
- An E-350 won't handle HD Netflix, so you're looking at Llano or Sandy Bridge
- You're not going to find many (any) 80Plus PSUs at in the ~200W range that you should be looking at.
- You will have clearance issues with that RAM in most small cases.
- Since your budget is only $400 for CPU, RAM, mobo, PSU, case, OS and maybe SSD, you're probably going to have to compromise on one aspect of the system or another.

With that out of the way, here's a build:
Pentium G620 $73
ASRock H67M-ITX $87
G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB $26
Kingston V100 $70 AR
APEX MI-008 $50
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
Total: $406

 

[aoommen]

A couple of comments:
- You're not going to get an MicroATX system that's anywhere near the footprint of a PS3 or Xbox 360. You'd be looking at twice the volume minimum. Thus, I suggest sticking with a mini-ITX build.
- An E-350 won't handle HD Netflix, so you're looking at Llano or Sandy Bridge
- You're not going to find many (any) 80Plus PSUs at in the ~200W range that you should be looking at.
- You will have clearance issues with that RAM in most small cases.
- Since your budget is only $400 for CPU, RAM, mobo, PSU, case, OS and maybe SSD, you're probably going to have to compromise on one aspect of the system or another.

With that out of the way, here's a build:
Pentium G620 $73
ASRock H67M-ITX $87
G.Skill DDR3 1333 4GB $26
Kingston V100 $70 AR
APEX MI-008 $50
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit $100
Total: $406

Thanks for that build and the links! Not something I would go for though

With these 2 changes, what can we change the build to something better:

1) Micro ATX is okay - I was just using the PS3 size as a comparison, maybe I should have said, the size of my Yamaha Receiver .

2) If I stretch my budget by $100 to make it $500 all inclusive (OS, Shipping etc) - I have free shipping on both Amazon (Prime) and Newegg (Shop Runner) !

Can we fit the Corsair RAM in a Micro ATX case?

Also what size do I need for the boot drive for a Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit OS system? Can it be smaller than 64GB, does SATA III for an SSD make a big diff?

Thanks for all your help!

 

[mfenn]

Can you elaborate on exactly what you wouldn't go for? It's hard to make changes if you don't tell what you don't like and why.

To answer your other questions:
- Yes, you can get a MicroATX case about the size of that receiver and fit the Corsair RAM.
- Yes, you can go smaller than 64GB on the SSD, but at that point it's not worth it because 32GB SSDs are slow.

 

[aoommen]

This is the build I came up with for now, still open to changes:

As per my post above - stretching the budget and fixing the form factor as micro ATX, here is what I'm considering now:

CPU : AMD A4-3400 Llano 2.7GHz - $78 - Was looking at the quad core AMD A6-3650 but decided on the dual core because I guess that is all I would need - right?

Motherboard: ASRock A75M FM1 AMD A75 - $75 - Has all that I need, 4 USB 3.0, 5 SATA 3 ports and nothing that I don't need!

Case: Antec Fusion Remote - Black - $141 - Not sold on this yet, but it has all the features that I'm looking for, but very pricey, if anyone has better suggestions I open to considering those - please comment!

PSU: Corsair AX 430W ATX - $21 - After the rebate and the promo code savings! It might be overkill but for the price it is the best I could find!

OS: Win 7 Home Premium - 64 bit - $100

SSD : Haven't decided yet - would like SATA III - if it can fit the budget - How much capacity is the question I'm pondering now!

HDD, ODD & RAM - as detailed in the OP - planning to use what I have!

So, that is it as of now. Please comment on what you think I should keep and what I should change?

Thanks in advance for all your replies!

 

[aoommen]

Can you elaborate on exactly what you wouldn't go for? It's hard to make changes if you don't tell what you don't like and why.

I was writing the post above while you posted that, so there it is, I did not like the CPU (performance, graphics, lifecycle), MoBo, spending more on the RAM, Case - that was my pick when I was considering mini-ITX, but the PSU was not what I wanted (well you suggested that because of the form factor, I understand)!

The post above should give you a good idea what I'm looking for, hope that helps!

Thanks again!

 

[mfenn]

The Llano CPU is quite a bit worse than the Pentium that I picked out above. Hell, it is even faster than the quad-core Llano. If you want a MicroATX board, the ASRock H67M is a good one.

