Looking to build a new HTPC

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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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I've been using a boxeebox for a couple of years to maintain my movie and tv catalog, but with their recent acquisition and lack of support, I've been doing some research on different solutions. I've looked at roku and a couple other stand-alone solutions, but I really like what Plex has done. With that, I've been looking at building a new HTPC running the Plex media center as the client. I have a dedicated Windows 2008 R2 server in house already that I have setup as a plex media server, but I may end up moving that to this box ultimately as it will be more powerful.

With that, what I am looking for is the following:


  • ■ Something compact that can fit within the media cabinet.
    ■ HDMI output that will pass direct streams for DTS/DTS-HD to my Onkyo receiver.
    ■ Running Windows, as I already have several licenses for windows 7.

I have read a couple threads here on some Mini ATX solutions, but I wasn't sure as to how well they would handle a full 1080p DTS-HD stream of a bluray rip. Would a i3/i5 handle that with the onboard video? Would it not need an additional video card to support this?
 
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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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Well not actually a cabinet, it's a glass shelf. there is plenty of air flow, so no issue there.

As for budget, I would say under $500. I can probably cut several corners, as I have a couple 1-2Tb hard drives, power supplies, etc. I really just need the case, motherboard/CPU and other components.
 
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hapkido

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What exactly do you have? PSUs are very important in any build, and especially in a HTPC because you need something quiet. Cases in low-ish power builds are, for the most part, your preference on looks.
 
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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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I'm looking at using this case, with which I can use one of my existing ATX PSU's. I know I have at least one that I can pull out of a dual-core P4 machine I have sitting here that's never used anymore, as well as a couple others.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119261

I was thinking an i3 or an i5 processor and around 8Gb of Ram on that. I'm just not sure if it would need a separate video card also to handle 1080p to the TV/Receiver, or if the CPU would be able to handle it alone.
 
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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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Looking into this a bit more, there are several HTPC cases that I can purchase that come with a 250-300W power supply already in the case. Most of these are smaller form-factors, but only support a single hard drive, and do not have room for PCIe expansion bays. The hard drive isn't really an issue, as my media will all be housed on another machine, but I am still questioning if a PCIe video card would be required. Any thoughts?
 
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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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mastrom101

mastrom101

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An APU requires fast RAM. 4 GB should work, but 8 will obviously be better. Make sure it's at least 1600MHz, but preferably 1866MHz.

As for the CPU, an A6 may be cutting it a little close unless you're just using the box for media playback. If you do choose one, pick up the latest model, the 6400K.
 
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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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I already have a gaming PC, a laptop and a dedicated server; this will be solely for media playback, albeit 1080p bluray rips with direct stream audio to the receiver. I may install some emulator games, but nothing that wouldn't run on a 386.

So with that:

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157363
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113335&Tpk=AMD%206400K&IsVirtualParent=1
Ram: http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-240-Pin-Platforms-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9/dp/B004CRSM4I%3FSubscriptionId%3D16330PR1NAHTNCZP5602%26tag%3Dpriwat-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB004CRSM4I

Would I really benefit that much more by going to an A8?
 
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Case012

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Jul 5, 2013
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So after doing a little more research, I've updated a few components, taking the core a little stronger:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1fUOG

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A85X-ITX Mini ITX FM2 Motherboard
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case

Thoughts?
 
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mastrom101

mastrom101

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I like the build, it's very powerful. I think it will work well!

One concern: The stock CPU fan may be too big to fit. I would check the dimensions thoroughly to ensure compatibility. If it wont fit or is simply too close to the case, consider:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118127&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009SJQYP4/?tag=pcpapi-20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103177&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Good Luck!
 
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Case012

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Thanks, I'll take a look at those. I'll probably try the stock cooler first to see if it works. If not, I'll have to do some research because I believe any cooler with a back-plate won't work on this motherboard.
 
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Jesse Hayes

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Jul 14, 2013
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i7 3770k @ 4.64 with Noctua LP 120/92MM Cooler
Gigabyte UD5H
16GB 2100MHZ Ram
240GB OCZ Vertex III SSD
Palit JS GTX670 SLI OC with Access TT II coolers
Corsair 850w Gold PS
Silverstone LC17 with 3x 92mm Noctua intake / 2x 92mm Noctua exhaust
3TB Black WD 7200rpm
Blu Ray drive
Accousti Noise Dampening kit
Perfection during installation

Gaming supremacy, cool and quiet......... Nuff said.
 
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