Need Help With Building a HTPC
- Thread starter Enclosed
- Start date
Solution
- Aug 3, 2006
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With only $400 CDN, I'd probably look at purchasing a pre-built, but if your only intent (for now) is watching movies and online streams, then this should work for you:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A6-5400K 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($52.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Asus A55BM-A/USB3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.81 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Apex DM-387 HTPC Case w/275W Power Supply ($60.97 @ DirectCanada)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.88 @ Canada Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($106.98 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $394.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-16 22:54 EDT-0400
-Wolf sends
Edit: Of course, if you're willing to go with a linux solution like Kodi, you could put that $106 currently spent on an OS towards better components.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A6-5400K 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($52.99 @ NCIX)
Motherboard: Asus A55BM-A/USB3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Memory Express)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.81 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Apex DM-387 HTPC Case w/275W Power Supply ($60.97 @ DirectCanada)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.88 @ Canada Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($106.98 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $394.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-16 22:54 EDT-0400
-Wolf sends
Edit: Of course, if you're willing to go with a linux solution like Kodi, you could put that $106 currently spent on an OS towards better components.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
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Hey,
You really need to state the PURPOSE of this beyond "HTPC" since if it's just to play video there are better ways to go like a ROKU media player with USB hard drive added. That's small, quiet, optimized for playing video with the interface and includes a remote control.
I have a WD media player that has better codec support but I believe the new Elements model (no hard drive) has no NETFLIX support.
Other:
The ideal option for video might be one of the inexpensive PC's with Intel Pentium CPU's (something like 7"x7"x2"). As said you can use KODI which I love though not sure if NETFLIX support exists for that. If Windows is not needed then just use a KODI Linux distro from KODI site.
I'd also recommend H.265 support.
I won't go on as I don't know your usage but ideally I recommend:
1) Small prebuilt with nice remote control,
2) NETFLIX support if desired,
3) x86 Intel CPU (any kind)
With the x86 Intel CPU you can always turn it into a Windows PC if desired. Or dual-boot Windows and KODI or whatever since if you can't get KODI to support Netflix you definitely can from within Windows (get Windows 10 64-bit though).
You really need to state the PURPOSE of this beyond "HTPC" since if it's just to play video there are better ways to go like a ROKU media player with USB hard drive added. That's small, quiet, optimized for playing video with the interface and includes a remote control.
I have a WD media player that has better codec support but I believe the new Elements model (no hard drive) has no NETFLIX support.
Other:
The ideal option for video might be one of the inexpensive PC's with Intel Pentium CPU's (something like 7"x7"x2"). As said you can use KODI which I love though not sure if NETFLIX support exists for that. If Windows is not needed then just use a KODI Linux distro from KODI site.
I'd also recommend H.265 support.
I won't go on as I don't know your usage but ideally I recommend:
1) Small prebuilt with nice remote control,
2) NETFLIX support if desired,
3) x86 Intel CPU (any kind)
With the x86 Intel CPU you can always turn it into a Windows PC if desired. Or dual-boot Windows and KODI or whatever since if you can't get KODI to support Netflix you definitely can from within Windows (get Windows 10 64-bit though).
- Aug 3, 2006
- 28,221
- 1,513
- 133,290
Ok. For just media playback, no Optical Drive/OS needed, I'd probably look at something like this:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A6-7400K 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.99 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: Asus A88XM-E Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.05 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($74.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($45.98 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $382.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-16 23:10 EDT-0400
-Wolf sends
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A6-7400K 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.99 @ Canada Computers)
Motherboard: Asus A88XM-E Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.05 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($62.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($74.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($45.98 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $382.74
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-16 23:10 EDT-0400
-Wolf sends
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
Examples (for video/audio playing):
1. http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1270
This does NOT support Netflix. Has nice codec support (plays pretty much everything). Can add a USB drive or link via network (I use a WDMYCLOUD attached to router).
The WD TV Live HUB (with internal drive) appears to be discontinued... no big deal as you can add a USB drive but again no NETFLIX support for the above model.
2. ROKU 3 (poor codec support beyond basics)
3. x86 media player.
- need more research but I saw a few Intel x86 models with low power quad-core. You need an x86 processor to run Windows.
4. Other:
Probably something similar to this: http://www.amazon.ca/Android-Quad-Mali450-Bluetooth-Miracast/dp/B00MFCN0T4
5. LAPTOP:
Any reason why not just a laptop?
Buying Windows for about $90CDN leaves only $310 for parts when you build yourself. I'm not sure what you can build for that that compares to a desktop but I'd definitely just go with a laptop.
**Make sure you have the proper support which is usually VGA or HDMI for a projector. If HDMI not an issue, but if VGA look for a laptop with both.
1. http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1270
This does NOT support Netflix. Has nice codec support (plays pretty much everything). Can add a USB drive or link via network (I use a WDMYCLOUD attached to router).
The WD TV Live HUB (with internal drive) appears to be discontinued... no big deal as you can add a USB drive but again no NETFLIX support for the above model.
2. ROKU 3 (poor codec support beyond basics)
3. x86 media player.
- need more research but I saw a few Intel x86 models with low power quad-core. You need an x86 processor to run Windows.