The case is fine if you are OK spending that much. I'm not sure what the issue is with Apex and the PSU that comes with it. It will be about the same efficiency as the 430CX when running at HTPC loads.

As for the SSD, first off there is no such thing as SATA III. It is SATA 6Gb/s. Second, the ATA spec is the last thing that you should be looking at on a storage device. You need to look at the actual performance of the drive when making the decision.

 

[aoommen]

The Llano CPU is quite a bit worse than the Pentium that I picked out above. Hell, it is even faster than the quad-core Llano. If you want a MicroATX board, the ASRock H67M is a good one.

The case is fine if you are OK spending that much. I'm not sure what the issue is with Apex and the PSU that comes with it. It will be about the same efficiency as the 430CX when running at HTPC loads.

As for the SSD, first off there is no such thing as SATA III. It is SATA 6Gb/s. Second, the ATA spec is the last thing that you should be looking at on a storage device. You need to look at the actual performance of the drive when making the decision.

Thanks mfenn! Appreciate the quick response!

 

[mfenn]

Thanks mfenn! Appreciate the quick response!

No problem.

 

[aoommen]

The Llano CPU is quite a bit worse than the Pentium that I picked out above. Hell, it is even faster than the quad-core Llano.

@mfenn -Thank you for the prompt replies. I was walking out the door when I saw your last post, but after I got back, I was doing some research based on your assertion that the Pentium G620 is a faster and better processor than even the Quad Core Llano's to see if I needed to switch and found this Legit Reviews write up, which compares the Pentium G620 and the Llano Quad Core A6 processor along with many others!

Here are a few charts from the review -

Power consumption was the only place where it would make sense for me to switch to the Pentium, as far as graphics go I don't think there is even a comparison!

As the reviewer stated :

Benchmark Results: The AMD A8-3850 and A6-3650 'Llano' APUs are clearly in a league of their own when it comes to gaming graphics

Based on this can you please explain why you think this processor trumps the AMD Llano processors for my purposes, as stated in the OP I need something which has more GPU muscle (watching ripped movies, streaming, playing Blu-Ray's etc) than CPU muscle (I have a Core i5 - 2500K / Z68 desktop for CPU intensive tasks)!

Well even in some of the CPU tasks (x264, handbrake) the AMD processor fared way better than the G620, so comparing price vs performance isn't the AMD a better choice or is this review and testing biased, you think?

Also from a lifecycle perspective, the Llaano platform is relatively new compared to the Sandy Bridge platform - so maybe when the prices drop later, I can switch to A8 if i feel the need for it!

I'm thinking of switching based on the new info - not to a Pentium - probably to a Quad Core AMD A6 processor! Maybe cut down on the case and use that money for the CPU!

 

[mfenn]

Well, your mistake there is that you're looking at performance across a bunch of tasks that you will never do with an HTPC. You specifically mention "watching ripped movies, streaming, playing Blu-Ray's etc," all of which will be handled the same by any integrated GPU.

Also, I'm not sure where you got the idea that Sandy Bridge is significantly older than Llano, as they were launched within 6 months of each other. The Intel 1155 platform will receive at least one major update (Ivy Bridge), not sure about FM1, but it probably will.

So no, I don't think that the Llano is a good idea for an HTPC.

 

[aoommen]

Well, your mistake there is that you're looking at performance across a bunch of tasks

- No mistake there, all of which the AMD processors does better than the Intel Pentium G620, which was your recommendation. So no argument there, we can't argue with facts and proven test results from multiple sites across multiple benchmarks, right! Now if it was the Core i-series CPU's then Intel would have had at least a fighting chance but not with the Pentium processors. So based on price performance benchmarks - I am going with AMD - read this!

Sandy Bridge is significantly older than Llano

- never said that - what I said is this -

Also from a lifecycle perspective, the Llaano platform is relatively new compared to the Sandy Bridge platform

- the operative word being relatively, 6 months in technology life cycle is a lot!

You specifically mention "watching ripped movies, streaming, playing Blu-Ray's etc," all of which will be handled the same by any integrated GPU.

