HTPC Build... help?

Srixun · 2012-03-29, 02:03 AM

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 · 2012-03-29, 04:33 PM

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 · 2012-03-29, 08:01 PM

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

Infektion · 2012-04-02, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Ailos

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 · 2012-03-30, 08:39 PM

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 · 2012-03-30, 08:54 PM

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

Srixun · 2012-03-30, 09:12 PM

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/Produc...82E16822148767
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157277
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231423
APU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103955
optical (Just in case): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151222
CASE&PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154087

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 · 2012-03-30, 09:15 PM

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/Pu...umber=23669407

Goku · 2012-03-31, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by 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/Produc...82E16822148767
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157277
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231423
APU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103955
optical (Just in case): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827151222
CASE&PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154087

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 it seems very good and even has builds done up you can reference.

Originally Posted by 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/Pu...umber=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 · 2012-04-02, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by 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/Pu...umber=23669407

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

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).

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).

Srixun · 2012-04-02, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Vancha

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

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).

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.

Vancha · 2012-04-03, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Srixun

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 (This is actually the best one in terms of quality)

Razer Blackwidow

Rosewill RK-9000RE

Tt eSports Challenger

Xarmor U9Plus

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 · 2012-04-05, 01:33 AM

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.

Rbstr · 2012-03-31, 01:17 AM

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 · 2012-04-02, 10:45 PM

RAM is a bad choice. The extra speed doesn't show any improvements in actual performance. This ram 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 or this.

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.