HTPC Build... help?

[Srixun]

Alrighty, so Im new to HTPC's and I've been building custom PC's for years, I know theyre pretty much EXACTLY the same... not pretty much, but they are.


Im more or less looking to build an HTPC literally just to play Movies, no gaming, none of that JUST 1080p worthy, and with quality in mind, Looking for minimalist, gloss black (maybe matte) but more or less i just want to figure out what route to take or where to just BUY one that fits those needs, rather than paying for a Core i7 when i really only need a C2D... ya know? thanks for the input.

[Goku]

I never built a HTPC, but I can tell you there is no way you need a Core i7. From what I have read a Core i3 2100 is doable for this or if you wanted more graphics power an AMD APU would also fit the bill. Just depends what you are looking for.

[Ailos]

An AMD APU will be more than sufficient, even things like Blu-ray 3D.

[Srixun]

Awesome, Thanks I hadn't even heard of an AMD APU before. haha So its a proc and gfx card in one? cool deal.

[Goku]

Yes its a quad core and a graphics card. About the level of a Athlon II X4 cpu and 4670 to 5570 gpu.

[Srixun]

OK heres what i've got so far, (remember i have an external HDD network that slinked up to my router that streams it all for me anywhere im connected to it, See ASUS N56U Router)

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157277
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231423
APU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103955
optical (Just in case): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151222
CASE&PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087

I think thats all Ill need, I have a nice sound card around here somewhere im sure i can toss in. Ill probably get a remote as well. and just set this up on Windows Media Center.

Thoughts?

[Srixun]

Oh and if anyones curious, this is the rig im buying... next week or the week after i think. Mainly for PS2... :P

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=23669407

[Rbstr]

IMO, way overkill.
$350 on a case? and its not even Lian Li?
Get a cheaper Mobo (though I still like Asus) and a single 680Gtx
Add another 680 later...or a next(er) gen card when it's finally no longer sufficient.
But I'm value oriented, even with the money to go for it I wouldn't bother. Better to upgrade more often than buy a monster occasionally. If you're one of those crazies that needs overkill...at least go for 2x 680 right off the bat.

I also wasn't aware people cared enough about mouse pads to spend money on them. I haven't used any pad at all for years.

I have a similar Asus LED monitor and I love it.

[Goku]

OK heres what i've got so far, (remember i have an external HDD network that slinked up to my router that streams it all for me anywhere im connected to it, See ASUS N56U Router)

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157277
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231423
APU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103955
optical (Just in case): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151222
CASE&PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087

I think thats all Ill need, I have a nice sound card around here somewhere im sure i can toss in. Ill probably get a remote as well. and just set this up on Windows Media Center.

Thoughts?

To be honest with you I have no idea how that was going to run. When I walking about AMD's APU it was really the quad cores and the ones with the better GPU. I don't know how that one will do for a HTPC. Have you looked into any guides? As I said before I'm not the most knowledgeable on for HTPC, but more of a gaming/general builds. Check this guide (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1302559) it seems very good and even has builds done up you can reference.

Oh and if anyones curious, this is the rig im buying... next week or the week after i think. Mainly for PS2... :P

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=23669407

There is a lot there. If you can make a new thread answering the questions you did for HTPC, but this time for your gaming build.

[Vancha]

Oh and if anyones curious, this is the rig im buying... next week or the week after i think. Mainly for PS2... :P

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=23669407

You aren't buying two 580s at that price. You just aren't. :p

The case is either overkill or overpriced.

The ram...overpriced (and way too much of it, imo)

And why in gods name would you buy a rubber-dome keyboard for that price? Educate yourself (clicky). (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=START+HERE+--+The+Geekhack+Mechanical+Keyboard+Guide+-+Includes+Glossary+and+Links)

Also, not sure about the PSU. Make sure whatever they've rebranded is good (and considering the other items on that list, make sure it's not overpriced).

[Infektion]

An AMD APU will be more than sufficient, even things like Blu-ray 3D.

QTF, those APU's are fantastic for office PC's and HTPC applications.

My 4 year old HTPC I made (still in use) from old parts around my IT job, it's an AMD 9600 (2.3Ghz) Quad, 4 GB ddr667, DVDr, 1x 1TB drive + 1x 74GB Raptor(main), mobo connects via HDMI to my Sony flatscreen and I have a HP mediacenter IR USB receiver + remote + IR dongle for my Direct TV table top box. Cost? NONE.

