Htpc build help!

[D_trem]

I have been looking into building an htpc to go along with my new led tv. I am going to need to purchase all of the hardware except for a hard disk. I snagged a Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 7200rpm Hard Drive for $51 at SuperBiiz.com Here is what I came up with, any suggestions or improvements are greatly appreciated.

Case: nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 6000B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16811204037

PSU: Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16817371029

CPU/GPU: AMD Athlon II X3 445 Rana 3.1GHz
Evga GeForce GT 240 512MB 128-bit DDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.553994

Ram: A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333G
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211410

Blue Ray Drive:LITE-ON Black 4X BD-ROM 8X DVD-ROM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106325

Mobo/Win7: ECS Black Series A785GM-M AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.552632

Total $510.93 plus 20 bucks shipping before rebates ($90). So end cost is around ~$440

I am a little concerned if that case will be able to hold the psu.

I had my eye on a radeon 5570 since it has dx11 and hd audio through hdmi but I couldn't find any gddr5 versions and since my receiver doesn't have hdmi inputs I would have to run the audio off the motherboard S/PDIF Optical out. I have never done this with hd audio and was wondering if this would be a problem.

Thanks for reading and any help.

 

[Wolfshadw]

All looks good. That power supply will work with that case, no problem. Also, running an optical cable from your motherboard to your receiver shouldn't cause any problems either. Just remember to change your audio settings from ATI HDMI to your motherboard's HD Audio.

-Wolf sends

 

[D_trem]

Thanks for clearing that up. I know that I cheapped out on the mobo but I figured I just needed something basic with an optical out as well room to maybe put a tv tuner in down the road. I am going to be going with the 240gt which doesn't even carry audio over the hdmi so I am not sure if I am going to need to change anything but I will cross that bridge when I get there. Gonna be heading to bed and probably pulling the trigger and buying everything up in the morning.

Thanks again

 

[gkay09]

^ Like Wolf said, you would have no issues with that PSU fitting the case, also it is a very good PSU for the price...
Why do you need a DDR5 specifically?? For gaming it might have some effect over the DDR3, but for a HTPC usage, I doubt you would notice any difference, also check out this RAM
$10 off w/ promo code EMCZNYV53, ends 12/13
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145260

 

[D_trem]

No specific reason for gddr5 I but it is certainly quicker and why not get more for your dollar. That ram is certainly an option but the mobo only goes up to 1333 and the timings on mine are quicker, not that that makes much of a difference.

 

[gkay09]

The reason I say DDR3 is fine as that card would do audio over the HDMI, and quicker ? Do you think you would notice that in general usage?
But that $40 deal on that EVGA card is hard to pass though

As for the RAM, you would anyways have to set the timings and speed manually, and even though the timings are loose, but is faster at 1600MHz, so it would perform similar and if you take into account the shipping, the coupon and rebates, the Corsair is slightly cheaper so why not ?

 

[rwpritchett]

I had my eye on a radeon 5570 since it has dx11 and hd audio through hdmi but I couldn't find any gddr5 versions and since my receiver doesn't have hdmi inputs I would have to run the audio off the motherboard S/PDIF Optical out. I have never done this with hd audio and was wondering if this would be a problem.

Just FYI, you desire HD audio but your current set up (S/PDIF) will only allow standard DD/DTS surround sound. You will have to update your receiver to a DTS-HD/Dolby TrueHD capable unit with HDMI in order to enjoy HD audio. If standard DD/DTS is all you need at this time, then just go with the onboard video/audio for now and upgrade to a discreet card when you update your receiver.

-Wolf sends

Wolf- You finally uploaded an avatar. 'Bout time :lol: