[DIY] Recommendation for Budget HTPC

[mike911]

Considering to setup a HTPC for
1. Simple No-Frills Media Player for parents
- i.e. youtube, NAS media, internet streaming
- [Bonus][Reuse 5.25" Drive] VCD, DVD playback
2. Internet Surfing
3. Causal Simple (Web, Flash) Gaming
4. [Bonus] Keep x01 2Height PCI-E Slot for future GPU expansion (i.e. GTX 750 Ti)
5. [Bonus] Wireless Remote/Keyboard (i.e. Logitech MK220 or k400r)
6. [Bonus] ITX factor if possible, otherwise MATX
7. OS Not required.

Budget : 350-500
Must Need : CPU/MB, RAM, wireless remote/keyboard
Need : Case, PSU, HDD/SSD
Possible Reuse: Old matx cases abit rusty, PSU, Old C2D Notebook with 2.5" HDD, 5.25" DVD Drive

Some plans I thought
1. Intel NUC [Amazon] = $440 (Core i3) or $318
Intel NUC D34010WYK Core i3-4010U ~ $300
Intel NUC DN2820FYKH Celeron N2820 ~ $178
Crucial 4GB SODIMM DDR3 ~ $50
[Tresend MSA370 or ADATA SP310] msata SSD 64GB ~ $66
[qoo10.sg] Logitech MK220 ~ $24

2. Minix Neo x8-h with M1 Remote [Lazada] = $170 (After 10% mastercard discount)
An andriod media player, which is easily adapted and usable.

3. ITX DIY = $466
G3258 + Asus H81i-Plus ~ $179
Gskill/Kingston Value 4GB DDR3 ~ $50
CM Elite 110 or 130 ~ $75/95
FSP SFX 300W PSU 80+ ~ $59
Corsair Force LS 60GB ~ $79 [Alternative : Reuse old 2.5" HDD]
[Reuse] DVD Drive
[qoo10.sg] Logitech MK220 ~ $24

4. Zotac Zbox = $360
[lazada.sg] Zotac ZBOX CI320 Plus with Windows 8.1 Bing Edition
This comes with full OS, mSata SSD, 2gb RAM ready to go.

5. mATX Build= 336
CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $156
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 4GB @ $49
CASE+PSU: In Win BK644 + Powerman IP-P300BN7-2 300W SFX [80 Plus] @ $109
PHP: Logitech MK220 @ $22


6. ITX = 390
CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASRock H81M-ITX @ $200
CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASUS H81i-Plus @ $205
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 4GB @ $49
CASE: Cooler Master Elite 110 @ $75
PSU: FSP 300W ATX [80 Plus] @ $39
PHP: Logitech MK220 @ $22


Any other recommendation or advise is much appreciated.


Edit : Updated Requirements
Edit 2 : Added Build Plans

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Considering to setup a HTPC for
1. Simple Media Player for parents (i.e. youtube, reading from NAS media, etc.) VCD, DVD playback would be bonus
2. Internet Surfing
3. [Bonus] Causal Gaming (In Windows)
4. [Bonus] Wireless Remote/Keyboard (i.e. Logitech MK220 or k400r)

Budget : 350-500

Some plans I thought
1. Intel NUC [Amazon] = $440 (Core i3) or $318
Intel NUC D34010WYK Core i3-4010U ~ $300
Intel NUC DN2820FYKH Celeron N2820 ~ $178
Crucial 4GB SODIMM DDR3 ~ $50
[Tresend MSA370 or ADATA SP310] msata SSD 64GB ~ $66
[qoo10.sg] Logitech MK220 ~ $24

2. Minix Neo x8-h with M1 Remote [Lazada] = $170 (After 10% mastercard discount)
An andriod media player, which is easily adapted and usable.

3. ITX DIY = $466
G3258 + Asus H81i-Plus ~ $179
Gskill/Kingston Value 4GB DDR3 ~ $50
CM Elite 110 or 130 ~ $75/95
FSP SFX 300W PSU 80+ ~ $59
Corsair Force LS 60GB ~ $79 [Alternative : Reuse old 2.5" HDD]
[Reuse] DVD Drive
[qoo10.sg] Logitech MK220 ~ $24

The ITX Setup would leave some headroom for future GPU Expansion (i.e. GTX 750Ti)

Any other recommendation or advise is much appreciated.

You can have it all....

CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $156
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 4GB @ $49
GPU: PowerColor HD 7730 2GB [DDR3] @ $85
Capable of maxing out most casually played games on Full HD.
SSD: Silicon Power S60 120GB @ $89
CASE+PSU: In Win BK644 + Powerman IP-P300BN7-2 300W SFX [80 Plus] @ $109
Smallest mATX to date at just 12.5 litres.
Offers full standard profile expansion slots for wide range graphics card compatibility.
Chassis is also able to fit in 1x 5.25" ODD.
PSU is FSP OEM.
PHP: Logitech MK220 @ $22

Total: $510

Buy and Build from Tradepac, #05-18. Haggle for discounts.

 

[Alternative X]

You can have it all....

CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $156
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 4GB @ $49
GPU: PowerColor HD 7730 2GB [DDR3] @ $85
Capable of maxing out most casually played games on Full HD.
SSD: Silicon Power S60 120GB @ $89
CASE+PSU: In Win BK644 + Powerman IP-P300BN7-2 300W SFX [80 Plus] @ $109
Smallest mATX to date at just 12.5 litres.
Offers full standard profile expansion slots for wide range graphics card compatibility.
Chassis is also able to fit in 1x 5.25" ODD.
PSU is FSP OEM.
PHP: Logitech MK220 @ $22

Total: $510

Buy and Build from Tradepac, #05-18. Haggle for discounts.

Erm.....

1) Would it be a better idea to pay $9 more for a SSD with a Marvell controller like the Plextor M6S 128GB or the Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB?

2) Would it be a better idea to get a G3220/G3240 CPU instead of a G3258? The G3258 is a potent budget CPU, but only if it is overclocked. If not overclocked, it is going to have the performance of an ordinary Pentium CPU. An ordinary Pentium is good enough for HTPC and light gaming duties anyway and I do not think there is any need to spend extra $$$ on an unlocked Pentium.

 

[mike911]

You can have it all....

CPU+MB: Intel Pentium G3258 [Anniversary Edition] + ASRock H81M-HDS @ $156
RAM: Crucial DDR3-1600 CL11 4GB @ $49
GPU: PowerColor HD 7730 2GB [DDR3] @ $85
Capable of maxing out most casually played games on Full HD.
SSD: Silicon Power S60 120GB @ $89
CASE+PSU: In Win BK644 + Powerman IP-P300BN7-2 300W SFX [80 Plus] @ $109
Smallest mATX to date at just 12.5 litres.
Offers full standard profile expansion slots for wide range graphics card compatibility.
Chassis is also able to fit in 1x 5.25" ODD.
PSU is FSP OEM.
PHP: Logitech MK220 @ $22

Total: $510

Buy and Build from Tradepac, #05-18. Haggle for discounts.

Didn't expected to squeeze a GPU with that cost.
Understand that for ITX-SFF cases, would be challenging to fit Full height GPU and 5.25" ODD, hence i placed it optional.

Just a little concerned about the passive cooling on the case, and the GPU choice. I was contemplating whether to skip the GPU for another day, as i wanna observe my parent's usage first, since they are new to computing.

Perhaps i can even reuse the 2.5" 120GB HDD, ODD, and old cases i have and tweak the setup abit. Alternatively i can wait for the gpu, as its not a must. I'll take a look on the case+psu option, but any others to recommend both ITX or Matx option?

Erm.....

1) Would it be a better idea to pay $9 more for a SSD with a Marvell controller like the Plextor M6S 128GB or the Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB?

2) Would it be a better idea to get a G3220/G3240 CPU instead of a G3258? The G3258 is a potent budget CPU, but only if it is overclocked. If not overclocked, it is going to have the performance of an ordinary Pentium CPU. An ordinary Pentium is good enough for HTPC and light gaming duties anyway and I do not think there is any need to spend extra $$$ on an unlocked Pentium.

1) SSD would be a bonus here, as most of the media would be consumed via online or via network. But for a small price addon, I wont mind opting for the better option.

2) The choice of a G3258 was mine as I might swap out my brother's failing machine with it. But it is also arguable that I could save off the money and only buy during appropriate period.

 

[Alternative X]

Didn't expected to squeeze a GPU with that cost.
Understand that for ITX-SFF cases, would be challenging to fit Full height GPU and 5.25" ODD, hence i placed it optional.

Just a little concerned about the passive cooling on the case, and the GPU choice. I was contemplating whether to skip the GPU for another day, as i wanna observe my parent's usage first, since they are new to computing.

