suggest gaming/movie HTPC build fall 2012

[zachtos]

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
-streaming (hulu, netflix, youtube)
-web browsing (youtube, facebook, weather)
-Blu Ray replacement
-ripping/storing DVD/bluray collection to an external HD in mkv format (handbrake)
-supplementing DishNetwork service (replace the DVR w/ this and eventually drop cable altogether?)
-moderate 3D gaming (I have a full PC gaming eyefinity rig already), wife has shown interest in Diablo3 and LoL
-music, photos, porn when the wife is sleeping (obviously)

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$600, +/- $150

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
-USA, newegg - I have been browsing public wish lists for HTPC at newegg too

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
-affinity for intel SSD, intel CPU, WD HD, AMD GPU, mobo (asus, asRock, GigaB, others)

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
-I may buy gear to hand me down from my PC to the HTPC

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
-underclock if anything, power consumption of <75W desired at idle.

8. What resolution will you be using?
1080p when available (50" LCD)

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
fall 2012

*Noise not an issue, I have a massive 240 gallon saltwater reef in the living room as it is. Power does matter a bit though (I can calculate yearly costs savings though). I am an EE and avid PC builder so ability level is high.

X. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?
-I can buy win7 pro upgrade 64bit as a student for $65, not sure what to do about blu ray inability yet, probably use Win7 media center for the rest.

 

[DSF]

Fall 2012 is at least 2 months away, almost 3 really. Picking out specific parts right now isn't going to do you a ton of good.

It sounds like you've built systems before and already have a pretty good idea of what you want anyway. Were there parts you had in mind?

 

[LoveMachine]

The new Ivy Bridge i3's should be out by the time you are looking to buy. They are a touch faster than Sandy and burn less power, although idle power usage is about the same. For most of your needs it should be fine, and the included iGPU handles most HTPC needs well keeping the energy budget low. For games, of course, you might want something more. The only thing that would really need more in terms of CPU would be Handbrake that really likes extra cores. A low end i5 would fit the bill better for that.

 

[zachtos]

I will wait a bit longer then for the Ivy Bridge or go for an i5 since I will rip movies to HDD on occassion. Kid on the way in December, so figure I should get it built prior. Figure I don't need anything more powerful than running Diablo3 at this time.