- not so, I choose to disagree, the HD 2000 or even HD3000 IGP does not compare with the Radeon HD 6000 series APU's when graphics (gaming or otherwise) capabilities are compared! This article tells you why, here is a comparison -

Even a dual core would be way better but I'm going with the A6 3650 - quad core, just for the heck of it! So I strongly disagree, trust me I am an Intel fan as far as the CPU capabilities go, but the in GPU war AMD definitely has an upper hand! You might want to reconsider if you are planning a build! Llaano is by far a better deal for an mid range HTPC or a budget desktop build - I did post on other forums asking the same question and got nudged in the AMD direction by ALL!

Back to the build:

I decided to ditch the SSD - did not get to this Shell Shocker Deal on time - so I took it as a sign and decided to build without an SSD, maybe later

Oh...and mfenn - I did not put the SATA III there - Newegg did...! I know it is 6Gb/s - you told me!

So I am saving $85 there and I'm also switching to another case from the Fusion Remote case to minimize cost and I figured out to get the remote functionality with out a case with a remote, don't need all the features of that case - the reason why I wanted that case was because of the remote and the volume control knob and all the other features provide by the iMon software package and the remote!

THEN IT OCCURED TO ME - I own a Logitech Harmony One remote - which should be able to control my HTPC as well- right? I found this article online which details out how to set up the Harmony One for your HTPC!

So it can control the HTPC, I'll have to get an IR receiver for setting it up, planning on this, also added a keyboard for surfing from the couch!

Thanks for all the advice. So everything else is done except for the case - Planning to spend a little less on the case probably around $70 to $80 (Micro ATX compatible) - any suggestions please feel free to post, and maybe get a better power supply, and then it is time to order parts!

 

[mfenn]

Aoomen, you've missed the point of my last several posts entirely. I suggest that you go back and reread them a few times.

"Well, your mistake there is that you're looking at performance across a bunch of tasks that you will never do with an HTPC." What does it matter if a quad-core can render a scene in Cinebench faster than a dual-core if you're never going to do that? Power and noise plus an adequate level of performance are the most important considerations with an HTPC.

"You specifically mention "watching ripped movies, streaming, playing Blu-Ray's etc," all of which will be handled the same by any integrated GPU." You are not going to decode a Blu-ray any faster with a Llano IGP than with an HD2000. The Pentium+HD2000 will do it a lot quieter and with a lot less power consumption though.

"Also, I'm not sure where you got the idea that Sandy Bridge is significantly older than Llano, as they were launched within 6 months of each other." Not sure if English is your native tongue (my apologies it it is not!) but if a difference is not significant is the same thing as saying the difference that doesn't matter. In this case, Llano and Sandy Bridge are both 32nm products with at least one refresh ahead of them on their platforms.

I'm not going to go back and forth with you any more on this. If you want the Llano, it's your money to spend. That doesn't mean it is the best option out there though.

As for case, there unfortunately aren't that many HTPC-style cases out there below $100. Something like this Silverstone would be good as long as any expansion cards you will use have low-profile brackets.

 

[aoommen]

Not sure if English is your native tongue (my apologies it it is not!) but if a difference is not significant is the same thing as saying the difference that doesn't matter.

mfenn I'm going to word it as politely as possible - but I don't take racial slurs lightly sir. English is absolutely my native tongue and as evident from the above sentence you typed, I do speak and type in English with better clarity, and more eloquently! Read what you typed again and you will see why!

Anyways that was completely unwarranted - I'm not sure of your age but however old you are it is clearly evident to me, and anyone else reading this, that you are not mature enough to take it well when someone rejects your idea - if you are old enough then you might want to get used to the fact that there might be more than one way to do something and there might be a better way than yours!

Instead of presenting any rational proof to further establish your ridiculous claim, IMHO, you resorted to a personal attack! Even after I gave you ample proof to support mine in terms of 3rd party articles and reviews, you did not even bother disputing those with one modicum (look that word up) of evidence, instead all you had was to question my language skills - that I don't think is something the moderators of this forum should see lightly!

So please refrain from posting on my threads if you can't at least ACT like a well brought up, mature adult! Stop being a hater, and stop focusing on yourself (and your ideas), and you might get at least one point across!