Perhaps i can even reuse the 2.5" 120GB HDD, ODD, and old cases i have and tweak the setup abit. Alternatively i can wait for the gpu, as its not a must. I'll take a look on the case+psu option, but any others to recommend both ITX or Matx option?

Actually, as the heat output of a Pentium CPU is not very significant, passive case cooling should not be an issue in a Pentium system. The cooling from the stock Intel cooler will do.

 

[mike911]

Actually, as the heat output of a Pentium CPU is not very significant, passive case cooling should not be an issue in a Pentium system. The cooling from the stock Intel cooler will do.

I see, glad to hear that. By the way, other than the in-win case. would you happen to have other recommendation?

Moreover, after considering inputs from my friends about the effort required to guide my parents to pc encironment. I might have to look into a more basic OS environment or explore android route.

 

[Alternative X]

I see, glad to hear that. By the way, other than the in-win case. would you happen to have other recommendation?

Moreover, after considering inputs from my friends about the effort required to guide my parents to pc encironment. I might have to look into a more basic OS environment or explore android route.

1) I don't think I have good recommendations for a slim case, small casings/builds are not something that I am very good at.

2) Just help them set up a very basic Windows 7 enviroment with one browser of your choice, one video player of your choice for VCD/DVD playback (VLC/MPC) and a free antivirus to help ward off potential troubles. Let them get used to surfing the net and watching videos first before installing a GPU and introducing them to games. Flash games are also perfectly playable with Intel HD Graphics too. Just don't flood the desktop with too many icons to confuse them, keep it simple.

 

[eyz]

if you don't need a discrete gpu, you can try this itx casing from AIM Resources.

it's In-Win as well, only 3.3 L and come with a PSU of 120w. It can fit in two 2.5" HDD or one 2.5" HDD and one slim ODD.

What kind of media program do you intend to run?

XBMC should be able to fulfill your parents' need. DVD, live TV, youtube and video streaming.

 

[mike911]

1) I don't think I have good recommendations for a slim case, small casings/builds are not something that I am very good at.

2) Just help them set up a very basic Windows 7 enviroment with one browser of your choice, one video player of your choice for VCD/DVD playback (VLC/MPC) and a free antivirus to help ward off potential troubles. Let them get used to surfing the net and watching videos first before installing a GPU and introducing them to games. Flash games are also perfectly playable with Intel HD Graphics too. Just don't flood the desktop with too many icons to confuse them, keep it simple.

its ok. Thanks

yup, which was part of my plan to kickstart at least. which also means that I probably won't need a full fledge machine. Was also thinking to use my old notebook as a htpc option.

alternatively, I did thought of raspberry pi with xbmc or openelc. as another simple option. but troubleshooting maybe slightly challenging.

 

[mike911]

if you don't need a discrete gpu, you can try this itx casing from AIM Resources.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/14577278/Photo%2011-11-14%2011%2042%2038%20pm%20%282%29.jpg[img]

it's In-Win as well, only 3.3 L and come with a PSU of 120w. It can fit in two 2.5" HDD or one 2.5" HDD and one slim ODD.

What kind of media program do you intend to run?

XBMC should be able to fulfill your parents' need. DVD, live TV, youtube and video streaming.[/QUOTE]

at the moment. I'm only thinking of dedicated GPU as optional. as I don't foresee them playing games anytime soon. the most probably would be flash types, etc. hmm, slim OOD. unless there is some diy method that I can recycle from my notebook. but the case do look quite compact.

with regards to media consumption. I'm not very will versed with overseas live TV streaming, as that would be venturing to a sensitive topic.
hence now I'm only putting YouTube, DVD, and local nas media.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

if you don't need a discrete gpu, you can try this itx casing from AIM Resources.

it's In-Win as well, only 3.3 L and come with a PSU of 120w. It can fit in two 2.5" HDD or one 2.5" HDD and one slim ODD.

What kind of media program do you intend to run?

XBMC should be able to fulfill your parents' need. DVD, live TV, youtube and video streaming.

Bad idea having internal PSU in such a super compact chassis. PSU fan will run like old vacuum cleaner.

Rather opt for something like Antec ISK1100 with notebook adapter.

 

[MoneyFace =p]

Erm.....

1) Would it be a better idea to pay $9 more for a SSD with a Marvell controller like the Plextor M6S 128GB or the Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB?

