New HTPC Build

[ansemx324]

Hey,

This is my first time building a computer. Ive done a lot of research and think I know what Im doing, but just before I put any money down and buy everything, I wanted to make sure Im not missing some key point that would ruin this build (buying incompatible part or something stupid like that).

Im building this to essentially replace cable, so to watch netflicks, maybe hulu, store my DVD collection and media, and maybe act as an extra computer if we need one.

Im in college, so Im working toward a low cost build and am also making it energy efficient (which will help keep it cool).

Let me know your thoughts or any suggestions you may have please!

Motherboard: $132
ASUS M4A88T-I Deluxe AM3 AMD 880G------ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131659

Processor: $63
AMD Athlon II X2 250------ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103681&cm_re=athlon_II_x2-_-19-103-681-_-Product

RAM: $84
Crucial 4GB (2 x 2GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066------ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148191

Hard Drive: Bought it for $99!
WD Green 2TB WD20EARS (the new format with 512 sectors)----- http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=wd+green+2tb&x=0&y=0

Case: $60
Foxconn RS233 Black+Light Silver------ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811153099&Tpk=Foxconn%20RS233

I REALLY wanted to go with the Antec MI-008 because it was so small and compact, but everyone was saying you have to buy a TERRIBLY slim aftermarket CPU fan and that it just gets too hot. I dont want my system to burn so I was too concerned to get it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154091&Tpk=mi-008 ($50)

Total Cost is around $440, which is much less expensive than cable

 

[jaydoubledub]

broski! I hear what you're talkin about! I hate to be the one to say it, but, you're probably going to need a different case. Well, you MIGHT. Scratch that... if that's all you're doing then you will probably be okay. And you will simply need an upgraded power supply. The largest you can get with that form factor (for now) is 300w. That should cut it, no problem.

I'm building/built/modifying my new HTPC as well. I have a thread and have soaked up some good info from the good people here. If you don't plan on gaming then you will be good.

Question, why don't you checkout circuitcity.com? The reason I somewhat prefer them is because there's no taxes and they're generally cheaper cost.

Nice selections too by the way! very small footprint

p.s. I like that last case. Very nice lookin. too bad it isn't mATX for me! haha

 

[ansemx324]

Yea, a 300w is way more than what I will need with this build! I may add a bluray player later too, but would update the psu before doing that. 150w will probably be plenty for this too. Only 1 green hard drive (roughly 5-6 watts), some notebook ram (its 204 pin for this unfortunately), and a simple cpu, it should handle everything nicely. I plan on even underclocking the cpu because I really dont need the speed, this is a very simple computer just for playing some media in most situations and would like to lower the power (and also keep things nice and cool ). I didnt want a gimped Atom system in case I did want that power later though.

I will check out circuitcity.com, thanks for the advice! I dont think Newegg charges taxes either though, and I like their information from customer ratings, its very easy to see what other people (experienced people too...) think about the parts.

I was looking at Micro ATX as well and have a good list of parts for that too if you want that list. I also have a list of parts for an intel mini itx system (I have done a ton of research for this build haha). I started with mATX but didnt like how expensive the cases were and wanted the small footprint . I didnt need the extra PCI slots really or the extra DIMMs so I just went with a mini itx bc its small and will probably be lower power.


If anyone else has suggestions for any parts or anything please let me know! Also, is the 204 pin ram going to affect me in any way?