Thanks for the advice (there were some good points which I immediately accepted) your first post is what made me raise my planned budget! I just did not agree with your choice of parts - and it was not personal preferences - it was based on solid empirical (you might want to look up that word too) proof produced by 3rd parties - which you had none of; all you had was

I don't think that the Llano is a good idea for an HTPC

- I respect that but I think otherwise - learn to respect that, otherwise good luck in the real world - you know there is a reason why haters does not make it alive for a long time!

 

[jvroig]

mfenn, aoomen,

Knock it off. you two. Whatever you two intended to start, stop it now.

From reading aoomen's explosive, very personal post, it has become well out of line now. So just knock it off and resume the thread from before you two started talking.


Now, this part is a general reminder for everyone, not just mfenn or aoomen: if you feel a poster has insulted you, do not post a long diatribe of how you were wronged and how you take exception to it. That is a derail and is not acceptable.

Instead, what you should do is report the post, then leave it at that. Don't discuss your personal feelings here, and don't think you can proceed with attacking someone just because your feelings were somehow hurt in the discussion. This is not your facebook wall.


Moderator jvroig.

 

[aoommen]

Well starting off from before this became personal - I'm happy with the processor I picked - I 'm looking for a good IGP in the CPU and if I can get twice the graphics (75% for the HD 6410D - the dual core APU, and 30% performance for HD 2000 - Intel Pentium G620) for the same price I'll take it!

So this is the final list of parts - just need a good case to put them in

HDD : 3TB Hitachi Deskstar 7200 RPM SATA III - 3 TB
PSU : Corsair AX 430W ATX
MB : ASRock A75M FM1 AMD A75
APU : AMD A6-3650 Llano 2.6GHz
RAM : Corsair Vengance 8 GB
ODD : Samsung 12X BD ROM & DVD Writer
OS : Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Keyboard : Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400
IR Reciever : Genuine Dell RC6 IR Receiver
Remote: Logitech Harmony One (already owned - so I am not looking at a fancy case with remote and software)

BUDGET for the CASE : Max $80 (preferably lesser, if $80 then preferably with a PSU)

My requirements from the case are (modified from above based on changes):

1) that it be small enough to fit under in my media console (something like a AV reciever would be fine), Micro ATX MoBo compatible!
2) at least have have one full size 5.25" external bay for my ODD - not planning to spend on a slim drive for this build! 2 would be ideal, especially if there is no front display!
3) at least 2 internal 3.5" HDD bays!
3) good airflow and ventilation
4) does not look like a computer but looks more like a media device (Black please, as everything else is black!
5) this is not a deal breaker - but if it comes with a PSU, it be a good quality PSU (80 Plus Bronze if possible) - what wattage would be appropriate for my use?
6) Front LCD display would be great if it can fit within the budget

Please help suggest a good case for this build - this is my first time building an HTPC - so anyone who has had more experience dealing with such cases please suggest what might be best!

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[fffblackmage]

Llano or SB Pentium - either way works. It's not like you need some sort of supercomputer just to play some movies. And it doesn't matter which IGP you get. You can still watch your movies on the Intel HD2000.

While Llano does have an edge with having more cores, it's only really good in those multi-threaded workloads (rendering and encoding). SB Pentium still has the edge when it comes to single-threaded apps, even with the low clock frequency.
Anandtech bench - G620 vs A6-3650
IMO, a couple faster cores is more useful than more slow cores for an HTPC.

I believe mfenn was arguing that the lower power consumption of the G620 would be useful, because it means less heat to dissipate in a small HTPC case. Less heat means less airflow needed to keep the cpu cool and less noise coming out of your HTPC. It is also means it requires a smaller heatsink, and the stock heatsinks that comes with the SB Pentiums are tiny - a good fit for your small HTPC case?

To be honest, I don't particularly like Apevia's cheap cases nor their cheap PSUs, but understandably, mfenn recommended it with your limited budget in mind. Anyways, I came across this on newegg, and I thought it looked pretty nice. SILVERSTONE MILO Series ML03B HTPC Case. It's a bit pricey at $75 shipped and it doesn't even include a PSU. I don't think you'll find an HTPC with a good quality PSU that sells at the price you're looking for. All the other cases I've seen come with unknown brand PSUs, in which case, you might as well just go with the Apevia case mfenn suggested.

 

[aoommen]

I believe mfenn was arguing that the lower power consumption of the G620 would be useful, because it means less heat to dissipate in a small HTPC case.

