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HTPC (AMD) <$600 - first time builder - Advice / Suggestions

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HTPC (AMD) <$600 - first time builder - Advice / Suggestions

I'm planning to build a new HTPC ( in next 2 weeks), but have never built a system and this would be a good way to learn at the same time. I've got a 47" LCD (1080p) and Onkyo 507 receiver.

Purpose : To watch movies / DVD / bluray and wath internet TV. No Gaming or word processing. Not planning to have TV tuner at this time, I rarely watch broadcast / cable TV.

I'd like to stay around the $500 range if possible, here's what I've got so far. Being my first attempt at a built, let me know if there are compatibility issues or any suggestion on improving build.

Regarding operating system, pls let me know your thoughts on Window 7 Vs Linux (never build / used at home)

Case

nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 5000B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case Item #: N82E16811204035 $54.99

Mobo

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard Item #: N82E16813128394 $58.99


PSU

Rosewill Stallion Series RD400-2-SB 400W ATX V2.2 Power Supply Item #: N82E16817182074 $34.99


CPU
AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor ADX245OCGQBOX Item #: N82E16819103687 $57.99


Memory
AllComponents 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AC2/800X64/4096-KIT Item #: N82E16820159021 $59.99

Optical drive / BD

LG Black 10X Blu-ray Burner - Bulk SATA WH10LS30 LightScribe Support - OEM
Item #: N82E16827136181 $79.99

HD

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive Item #: N82E16822152245 $79.99

Keyboard / Mouse

Lenovo Multimedia Remote with Keyboard $44.99


Operating System
Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit System Builder 1pk Amazon $52.98

Regarding operating system, pls let me know your thoughts on Window 7 Vs Linux (never build / used at home)

Remote
Logitech 650 $ 49 with cheap RF from WMC remote ($ 7 from Amazon)

Total: $580

I really appreciate anyone taking the time to review this. I'm hoping to learn a lot from this, so thanks a lot in advance. If you see any areas that are overkill, I’m open to saving money too.

Also:

1) Pls provide tips for building / assembling / Installing a PC (This is my first one, no prior experience)
2) How I can use this on multiple TV’s across rooms.

More about : htpc amd 600 time builder advice suggestions

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a few changes:

DDR2 is passe now, DDR3 is cheaper. Get an AS Rock 880g motherboard and 4 GB of Mushkin DDR3-1333 RAM ($49.99 w/ $10 MIR), or G.Skill DDR3 for $48.99

don't trust rosewill PSUs. Seasonic has a 350W PSU for $49.99 that fits in a HTPC case. Seasonic is the most reliable brand out there and has 80+ Bronze on this PSU

The Windows 7 that you listed for $53 seems off... double check what you are looking at, it sounds like the "Anytime Upgrade" price, which isn't what you need. OEM Win7 is about $100 legit.

Your Onkyo 507 receiver can handle HD audio, and with the AMD setup you won't be able to enjoy the HD audio on blu-rays without adding a discreet card. That being the case, have you considered an Intel build? Intel chips can bitstream the HD audio... the only downside is that right now is a bad time to build an Intel machine because of the new chips coming in January.
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"a few changes:

DDR2 is passe now, DDR3 is cheaper. Get an AS Rock 880g motherboard and 4 GB of Mushkin DDR3-1333 RAM ($49.99 w/ $10 MIR), or G.Skill DDR3 for $48.99

don't trust rosewill PSUs. Seasonic has a 350W PSU for $49.99 that fits in a HTPC case. Seasonic is the most reliable brand out there and has 80+ Bronze on this PSU "

I will update my list, have been seeing the DDR3 prices over the BF weekend too. Thanks

Windows 7 - It was a BF deal on Amazon, I went and bought one. the normal price is around $100.

"Your Onkyo 507 receiver can handle HD audio, and with the AMD setup you won't be able to enjoy the HD audio on blu-rays without adding a discreet card. That being the case, have you considered an Intel build? Intel chips can bitstream the HD audio... the only downside is that right now is a bad time to build an Intel machine because of the new chips coming in January."

I had not considered an intel setup, Do u have a configuration in mind (around my budget), which can replace the standalone Bluray player. I am still struggling with this, Is the tech / prices are there to build blu ray into HTPC or it may make sense to keep them separate for the time being (work with a standalone bluray player connected to receiver).
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