Compact HTPC Build Help

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MKDLMR

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Dec 30, 2016
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Hi All!

I'm looking to build an Intel Core i3-7100 based ITX HTPC. I'd like to keep the price to a minimum while still maintaining quality. A very compact case be an added bonus (no plan to use a video card). Can you please tell me what components you'd recommend? I already have a spare disk drive, so that can be ignored. Would love to get it all done for under $300.

Thanks,
MKDLMR
 
Solution
bloodroses


Cost is an issue at smallest, but you can't get much smaller than this:

http://www.mini-box.com/M350-universal-mini-itx-enclosure

It uses a pico (external) power supply. I'm seriously looking at building (using) one myself for a HTPC/game console when the Zen APUs eventually come out. They do sell some with motherboards included:

http://www.mini-box.com/MiniPC-Socket-Core-Systems
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why_wolf

why_wolf

Splendid
Aug 28, 2015
3,532
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Not for under $300, especially if you need to have a copy of Windows too.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($74.89 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI - B250I GAMING PRO AC Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial - 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate - Constellation.2 1TB 2.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.50 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case w/450W Power Supply ($114.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $387.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-29 12:18 EDT-0400
 
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bloodroses

bloodroses

Distinguished
Jan 27, 2013
688
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19,240
Since you said you already have a hard drive, and the system won't require a lot of power:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4600 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($86.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - B250I PRO Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Inwin - BP655.FH200B Mini ITX Desktop Case w/200W Power Supply ($55.55 @ Amazon)
Total: $277.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-29 12:36 EDT-0400

You can also mix and match with what why_wolf has since his CPU is slightly cheaper for 100mhz, and his motherboard has wifi. His case selection is very nice, but overkill imo for your intended needs since you said you don't plan on using a video card.
 
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M

MKDLMR

Honorable
Dec 30, 2016
65
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10,630


I really like why_wolf's case selection, but I don't need the extra space for a dedicated video card in the case. Smaller = better. Thanks!
 
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C

cisco001

Honorable
Sep 18, 2012
289
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10,860
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Pentium G4560 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($74.89 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI - B250I GAMING PRO AC Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill - Ripjaws V Series 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($58.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master - Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($39.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: EVGA - 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($33.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $297.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-06-29 12:53 EDT-0400

Picked 1 x 8gb ram such that you can upgrade in future.
Also pick a bigger case and psu , in case you want it for other use in future.
 
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why_wolf

why_wolf

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Aug 28, 2015
3,532
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The GPU side can re-purposed to hold 3.5" HDD
 
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M

MKDLMR

Honorable
Dec 30, 2016
65
0
10,630


Any idea what the smallest case I could get away with is?
 
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bloodroses

bloodroses

Distinguished
Jan 27, 2013
688
27
19,240


Cost is an issue at smallest, but you can't get much smaller than this:

http://www.mini-box.com/M350-universal-mini-itx-enclosure

It uses a pico (external) power supply. I'm seriously looking at building (using) one myself for a HTPC/game console when the Zen APUs eventually come out. They do sell some with motherboards included:

http://www.mini-box.com/MiniPC-Socket-Core-Systems
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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