2) Would it be a better idea to get a G3220/G3240 CPU instead of a G3258? The G3258 is a potent budget CPU, but only if it is overclocked. If not overclocked, it is going to have the performance of an ordinary Pentium CPU. An ordinary Pentium is good enough for HTPC and light gaming duties anyway and I do not think there is any need to spend extra $$$ on an unlocked Pentium.

1) Also can, up to mike lor. If he is comfortable overspending by another $9.

2) G3258 offers flexibility at minimum margin to scale up performance should he need it in the future for other purposes.

 

[cridae]

You need to consider the price of OS
for causal use, just get this;

http://www.amazon.com/Dell-i3646-10...55408&sr=8-5&keywords=inspiron#productDetails

free shipping, less than 300! nuff said

 

[MoneyFace =p]

You need to consider the price of OS
for causal use, just get this;

Amazon.com : Dell Inspiron i3646-1000BLK Desktop : Computers & Accessories

free shipping, less than 300! nuff said

You sure free shipping to SG??

And i rather get Zotac ID18 Plus for slightly under $300 (aftee discount) over these Bay Trash

 

[Alternative X]

2) G3258 offers flexibility at minimum margin to scale up performance should he need it in the future for other purposes.

Yes, the G3258 is a fine budget CPU if you know how to and dare to OC. However, I feel that recommendations with the G3258 are too heavily reliant on the assumption that the user knows how to OC the G3258, that the G3258 can be OCed with any mobo that supports G3258 OCing, not just with a Z-mobo and that the Intel stock cooler is good enough for G3258 OC.

I fear that since most users are very likely to just want turnkey performance in their parts and are unwilling to do any form of OC and are not as knowledgable in hardware stuff like the people in this forum, the G3258 is most likely to be just used in stock settings as just another Pentium CPU and thus wasting the true potential of the G3258.

It is for these reasons that I am very unwilling to recommend the G3258 and instead I have favored recommending either the G3240 or the i3 4160 instead of the G3258.

 

[mike911]

sorry a bit difficult to multi quote on mobile.
========

the additional $9 should not be the issue, as budget is stretchable.

I can do mild OC as long as its playing within base clocks, multipliers and voltages. understand that the mobo must support first. with exception of certain series h81 or b85. (I haven't checked that yet) where board makers modified the BIOS to perform limited OC capabilities.

But I never invested in aftermarket coolers. so I never ventured deeply into OC except pushing the base clocks within limits. but those were times with AMD chipset, ever since Intel locked it.

I believe moneyface saw my intent to repurpose the rig, as per my past build trends, as I may reshuffle the machine I have at home.

I have taken the comments and suggestions, let me think this through and I will slightly revise the requirements later this evening.

 

[Alternative X]

sorry a bit difficult to multi quote on mobile.
========

the additional $9 should not be the issue, as budget is stretchable.

I can do mild OC as long as its playing within base clocks, multipliers and voltages. understand that the mobo must support first. with exception of certain series h81 or b85. (I haven't checked that yet) where board makers modified the BIOS to perform limited OC capabilities.

But I never invested in aftermarket coolers. so I never ventured deeply into OC except pushing the base clocks within limits. but those were times with AMD chipset, ever since Intel locked it.

I believe moneyface saw my intent to repurpose the rig, as per my past build trends, as I may reshuffle the machine I have at home.

I have taken the comments and suggestions, let me think this through and I will slightly revise the requirements later this evening.

Well, if you want to OC the G3258, you will be happy to know that the Asrock H81M-HDS does support G3258 OC after a BIOS update. Comes with 4 power phases for good OC stability as well.

 

[eyz]

you mean noisy?

atm, no. and i'm unsure whether the psu has a fan or not. will go check it out.

Bad idea having internal PSU in such a super compact chassis. PSU fan will run like old vacuum cleaner.

Rather opt for something like Antec ISK1100 with notebook adapter.

 

[mike911]

Well, if you want to OC the G3258, you will be happy to know that the Asrock H81M-HDS does support G3258 OC after a BIOS update. Comes with 4 power phases for good OC stability as well.

Great to hear that. Only thing is that I'll have to stick to matx instead of smaller form factor.

The premium to pay for ITX.

 

[shadow84]

Intel Core I5-3570K
ASRock Z77E-ITX
Kingston DDR3 4G-1333*2
Crucial MX100 128G SSD
LiteOn CDROM
LianLi PC-Q07B
Superflower 350W

DIY all for $1000

Where to get superflower 350w? Which model?