HTPC rig recommendation

[Assault]

Hi all,


Looking to build a new HTPC with the Haswell stuff that is just released.

Usage - watch 1080p .mkv's, stream peer-to-peer videos like PPS, torrenting, no gaming. Would prefer a mobo with wi-fi integrated if possible.

I know nothing about casings that are suitable for HTPC usage so would appreciate some advice on that from the bros here. Of course the smaller the footprint the better.

TYVM in advance!

 

[nippp0n]

What is your budget and do you need OS?

 

[Assault]

budget - not quite sure, would $800-$1000 be enough?

no need for OS. For the casing I would like it to be as small and as quiet as possible.

 

[royfrosty]

budget - not quite sure, would $800-$1000 be enough?

no need for OS. For the casing I would like it to be as small and as quiet as possible.

For what i know as of now there is no Mini ITX mobo in sg that uses Haswell processor. UNLESS you are willing to wait a few more months down the road till they launch ITX mobo.

So i think the only way to go for is Mirco ATX build mobo if you wanna use Haswell processor.

But the size will be slightly bigger.

 

[royfrosty]

And perhaps, to answer your question...

I think the best solution for you since you don't game, and you need now, i would recommend you using Ivy Bridge instead.

Get a H77 mobo with a i5-3470 (i doubt you need to overclocking as you are geared more towards HTPC)

Next is get a Entry level graphics card. Perhaps GTX 650 or HD7750

More importantly i suggest you can get 1 or 2TB HDD Western Digital Black cause for movies like mkv format requires faster read speed. Perhaps put 2 HDD on RAID 0. I don't think SSD is a go for you as mkv files are freaking huge.

Next ram just get a kingston value ram at 4gb. Movies arent ram eaters.

PSU will depend on the Chassis for ITX build. IF you are going for ITX build then i would suggest just get a Modular PSU to reduce wire clutter. For elite 120 advanced chassis it is able to use normal ATX PSU. But however i find it too many wires. So i decided to go for modular ATX PSU instead.

Sound card (optional)
Nothing beats than a standalone sound card. Get a external sound card from Creative. THX supported. Loving it till date. Hook it up to my HT system. WOOT.

I think for this build $850 should be no issue. Without OS. And i believe you should be using a Projector or monitor instead?

 

[Assault]

I see - so mini-ITX boards always come out a few months after the launch of a new platform? Wasn't aware of that.

Any options for AMD rig instead, will those come out earlier?

 

[royfrosty]

I see - so mini-ITX boards always come out a few months after the launch of a new platform? Wasn't aware of that.

Any options for AMD rig instead, will those come out earlier?

Currently i only see in sls just 4 days ago they only have ITX that is on FM2. There is a shop at 5th floor that specialize in ITX system. It is located somewhere near best bargain at the back.

IIRC A4 bundle with Asrock ITX mobo is as low as $187

and A10 5800k with Asrock ITX mobo at $285.

 

[Kiwi8]

And perhaps, to answer your question...

I think the best solution for you since you don't game, and you need now, i would recommend you using Ivy Bridge instead.

Get a H77 mobo with a i5-3470 (i doubt you need to overclocking as you are geared more towards HTPC)

Next is get a Entry level graphics card. Perhaps GTX 650 or HD7750

More importantly i suggest you can get 1 or 2TB HDD Western Digital Black cause for movies like mkv format requires faster read speed. Perhaps put 2 HDD on RAID 0. I don't think SSD is a go for you as mkv files are freaking huge.

Next ram just get a kingston value ram at 4gb. Movies arent ram eaters.

PSU will depend on the Chassis for ITX build. IF you are going for ITX build then i would suggest just get a Modular PSU to reduce wire clutter. For elite 120 advanced chassis it is able to use normal ATX PSU. But however i find it too many wires. So i decided to go for modular ATX PSU instead.

Sound card (optional)
Nothing beats than a standalone sound card. Get a external sound card from Creative. THX supported. Loving it till date. Hook it up to my HT system. WOOT.

I think for this build $850 should be no issue. Without OS. And i believe you should be using a Projector or monitor instead?

The WD Black suggestion is good but dun really need the RAID 0. The standalone WD Black will be able to support HD files playing, even MKV. In fact even the slower HDDs can also support HD files playing, just that sometimes when doing video seeking (like fast forward or back) it may result in some delays.

 

[Assault]

thanks bros for all your help. Probably looking to build an AMD rig instead since I'm trying to cheap out and skip buying a graphics card.

still doing research on what casing / PSU to get (smaller and quieter the better) so any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dr_Disciple]

You can look at Zotac ZBOX AD-06. Comes with AMD E2-1800 in a tiny package.

thanks bros for all your help. Probably looking to build an AMD rig instead since I'm trying to cheap out and skip buying a graphics card.

still doing research on what casing / PSU to get (smaller and quieter the better) so any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[nippp0n]

thanks bros for all your help. Probably looking to build an AMD rig instead since I'm trying to cheap out and skip buying a graphics card.

still doing research on what casing / PSU to get (smaller and quieter the better) so any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Correct me if i'm not wrong but i believe G2120 should be capable of playing 1080p HD video playback.

If you prefer something that has a strong iGP, get Richland APU. I'm still waiting for the price list to be updated with Richland APU.

 

[kiatkiat]

If you want to use for htpc and not for gaming get the unlocked APU such as A10-6700 instead. Lower TPD than the A10-6800K.

 

[yusoffb01]

no need to get i5 or graphics card. just get a pentium g2020 and a mobo with hdmi output.

 

[mqz512]

Wad u guys think of this build for htpc mainly watching shows on TV and dl torrents overnight:
Gigabyte H77N Wifi $318
Intel i3 3220 with stock cooler
Corsair vengeance 1600 8gb $88
WD Green 2TB 5400rpm $119
Reusing an old ssd
Lg bluray combo drive $124
Seasonic M12II 520W $99
Cooler master advance elite 120 $89

Is the psu overkill?
Will a 5400rpm drive quieter for usage as a htpc than 7200rpm?
Thanks

 

[t258jgn]

Corsair CX430M
FSP Raider 450
Seasonic G360

More than enough