Two HTPC builds, cant decide.

[magruder13]

I have two builds for a HTPC. I want to buy somewhat soon maybe in the next month. It will need to play 1080p playback of some home videos and I want to learn to stream my TV through it. I'm pretty set on mini ITX but I can be persuaded to go with Micro ATX. I already have a WD green 1.5TB hdd that i'm going to use. I'm pretty set on the i3, from what I know its a good CPU.

Parts I'm set on:

Antec case:
(I'm pretty sure i'll need a bigger power supply)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129080

Core i3 550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222

OCZ 2X2GB (4GB) DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227478


Build one:

Gigabyte MoBo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448

Wi-Fi card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166025

Build Two:

Zotac MoBo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500043




The biggest thing is the PSU and MoBo selection. Thanks for the help guys.

 

[rwpritchett]

So I guess what you really want to know is do you go for a quality motherboard or a cheaper motherboard that has the convenience of WiFi onboard.

I'm going to place my vote for the Gigabyte with the add-on WiFi. Anandtech's review of that board was very complimentary. Plus, it has USB 3.0. I have no experience with Zotac. I do like their idea of bundling WiFi on their boards, but reviews are always mixed on their quality. The Gigabyte is a sure bet.

For the PSU, I think you can get by just fine with the 150W as long as you use the onboard graphics. Even if you add a TV tuner, you'd probably be under 100W. You can also get a 160W (200W peak) pico PSU here. That would move the power supply out of the case into an external brick which might help with your build and it is 100% silent. That would give you an extra 10W too if you really feel you need it. The Antec case you've selected already has the small round cutout required for the pico psu DC plugin just above the I/O plate.

Also, have you looked at the Antec ISK 310-150 variant of that case? Same case but it's silver and has a smaller cover for the optical drive. It's $10 cheaper than the black.

 

[magruder13]

I haven't looked at that case yet, but I think im going to change to that one to save the money.

I'm kind of sketchy on that pico psu because i've never seen anything like it before. Anyone else have experience with it?

And thanks for the help Rwpritchett.

 

[magruder13]

I've decided on my final build. Is there any way that I can save money on this build? Any ideas?

Gigabyte MoBo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128448

OCZ RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227478

Intel Core i3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115222

Rosewill wifi usb card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166025

Antec Case with PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129081

 

[rwpritchett]

Check out the G.Skill RAM, there's one 4gb kit that is $85, some others are in the $90's.

In order to save any more, you'll have to go with the Zotac. Right now newegg is running a combo with the i3-530 for $205. That's $40 less than the Gigabyte+i3+wifi.