HTPC recommendation

[jimmytango]

Hi guys,
I am looking to convert my current PC to HTPC, looking for recommendation.
Basically what i have now as a PC is:

CPU: Phenom II X4 925 (2.8Ghz)
MB: Biostar TA790GX-128M (ATX)
RAM: DDR2 Memory 2x4GB
Drive: SSD 120GB
Drive: HD 300+GB
Heatsink : HSF Cogage True Spirit
Case : Centurion 5
VGA: Sapphire 7850
PSU: Seasonic M620

I will only use the CPU+MB+RAM from the current PC to build a HTPC.
- It's a budget build, thus try salvaging as much as possible.
- Mainly to play 1080p video from NAS.
- Probably install Openelec/Linux + XBMC
- Maybe will underclock/undervolt the CPU to lower the power consumptions (not sure if will save a lot)
- Will use onboard VGA/Sound
- Looking for ATX Case that is really slim (Heatsink could be change to some low profile if really needed)

Need recommendation for the following:
- Does underclock/undervolt really saves a lot of power consumption
- Any recommendation for ATX case that is slim?
- Any recommendation for PSU?
- Can PICO PSU can supply enough power?
- Any recommendation for the hard drive? I suppose if using Openelec it will be under 10GB. SSD will be appreciated, but not sure if still have low capacity SSD in the market
- Any recommendation for HSF?

Thanks in advance

 

[jimmytango]

any kind advice would be appreciated. thanks.

 

[royfrosty]

The thing is if you are looking for a HTPC aren't you suppose to look for something smaller? lol

Anyway for a ATX build HTPC to answer your question we need to know how much are you looking at to fork out?

Undervolt or underclock may save some power consumption. But is not significant. Probably a year you save $2?

To use Pico PSU is depends on your chassis you wanna have.

For Pico PSU is mainly used in HTPC that are in MITX aka Small form factor chassis.

SSD for now in the market the smallest is 60gb. Which i find it not cheap imo for that price tag. Min 128gb would be a better buy.

If you have a budget of $400, you could easily build a SFF HTPC.

 

[jimmytango]

Thanks for the advice.

Well budget is the lowest possible amount to run xbmc smoothly with 1080p videos.
I think will decide to keep the current ATX casing, and try to hide it somewhere in the TV console. Now just need to find the cheapest option for SSD and PSU.

 

[royfrosty]

Thanks for the advice.

Well budget is the lowest possible amount to run xbmc smoothly with 1080p videos.
I think will decide to keep the current ATX casing, and try to hide it somewhere in the TV console. Now just need to find the cheapest option for SSD and PSU.

For the start Plextor M5S 128gb @ $139

PSU can get FSP Raider 450W @ $7X++ cant remember how much liao.