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.

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

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 · 2012-03-31, 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).

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 · 2012-04-02, 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.

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.

Srixun · 2012-04-02, 11:24 PM

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 · 2012-04-02, 11:37 PM

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.