[Srixun]

You aren't buying two 580s at that price. You just aren't. :p

The case is either overkill or overpriced.

The ram...overpriced (and way too much of it, imo)

And why in gods name would you buy a rubber-dome keyboard for that price? Educate yourself (clicky). (http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=START+HERE+--+The+Geekhack+Mechanical+Keyboard+Guide+-+Includes+Glossary+and+Links)

Also, not sure about the PSU. Make sure whatever they've rebranded is good (and considering the other items on that list, make sure it's not overpriced).
The Case is Epic, thats why I am getting it. :P

Im not buying 580's at all, they were price/place holders for the 680s.

Coolermaster is highly rated on PSU performance and quality.

The keyboard wins. :)

Why is the ram too much and too pricey? if you can find better ram at that size at a better price let me know. :) I just got that ram recommended.

[Goku]

RAM is a bad choice. The extra speed doesn't show any improvements in actual performance. This ram (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231487) is plenty for what you need for $90 less. Plus this is 4 x 8GB, so if in the future you ever wanted another 32GB of ram you can upgrade to that.

I cannot say I ever heard of coolmaster being noted for their PSU quality, cases maybe. This PSU would be a better option (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139034&Tpk=corsair%201050w) or this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371043).

For those SSDs are you planning on raiding? If so don't bother, since trim isn't supported on those. Avoid OCZ also. Look into the Crucial M4, Intel 520, or Samsung 830 for a proper SSD.

What CPU are you getting or you have it already?

If you want to get into multi monitor I suggest either going the 120Hz monitor route or IPS, since you are spending that much money too.

[Srixun]

Duke, thanks :) that was pretty simple. lol.
But i already ordered the HTPC stuff last night. i appreciate the help from everyone. :)

Ill be getting a Core i7, i dont know why its not there in that list. Sandy bridge. I may change the mobo to the SR2 by EVGA< but im doubting and deciding.... id ont know tho.

I will be running 2 SSD's in Raid 0. Why is it not supported? and whats trim? lol. I feel like i'd been overseas forever now. O.o

That Corsair PSU, I like it. Switching. :P

If you could link me a good monitor setup that would be awesome, im just looking for a 3 sec, thin borders, low ms. like 2 or 3. so i get absolutly 0 ghosting at all. well... super minor. I notice it on my current monitor and its 5ms. so yeah. :P

Ram, Good idea, yeah. honestly i am kind of out of the loops. but the stuff you linked isnt horrible. i just figured since im spending this kind of money anyway i might as well get all the juice i can.

Thanks Goku, youre like the best hero ever, you beat Freeza AND you can help me with my computer woes.

[Goku]

What i7? 3820, 3930K, or 3960X? I recommend going for the 3930K as its the best value in the high end if you must spend that much money. 3960X is a total waste and the 3820 you are better off going for a 2600K on the Z68 platform.

Don't bother with the SR series from EVGA as those are meant for dual CPU setups. The sabertooth is a good choice.

TRIM is what keeps your SSD in better performance over time otherwise its speed will degrade quickly. Not sure why its not supported, but it just isn't for whatever reason. Raid isn't going to make things noticeably faster over an already fast SSD. Settle with a 250ish GB Crucial M4, Intel 520, or Samsung 830.

I don't know of any monitors off the top of my head to be honest. I suggest going to Anandtech forums or hardforum to search their display section. That will lead you to the best monitor be it 120hz or ips.

Oh and you're welcome.

[Vancha]

The keyboard wins. :)
You're paying for an incredibly tiny screen, which you'll probably stop using once the novelty wears off. The keyboard itself will probably feel identical to a sub-$20 keyboard.

Mechanical keyboards are one of those "revelations" that happened while you were away. Here's just a few keyboards you'd enjoy more than the Logitech...

CM Quickfire Rapid (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823129002) (This is actually the best one in terms of quality)

Razer Blackwidow (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823114011)

Rosewill RK-9000RE (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823201044)

Tt eSports Challenger (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823162013)

Xarmor U9Plus (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823330010)

All at or below the price-point of your Logitech. There's far better to be had if you're willing to spend more than that.

