- Dec 18, 2013
- 4
- 0
- 10,510
OK, so I'm new to this, and the more research I do, the more confused I get. So I've picked some parts and am hoping somebody here can tell me if my rig is up to the task, or incredible overkill, or incompatible, or if something would work better, etc. Also, any software/front-end recommendations.
Basically, HTPC will be used primarily for streaming DVD/Blu-Ray rips. No DVR functionality, because we're getting a stellar deal on Dish; and we are in the sticks, so only would get ABC/PBS over the air (according to antennaweb).
I have an external Blu-ray drive (so I don't need an internal optical drive), and a Synology NAS for storage.
Quieter is better.
Gaming use would be negligible, but if my rig is good enough to run a couple of old-school emulators, that may be kind of fun.
Hardware target price is around $500.
As for software/front end, I've dabbled with Plex on my laptop and really like it, especially the mobile streaming (a must) and on-the-fly transcoding functions. Also, Netflix and Amazon Instant would be nice, but not a requirement, since I do have a blu-ray player that can stream these services.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130T 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($136.61 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Intel DB85FL Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.07 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($70.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $502.64
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-18 16:02 EST-0500)
Thanks for the help/suggestions!
Basically, HTPC will be used primarily for streaming DVD/Blu-Ray rips. No DVR functionality, because we're getting a stellar deal on Dish; and we are in the sticks, so only would get ABC/PBS over the air (according to antennaweb).
I have an external Blu-ray drive (so I don't need an internal optical drive), and a Synology NAS for storage.
Quieter is better.
Gaming use would be negligible, but if my rig is good enough to run a couple of old-school emulators, that may be kind of fun.
Hardware target price is around $500.
As for software/front end, I've dabbled with Plex on my laptop and really like it, especially the mobile streaming (a must) and on-the-fly transcoding functions. Also, Netflix and Amazon Instant would be nice, but not a requirement, since I do have a blu-ray player that can stream these services.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130T 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($136.61 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Intel DB85FL Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.07 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($70.00 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $502.64
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-18 16:02 EST-0500)
Thanks for the help/suggestions!
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