HTPC Build Suggestions

bignastyide

Commendable
Jul 6, 2016
10
0
1,520
Hey everyone,

I am reborn! My last account got crushed. I requested permission to repost this, so I can work up a final build.

Below is the original post:

I'm looking to build my first true HTPC. (I've frankensteined a few together from old workstations before, but never built one from scratch.) Information follows:

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next month.

Budget Range: $200-700 USD

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Primarily, streaming video (Netflix, Amazon, Plex from home server). Secondarily, light gaming (Steam big picture type stuff.)

Are you buying a monitor: No. Direct connect to HDTV.

Do you need to buy OS: No. I plan on building before July 30 to take advantage of the 7 to 10 upgrade. I have a Win7 Home copy waiting for a new install. Or, I may install Mint. I haven't decided.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I'm not picky.

Location: Little Rock, AR

Parts Preferences: Looking for Micro/Mini form factor and quiet.

Overclocking: Maybe (if it doesn't affect noise or heat too much.)

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: HDTV

Additional Comments: I'd rather not use craptastic power supplies. I've been burned by case/PSU bundles in the past. I'll spend the money on a good PSU. I'm not reusing any parts. I want to build this one from the ground up.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Preparing to cut the cord.


Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I'll check this thread frequently and mark a solution when I find a build I like.
 
Solution
Slightly over, but I wanted to add a cooler, that would bring the noise down a bit, vs stock.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG C7 40.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI B150I GAMING PRO AC Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk X400 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 950 75W 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Cooler Master...

logainofhades

Titan
Moderator
Slightly over, but I wanted to add a cooler, that would bring the noise down a bit, vs stock.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG C7 40.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI B150I GAMING PRO AC Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($109.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk X400 512GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GTX 950 75W 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $704.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-07-06 10:50 EDT-0400
 
Solution