- well if you have read the posts then you know he never ever mentioned that, I did and said this -

Power consumption was the only place where it would make sense for me to switch to the Pentium, as far as graphics go I don't think there is even a comparison!

I get your reasoning based on power consumption and heat, concerns for me too! Now that and the comparison chart you posted are reasonable factors, which is much better than personal attacks when you are trying to convince someone, right - so I did switch to a lower power consuming chip!

TDP of 65W same as the Pentium G620 - instead of quad core I switched to dual core - AMD A4 3400.

Here is why - if I'm getting a good CPU with much better graphics capabilities (HD Radeon 6410D - much much better) and the same power consumption (TDP = 65W) and comparable CPU performance, which as you rightly said is not our primary concern (hence the step down from the quad core), all this, FOR THE SAME PRICE AS THE G620 ($73 vs $80), why would I spend the same and get a lesser performing CPU???

It does not make sense, but to each his own, I respect that if anyone would still like to get the G620 for a similar purpose build as mine.

It's not like you need some sort of supercomputer just to play some movies. And it doesn't matter which IGP you get. You can still watch your movies on the Intel HD2000.

Never doubted that fact, never said it couldn't play movies!

Again the reason why I went with AMD is because IT COSTS THE SAME AS THE G-620, and for that same amount of money it gives me more, irrespective of the fact whether I use all that right away or not, I think it is a no-brainer to choose the "more for the same price" option!

Even the A6-3650 would have been a good choice when you look at the price/performance ratio as shown here, but it is more power hungry, so it makes sense to step down a notch to the A4!

So my CPU choice is made - sorry I did not go with your suggestion thanks for having me research and analyze deeper though (Love it I do that for a living)!

IMHO, I think Intel Pentium is not the right processor for any mid range HTPC build WHILE the AMD Llano is available at the same price point!

Now as far as the case selections goes:

That case looks good - definitely one in my consideration set now!

What do you guys thinks about this one - nMEDIAPC HTPC Case - it is bigger (ATX) & more deeper, it just might fit into my console!

Reason I'm considering this one is because:

1) it looks plenty spacious inside, more HDD bays, more room for expansion.
2) can add an LCD console on the front panel - makes it look more like a media device!
3) good cooling - 2x80mm and 1X120mm fans included!
4) has a card reader already built in and a nice cover for all the inputs on the front!
5)good reviews

What does anyone here think?

Thanks.

 

[mosox]

The Intel IGP is much worse than the Llano's not just in terms of performance but also in terms of image quality.

In a HTPC Intel is OK only when having a discrete video card (again, better be AMD for better IQ and UVD 3.0). If you plan to add a video card, Intel will be a little faster in encoding.



As for the cases this is a nice one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163166

Also 4G of RAM is fine for any HTPC.

 

[TheAdvocate]

I have the Silverstone Grandia GD05 linked above. Fantastisc case if you want one that is the same footprint as a typical AVR. And to show the flexibility, here are some pics from my build. I am a terrible photographer, so if it looks good here, it'll look better in your home:

Note: 1) If you don't want the exposed 5.25 bay for your DVD/Blu Ray drive, then get the GD04. You'll have to buy a slim drive for it, but it has a matching cover door. It costs a good bit more as well.

2) Ignore my CPU cooler, it's a performance cooler, which is overkill for your purpose (I OC/ game heavily on mine). The stock intel coolers are fine for what you're using it for, and much much smaller. Also, I had to RMA a GPU and ended up using the onboard HD 3000 GPU from my i5 for about 2 weeks, mostly for streaming playback, etc, and even some gaming, and it did just fine. And it didnt get hot. I setup custom fan profiles for the case fans and the entire rig was nearly silent.

 

[mfenn]

The Intel IGP is much worse than the Llano's not just in terms of performance but also in terms of image quality.

Not sure how you can say that when its HQV score is 128 vs the the 5550's 134. As I'm sure you're aware, the LLano GPU is very close to a Radeon 55xx in terms of performance and feature set. Now, if 1080p/24 content is important to you (i.e. you have a set capable of displaying it), I can see the justification for AMD/Nvidia graphics.

 

[aoommen]

I have the Silverstone Grandia GD05 linked above. Fantastisc case if you want one that is the same footprint as a typical AVR.

