• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

New HTPC build, need advice

T

teh impaler

Junior Member
So I'm looking to build an HTPC. Something with a small footprint and thats going to be able to steam movies at 1080i/p from my WHS box. I don't need an optical drive and I have a TechNet Sub so I don't need an operating system.

My budget is about $500.

Here is what I had in mind:

SILVERSTONE Sugo SG05-B
GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3
Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBNQ
Rosewill WMC Remote

I know that the motherboard and CPU, RAM and Remote are on combo discount, just posted it this way to make it easier.

I would like to keep it an Intel build.

The Gygabyte motherboad has HDMI built in, is built in video enough to drive a 1080p display?

Is an SSD worth buying for an HTPC, and what do you guys recommend?

Also what flavor of Windows 7 would you recommend?

Any other advice about HTPCs would be welcome 😛

Thanks in advance.
 
teh impaler said:
The Gygabyte motherboad has HDMI built in, is built in video enough to drive a 1080p display?
Click to expand...
A lot of old video cards and IGPs support resolutions higher than 1080p. Should be fine.

Is an SSD worth buying for an HTPC, and what do you guys recommend?
Click to expand...
I probably wouldn't buy one for my HTPC.

Also what flavor of Windows 7 would you recommend?
Click to expand...
I don't think it really matters other than price.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
You're welcome.

If you don't mind having some naked ram, these are $5 cheaper.
G.SKILL NS 2x2GB DDR3 1333 $48
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the quick reply blackmage.

I look at the "naked" RAM, thanks.

How does the build look over all?

Will the i3 have issues decoding HD (MKVs, H.264, wtc) material at all?

edit:

Has anyone used the Rosewill IR receiver with a Harmony One? Do they play nicely together?
 
Last edited:
The i3 is plenty fast enough to decode whatever HD content that you want to throw at it (OK, maybe not 4K, but 1080P is fine). The "Intel HD Graphics" IGP will actually accelerate the decoding of all all the Blu-Ray formats as well (MPEG-2, VC-1, H.264).
 
Make sure you have a wireless keyboard handy. There's a few mini ones for around $50, but even a full sized one will do as long as you have a place to tuck it away.
 
Something with a small footprint and thats going to be able to steam movies at 1080i/p from my WHS box
Click to expand...

Lian Li Q07 and Q11 each have a much smaller footprint than the SG05/06, because they're oriented to be taller than deeper. I can say emphatically that the Q11 is a really nice mini-ITX case.
 
I suggest that you try the integrated video before you purchase a video card.

I have a computer that is two years old with an Intel DG35EC MATX motherboard with an integrated chipset. I just purchased a Samsung LN40C500 (40 inch HDTV). I did not even have HDMI. I used an adapter plug to convert DVI-D to HDMI and ran a 10 foot HDMI cable to my TV. I was surprised how easy it was to export online streaming content to the TV and even more amazed at the picture quality. From what I read the 35 series HD video was only 720P, but the video was quite good for an online streaming movie and integrated video. I would expect newer integrated HD Video to be even better.

However, the HD Video does not come with the Quad Core Processors. So if you go that route, you need a separate video card. My Processor is only an Intel E7200 so with a newer processor I would expect better results.

I had the cable arrive at my house and I hooked it up and had it working in under one hour. From what I have read the high speed HDMI cables make no difference. Try looking at Youtube for some how-to videos.
 
Thanks for all your input.

I'll take a look at the Lian Li Q series cases.

And like many of you suggested, I'll stick with an i3 and built in video for the time being.

edit:
Might even order it today ... newegg is giving up to $100 for orders today.
 
Last edited:
Yes on x64. I have two different H55N-USB3 systems in Silverstone cases (one HTPC, one Sugo 3), both with i3 530's and similar G.Skill RAM. One I use the onboard video, the other has an old 8800GT in it - both are functionally equivalent as far as running 1080p video. Quite happy with them!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top