Budget HTPC

[cornbunwa]

Hello,

I'm looking to put together the cheapest budget HTPC that'll run XBMC and alike programs to hook to my TV outside.

I'll want to make it double as a small local fileserver / torrent box too.

Budget: As low as reasonably possible.

Difficult budget but I'll like to just tinker around with this idea instead of throwing in wads of cash.

Any suggestions?

 

[cornbunwa]

Forgot to mention, here are some details.

Dont need to play 4k or what, just 1080 max with files from internal hdd to plasma hdmi.

Using wired ethernet.

Basically a filebox and a media centre in one.

Most likely Linux, but will not rule out putting existing windows in.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Forgot to mention, here are some details.

Dont need to play 4k or what, just 1080 max with files from internal hdd to plasma hdmi.

Using wired ethernet.

Basically a filebox and a media centre in one.

Most likely Linux, but will not rule out putting existing windows in.

CPU+MB: Intel Celeron G1610 + Biostar H61MHB @ $107
CPU offers amazing processing power for its low power consumption and hardware H.264 video decoding on both Linux and Windows platform.
Cheapest motherboard offering HDMI port, using some electrolytic capacitors though.
H61 does not support RAID natively.
RAM: ADATA Premier DDR3-1333 CL9 4GB @ $34
HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000 2TB @ $114
Humongous capacity HDD having the lowest price/GB ratio ideal for your media storage and file server needs.
PSU: FSP300-50HMN 300W @ $39 (PC Themes)
PSU operates within 80 Plus Bronze efficiency with active noise management.
18 months warranty.
CASE: Generic ATX Chassis @ $20
Chassis offers 4 HDD bays for future fleet upgrade along with the same amount of SATA ports on motherboard.

Total: $314

Optional:
APU+MB: AMD A4-3400 + Biostar TA75M+ @ $111
Only if undertaking Windows path as AMD Catalyst driver doesn't runs desirably well on Linux.

Buy others + Build at Tradepac, #05-19.

 

[wwenze]

The lowest budget is whatever PC that is left over in your house after you upgrade.

 

[terry1]

http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/hardware-clinic-2/recommend-mini-itx-setup-4134645.html

 

[t258jgn]

HDD: Hitachi Deskstar 7K3000 2TB @ $114

SLS got stock?