Need build advice on first build - HTPC

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RoarUWS

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Sep 8, 2014
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4,510
Hi there. I am a total newb and know nothing beyond a lot of reading.... so please be kind.

My current computer that I use for my music, Netflix, etc is dying. I want the adventure of building one that I can upgrade myself.

Here's what I need for it do:
- Streaming music, HD video (Netflix), very light photo editing, possibly editing some GoPro video
- Maybe surround sound if I get around to that
- Storage for music, photos, life's stuff, etc
This box will be attached to my TV
NO GAMING
- I really want to future-proof as much as I can (i5 may be overkill, but I'd rather go big now than later)

Here's what I've got so far:
http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/XN9G23

Intel Core i5-4570S 2.9GHz Quad-Core Processor
ASRock Z97E-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard
G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory
Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive
Seagate Barracuda ES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Fractal Design Node 304 (White) Mini ITX Tower Case
SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)

Questions:
Do I REALLY need a graphics card?
Do I REALLY need a CPU cooler? Will the manufacturer's be OK and quiet enough?
Does the RAM look OK? (This was what I really was taking a punt on.)
Do I have everything I need for a build here? Have I forgotten anything?

Thanks so much.

PS - I cross posted this by accident. I should have put it here first.... apologies.
 
Solution
MeteorsRaining
You don't need a GPU, integrated graphics are fine enough.

You don't need a CPU cooler with a locked processor, stock ones are good enough.

Yes memory is ok, but very high latency (CAS), You can get 1866MHz with CL9 which'll perform very much similar.

Umm no everything's there but its a bit overpriced, you don't need Z MoBo with locked CPU, you can get cheaper yet solid HDD, you won't need more than 120GB of SSD if HTPC is the main purpose as that space is enough for OS and some main programs. But yes adding more SSD space is never bad. Your PSU is total overkill cost wise, you can go on with something like 1/3rd the cost of that PSU.

Included a better processor, H97 MoBo, WiFi adaptor, and the some more revisions, same performance...
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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You don't need a GPU, integrated graphics are fine enough.

You don't need a CPU cooler with a locked processor, stock ones are good enough.

Yes memory is ok, but very high latency (CAS), You can get 1866MHz with CL9 which'll perform very much similar.

Umm no everything's there but its a bit overpriced, you don't need Z MoBo with locked CPU, you can get cheaper yet solid HDD, you won't need more than 120GB of SSD if HTPC is the main purpose as that space is enough for OS and some main programs. But yes adding more SSD space is never bad. Your PSU is total overkill cost wise, you can go on with something like 1/3rd the cost of that PSU.

Included a better processor, H97 MoBo, WiFi adaptor, and the some more revisions, same performance (if not better) and 100 Quids less:

http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/wD2m23



 
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Solution
R

RoarUWS

Reputable
Sep 8, 2014
6
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4,510
Thanks - the reason I have that PSU is that extensive research has yielded that it's the only semi-mod that will fit in this case with a full size graphics card (if I ever wanted to do that) due to size / cable issues.
 
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EasyLover

EasyLover

Splendid
Dec 30, 2013
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No, you don't necessarily need graphics card. Intel HD 4000 series would do the job. Second, don't buy Z97 series mobo because you are not into gaming or SLI/CF at all. Save bucks and buy H97 series mobo.

No, you don't need CPU Cooler because this is a factory locked processor hence can't be overclocked beyond its max turbo.

I'm guessing it is a CL 11 RAM. Not a good deal. Better grab 1600MHz with CL 9 or less.

You may need more storage capacity though. However, you can add more HDD later on as well.
 
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