4. Other:
Probably something similar to this: http://www.amazon.ca/Android-Quad-Mali450-Bluetooth-Miracast/dp/B00MFCN0T4
5. LAPTOP:
Any reason why not just a laptop?
Buying Windows for about $90CDN leaves only $310 for parts when you build yourself. I'm not sure what you can build for that that compares to a desktop but I'd definitely just go with a laptop.
**Make sure you have the proper support which is usually VGA or HDMI for a projector. If HDMI not an issue, but if VGA look for a laptop with both.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
http://www.staples.ca/en/Acer-Aspire-Laptop-NX-MNDAA-003-17-3-1-8GHz-AMD-A4-6210-4GB-RAM-500GB-HDD/product_1075695_2-CA_1_20001
Example only.
It's $350, and again remember you have to BUY your own copy of Windows if you build your own. Assuming $90 for that you'd have $260 for parts to compare to this.
Upgrades to W10 for free (or wait a few weeks and buy a W10 model).
No codec support issues and several options like KODI for Windows.
*Find a good remote control as well with a micro USB receiver or better yet Blutooth if possible. KODI site may have recommendations.
UPDATE:
I keep forgetting no need for OS but again you really haven't explained the point of this very well. Again, if it's just for media playback a laptop, or cheaper media player is ideal.
The laptop costs more but is more flexible for things like better video/audio codec support. Or doing other things. All PC's support NETFLIX but many media players do not.
Example only.
It's $350, and again remember you have to BUY your own copy of Windows if you build your own. Assuming $90 for that you'd have $260 for parts to compare to this.
Upgrades to W10 for free (or wait a few weeks and buy a W10 model).
No codec support issues and several options like KODI for Windows.
*Find a good remote control as well with a micro USB receiver or better yet Blutooth if possible. KODI site may have recommendations.
UPDATE:
I keep forgetting no need for OS but again you really haven't explained the point of this very well. Again, if it's just for media playback a laptop, or cheaper media player is ideal.
The laptop costs more but is more flexible for things like better video/audio codec support. Or doing other things. All PC's support NETFLIX but many media players do not.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
- 21,567
- 13
- 85,015
Yeah, I just updated my above post.
The optical drive is simply part of the example laptop. I also recommended media players with no optical drive.
Again, the point of this isn't completely clear which makes recommending hard but I'm pretty much done. I guess he's now saying it's just for media playback but does he use only normal codecs like H.264 which most media players support, is there a need for Windows (as in he already has a copy thus wants an x86 PC) or what?
At this time I would say photonboy is guiding well. The Silverstone case is nice but wastes space. For DRM free content the WD TV is a good option and includes optical-out that no NUC includes. The price constraint really promotes a laptop solution with free OS etc. Any old PC would be better though at higher initial cost.
Is this build good?
PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3cDCWZ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3cDCWZ/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.00 @ NCIX)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Apex DM-387 HTPC Case w/275W Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $363.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-18 13:42 EDT-0400
Can you guys give me opinion on this? Not sure if I should use this case or get a separate psu and case
PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3cDCWZ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/3cDCWZ/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.00 @ NCIX)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Apex DM-387 HTPC Case w/275W Power Supply ($64.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $363.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-18 13:42 EDT-0400
Can you guys give me opinion on this? Not sure if I should use this case or get a separate psu and case
That price range is tough. A case that hasn't had much attention and not listed under HTPC is the Aero CS-cube but even the white version costs $116. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Aerocool-Dead-Silence-Case-Review/1892/1.
If mobility is a concern that may not be the best but the Apex isn't either.
If you want to go even cheaper and have a real project consider something like a Rasperry Pi or something similar,
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/chip-9-dollar-pc-kickstarter,news-20906.html. That mentions Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in but it required Kickstarter funding.
If mobility is a concern that may not be the best but the Apex isn't either.
If you want to go even cheaper and have a real project consider something like a Rasperry Pi or something similar,
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/chip-9-dollar-pc-kickstarter,news-20906.html. That mentions Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built in but it required Kickstarter funding.
I think I am going with this
PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/XHRs7P
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/XHRs7P/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.00 @ NCIX)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Fractal Design Core 2500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $385.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-19 02:04 EDT-0400
Is there anything I should change?
PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/XHRs7P
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/XHRs7P/by_merchant/
CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.00 @ NCIX)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Fractal Design Core 2500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $385.47
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-19 02:04 EDT-0400
Is there anything I should change?
- Jan 1, 2013
- 24,574
- 650
- 91,240
The gigabyte board may need a bios update for kaveri chips,hence id go with this Asus as it supports ALL fm2+ chips on a first revision BIOS.
The n200 simply because its the best budget matx case around bar none
Consider an aftermarket cooler (the stock amd one will honestly drive you nuts with noise)
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Asus A68HM-Plus Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($64.90 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $381.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-19 10:23 EDT-0400
The n200 simply because its the best budget matx case around bar none
Consider an aftermarket cooler (the stock amd one will honestly drive you nuts with noise)
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.75 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: Asus A68HM-Plus Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($64.90 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($59.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.75 @ Vuugo)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($36.99 @ NCIX)
Total: $381.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-19 10:23 EDT-0400
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