@ The Advocate - That looks like a great build, thanks for posting the pictures. Makes it much easier for me to visualize how mine will look after the build - I'm a visual person !

I am right now debating between the GD05B and the Antec case I'd originally planned with.

The only thing stopping me from getting the Antec is the fact that it has a silver front panel, everything else in the media console is black, don't know whether I want to invest in one of these and paint it myself or would that be too much of a hazzle?

Never modded a case before, but going by this article the paint job should not be too much of a pain - what do you think?

I'm leaning more towards the Antec because of 2 reasons, comes with a good quality PSU pre installed and it has 2 x 5.25" drive bays.

the onboard HD 3000 GPU from my i5 for about 2 weeks, mostly for streaming playback, etc, and even some gaming, and it did just fine.

- I love the i5-2500K which is what I used on my last built as well. Here are the specs for that:

CPU: Intel i5 - 2500K - 3.3 GHz; Motherboard: ASUS Z68 Chipset P8Z68 V; SSD : Crucial -M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB SATA III MLC+; RAM: Corsair 16 GB Vengenace; HDD :Samsung Spinpoint F3 1 TB SATA II (3GB/S); GPU: XFX Radeon HD 6870 - ZHBC (900 MHz); Case: NZXT Phantom Black Full Tower; Power Supply: Seasonic X Series 650 W Gold ATX; CPU Heatsink & Fan: Cooler Master CM Hyper 212+; ODD : LG Blu Ray Writer - WH12LS30; Card Reader: SABRENT 7 Slot 75 IN 1 Internal; Monitor: Hanns-G 28'' LCD Monitor; Mouse: Logitech Wireless Performance Mice MX; Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Illuminated Keyboard - K800; Webcam: Logitech HD Pro C910

I did not invest in a discrete GPU till about a week after the build was completed - and it worked great for me as well!

 

[aoommen]

The Intel IGP is much worse than the Llano's not just in terms of performance but also in terms of image quality.

In a HTPC Intel is OK only when having a discrete video card (again, better be AMD for better IQ and UVD 3.0). If you plan to add a video card, Intel will be a little faster in encoding.

@ mosox - Also price was another concern as well for me!

My point was if I can get something with much better test results (an APU - built for improved graphics performance, as compared to a CPU) for the same or lesser price, then why not? Especially if I don't care much about improved CPU performance!

Like the case you suggested, found a better deal on Amazon. As stated in the above post definitely one in my consideration set - what do you think about the Antec case (linked above)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[TheAdvocate]

I've never painted a case. I wouldn't want to mess with it. Though I have seen some folks paint the interior, and I have to admit, that looks great.

I finally looked at that nMediaPC case you linked. I've never seen it in person, but it's intriguing. If you want one that looks/acts more like an AVR, it may be a great choice. I was concerned with the dimensions, which was key in my decision. Here they are for comparison:

nMediaPC -6.6" x 17" x 16.4"

Grandia GD05 - 5.91" x 17.32" x 12.79"

That depth (16.4") is going to be an issue in many media stands, etc. On the plus side, i am guessing you could fit a modern gaming GPU in there (Mine, at 12.79" wont fit the big ones), but I don't think you care about that. Definitely measure where you want to put it and make sure you have some breathing room for the case as well. Both the intake and exhaust fans/areas need to have clearance to vent properly, and of course, the stand has to be deep enough to hold the case.

Oh - and PS, I paid $69 for my GD05 on Newegg (on sale). If you do get my case and intend to mount an SSD, please buy a 2.5" to 3.5" mounting bracket. It will save you some cussing (the drive mounts have nice rubber grommets for HDDs, but arent really setup for easy SSD installs). Ditto on a modular PSU. Cable management is a bitch in any of these HTPC cases. You dont want to have unused cables cluttering the case. I got this one for $48 at Circuit City. It's not the best, but it's decent.

 

[aoommen]

Has anyone used or have heard about these Motherboards - ECS A75-M2 Socket FM1 A75 mATX AMD Motherboard? It is sold out on Newegg!

It is by far the cheapest I have seen with 6 - SATA III connectors and a USB 3.0 on board header as well as 2 USB 3.0 ports?

Would I regret it if I use this instead of AS Rock board I was planning on - it would save me $22 on the build, hence the question?