Parts list and questions for new HTPC: Appreciate some input :)

wackyquacky

Senior member
Nov 29, 2001
596
0
76
Hi everyone,

Building my first HTPC. Mainly used for living room TV machine. I have an HD prime on my network as well as a Synology NAS as media server. Looking to build this machine to take advantage of these things as well as Hulu/Netflix/etc. Likely running openelec/xbmc. I want this to be a powerful enough machine to replace my roku/patriot box/cable box (yes i have all three connected to my TV). However, I also want it not to be a power hungry monster.

Current configuration will be:
Intel pentium G3220 (54W)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116950

Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128672

Gkill ripjaws 2x4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277

Coolermaster Elite 130 Mini-ITX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119286

PNY optima 240gb SSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-720-_-Product

1TB 5400RPM Notebook hard drive pulled from toshiba satellite

So here are my questions:

1. Opinion on parts? Anything that can be better or worse?

2. I'm looking to use a picoPSU for this setup. However, I've never used this before, and there is scant articles. Wondering if anyone has experience to let me know if it can support this setup.

3. I want to have this setup use wifi as streaming, not lan. (problem with the house we're in, we cannot extend the wired network) The gigabyte motherboard supports intel wifi module. Do I just buy one and plug it into the mobo or is there something more I have to do. Is there a better option?

Thanks in advance.
 

Binky

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,046
4
81
For the wireless, look into the Moca options, depending on if you use cable TV or satellite over those lines. I like it a lot more than wireless.

If you're running a NAS and considering XBMC as the interface, why not try a chromebox first?
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
Couple of things...

You spec'd a mATX board, but picked an mITX case. Install might be a little tight.

You don't need 8GB RAM, but I won't argue with your decision. I have 2x 2GB RAM in my HTPC and it has never been a problem, but too much RAM isn't a bad thing... :)

For very close to (or is) the same price, I would get the Pentium G3258; it's a little faster and newer tech.

A 240GB SSD is uber overkill for an HTPC (I have mine on a 60GB and it's barely half full...) but I understand you may have gotten it on sale or something.

There is a Gigabyte mITX mobo that has wifi built into it, if you need to wirelessly connect that might be a good choice.
 

wackyquacky

Senior member
Nov 29, 2001
596
0
76
Yeah browsing mini-ITX boards now. Thanks a bunch for noticing that.

Anyone know about the picoPSU?
 

wackyquacky

Senior member
Nov 29, 2001
596
0
76
Well, was wanting to try something new and the pico sounds interesting.

If I can't find enough information I'll probably put a regular PSU in.