Micro ATX Computer Build Help

[hopkiller]

Hey i have had alot of experience building ATX computers but never worked with micro ATX, and this time i have a budget. I want to have a mini Computer than can play blu-ray, do all the normale functions of a computer, and be able to be a DVR(if possible). So far i just have some basic components, and on question how powerful of a graphic card do i need to play blu-ray at the best quality.

Ohh yeah im going AMD for this one: Buget= 400-600$

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-M61PME-S2 AM2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128333

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103210

Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Blu-Ray drive: LG Black 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133

HDD:Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262

Case: APEVIA X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 Black Aluminum 1.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144162

GFX Card: ???

Still need OS (can't decide which one to use, bc i have vista on my desktop but i don't know whats better for this build)

If you guys can help me that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Hop

 

[calinkula]

For OS I would go with what you prefer. In the end you're the one who has to use it.

For a GPU I would go with something like a 9500GT or a 4650 that has a HDMI port built in. I'm assuming you want to plug this thing up to a HDTV, but not do major gaming.

I might even spend an extra $18 to get an AMD 7750 over that Brisbane.

 

[hopkiller]

ok thanks just need some direction on this because i have never worked with micro ATX builds or BLU-Ray for that matter

 

[calinkula]

Just remember this: Micro ATX is the same as ATX, except you can get smaller cases and it doesn't have as many expansion slots.

 

[Outlander_04]

b4 you buy that case google for reviews . Its a lemon

Other companies make similar shapes cases arent rubbish . Buy one of those instead

 

[hopkiller]

do you have any models in mind because im kinda on a budget here and can't break the bank on case like i did on my desktop build.

How about this one
Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034

 

[hopkiller]

Can someone help me with the blu-ray concept here because i don't know what kind of power i need for that.

 

[batuchka]

If you want more information visit AVS Fourms - they have dedicated sub forums on DIY HTPC. You dun need a dedicated GPU for blueray - peeps there would tell you all you need is a 780G or GF8200 mATX with HDMI and you good to go My suggestion:

Once u hook up to LCD TV via HDMI cable manually set HDMI Digital as default sound out (in case not auto detected) and you good to go Hoped i helped ^^

PS I am a system builder on the side and i actually do up more HTPC/SFFs for others hehe A project log:
http://forums.vr-zone.com/showthread.php?t=354565

 

[shortstuff_mt]

This is what I'd buy in that price range:

AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255 $53.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2HP AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128360 $79.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122 $39.99

LG Black 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136133 $119.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 $79.99

Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 380W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034 $119.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 $99.99


Total $593.93

You don't need a dedicated GPU for Blu-ray playback. the 780G integrated graphics will handle it just fine. I also picked a 45W CPU since it will run cooler and still be able to handle Blu-ray. I use Vista on my HTPC and have been very happy with it. I use the built-in Media Center and it works very well.

If you're going to use this as a DVR, I highly recommend Hauppauge TV tuner cards. I have two in my HTPC (the HVR-1600 and HVR-2250), and they both have been great. The HVR 2250 is a low-profile tuner and has dual tuners. It would work great in this build.

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213 PCI-Express x1 Interface - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116036 $139.99

 

[hopkiller]

thanks that is alot of help if anyone else has anything else to say feel free to post it.