Xbmc htpc

louielips3

Junior Member
Apr 12, 2013
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I'm looking to build an HTPC for running XBMC and with the capability of playing Blu-Ray DVD's. I currently have a FreeNas server that is storing all my DVD rips. I do not intent to watch any 3D video. Below are some of the parts I have in mind:

Case: Antec ISK 300-150 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case 150W Power Supply

Mobo: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard

CPU: AMD A4-3300 Llano 2.5GHz Socket FM1 65W Dual-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6410D AD3300OJHXBOX

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

Wireless: Rosewill RNX-N150PCe (RNWD-11011) IEEE 802.11b/g/n PCIe 2.0 Wireless Adapter Up to 150Mbps Wireless Data Rates WPA/WPA2 (AES, 64,128,152-WEP with shared-key authentication) WPS (WiFi Protected Setup)

I'm not really sure on the HDD and the DVD drive. I am trying to keep this system within a reasonable budget (under $400US) so is it really worth it to go for SSD? I plan on leaving the system on all the time and longer load times dont really bother me.

Will the hardware above meet my needs? My goal is to achieve smooth playback of my dvd rips in XBMC. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 

Charlie98

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2011
6,292
62
91
I would probably swap the AMD processor for an Intel... in fact, I did when I built mine. My low-end Pentium G620 has more than enough muscle for HTPC duties as well as the Intel IGPU; but the AMD would work.

I don't think an SSD is necessary on an HTPC unless you just happen to have one laying around... but if all you are going to be needing storage space for is the OS and XBMC, then why not a small SSD?

What kind of OS are you planning on using?
 

louielips3

Junior Member
Apr 12, 2013
7
0
0
I am going to be using Win7. I will probably pass on the SSD since I don't have one lying around and the HTPC will not be storing any files. From what I'm reading there aren't many options in the Mini-ITX department. I want a smaller case that will fit on a shelf. I feel like the more I research the more indecisive I get, lol.
 

codyray10

Senior member
Apr 14, 2008
854
4
81
I dont really know anything about that specific ssd, but you should be able to find a better deal than that. 80gb is is pretty low storage for $105. Check out today's shell shocker at the egg..

http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellS...5-_-07302013_1


If you're just going to be storing the OS on the drive and streaming from your NAS, you could just get a 64gb ssd and save some money there.
 

louielips3

Junior Member
Apr 12, 2013
7
0
0
I checked the benchmarks for the SSD you posted and it was very similiar to the Intel so I bought that one. Between Amaazon and Newegg I was able to get everything including a BD DVD drive for 398!

Thank you everyone for your help!