[Srixun]

You would be suprised at how much I use my little screen, hehe.

The mechanical keyboards do look nice and seem higher quality, but i''ve has this G15 since release, spilled on it, dropped it out of a window (dont ask) had it put into my dishwasher (yay nephews) and it runs like a champ. Not a problem at all. ill stick with this one, however. i do very much appreciate the time you took to reply and show me those. :)


And Goku,
I was looking at the SR2 from EVGA BECAUSE of its being dual processor, one high end processor and one mid range processor, one to run the OS, teamspeak/vent and aux programs, the other for the game specifically. :P just a thought im unsure on how much it would do, but i did see somewhere the gains arent worth it.

[Vancha]

My mistake. Since it was in your Newegg list I assumed you were planning on buying it, not that you'd had it for years.

[Goku]

You would be suprised at how much I use my little screen, hehe.

The mechanical keyboards do look nice and seem higher quality, but i''ve has this G15 since release, spilled on it, dropped it out of a window (dont ask) had it put into my dishwasher (yay nephews) and it runs like a champ. Not a problem at all. ill stick with this one, however. i do very much appreciate the time you took to reply and show me those. :)


And Goku,
I was looking at the SR2 from EVGA BECAUSE of its being dual processor, one high end processor and one mid range processor, one to run the OS, teamspeak/vent and aux programs, the other for the game specifically. :P just a thought im unsure on how much it would do, but i did see somewhere the gains arent worth it.

The processors have to match, so that isn't going to work for you. Thats a total waste of money. I don't not care how much you have lol. A six core 3930K is way overkill as it is today let alone 12 cores.

[Srixun]

My mistake. Since it was in your Newegg list I assumed you were planning on buying it, not that you'd had it for years.


No you were right. :P

I have the Logitech G15, but thats a dif keyboard, i just like it alot. ;P

[Vancha]

No you were right. :P

I have the Logitech G15, but thats a dif keyboard, i just like it alot. ;P
So wait, you have the original G15 with flip-up LCD screen and you want to get an inferior keyboard for that price?

I understand even less now. You have a cooler keyboard than the one you want to buy. If you're going for gimmicks, why not get the G19? At least that one's a step up.

[Srixun]

So wait, you have the original G15 with flip-up LCD screen and you want to get an inferior keyboard for that price?

I understand even less now. You have a cooler keyboard than the one you want to buy. If you're going for gimmicks, why not get the G19? At least that one's a step up.

I have the ORIGINAL G15, no flip up screen, just the mounted one. But its getting worn and i want a new one.

How is the G510 inferior? its the exact same keyboard with more G keys and a better LCD screen... Im not trying to argue i just wanna know why it stinks.

[Zulthus]

Srixun... just out of curiosity... who the hell needs 32GBs of RAM? 8GBs is overkill as it is.

[Srixun]

Srixun... just out of curiosity... who the hell needs 32GBs of RAM? 8GBs is overkill as it is.


Massive amounts of video editing and photoshopping tend to use ram, but I think im dropping to 16gb.

[Zulthus]

Massive amounts of video editing and photoshopping tend to use ram, but I think im dropping to 16gb.

I have 4 GBs of RAM and I do quite a bit of photoshop/sony vegas editing :p

[Srixun]

I have 4 GBs of RAM and I do quite a bit of photoshop/sony vegas editing :p
Cool. :P

I want lots of space. hehe.

They also used to say there would never be a need for a more than 600Mhz Computer. ;)

I like 16 gb of ram, seems... fit. :P

[Vancha]

I have the ORIGINAL G15, no flip up screen, just the mounted one.
Then you have the revised version. Granted, that's not as cool as the G510, but they'd both pale in comparison to a mechanical.

What do you think of the Corsair K90?

[Srixun]

Thats not too shabby, Im just trying to read up on the pros and cons of both mechanical and membrane keyboard to see if i want to switch.
Mechanical ones say very durable, and alot of people dont switch back.
Better for typing, and usually can type faster without missing or having keystroke misreads...

I just... I really like the LCD. ;)

EDIT:

Here Vancha... Let me see if bestbuy near me or microcenter has them ill go check them out and see, if i fall in love with it.... Im your PS2 bitch for a week. :P

[Vancha]

Alright. I'll take that. :p