New basic HTPC build

[jaimio]

Hi everyone, I am planning to build a HTPC for my living room (first build). I don't want anything too fancy for now just a good base for possible future improvement.
I have used already several threads from the forum but I would like to have your direct opinion on my build.
Here are my details :

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: comming months

BUDGET RANGE: max 500 euros

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Playing Music + Videos (HD), Playing Music Online (radios,spotify..), Playing DVDs/Blurays, Internet browsing.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: www.4launch.nl (netherlands)

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080 1080i on a 32" LCD

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I want to obtain an HTPC with these basic functions, as simple and silent as possible. Good looking is also an important parameter !!

Case Zalman HTPC HD501 ATX No PSU
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-082438 115 euros

Mobo Asus M4A88TD-M/USB3 AMD 880G, SATA600
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-093716 87.5 euros

CPU AMD Athlon II X3 445 3.10GHz AM3  Box
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-092374 64.9 euros

Memory Corsair 2x2GB, DDR3, PC10666, CL9, XMS3
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-076005 43 euros

HDD Samsung 1TB SATA300 32MB, HD103SJ
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-078737 49.9 euros

Optical driver LG Blu-Ray Drive CH10LS20 10x/16x SATA OEM
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-088593 69.5 euros

PSU Antec EarthWatts Green 380W
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-086469 47 euros


Total price is 488.8 euros.


I will run on Windows 7. I am no PC expert (first complete Pc mounting for me !) so any comments are more than welcome, specially on the Proc-Mobo-Ram choice and compatibility.

Thanks !

 

[batuchka]

Hmm considered Zacate Fusion APU? Just swap out to Blu Ray reader

 

[jaimio]

Thanks for your answer.
No I hadn't. But I see it has to be miniITX which makes me change the case (as you suggest in your build). The thing is I would like to keep a slightly larger case for future flexibility (tv tuner, other hdd,...etc). I guess the case I chose is one of my drivers for this reason and esthetics.

Is there any particular reason however for you to suggest the Zacate fusion APU ?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

Zacate is basically built for HTPCs, it sips electricity (35W at load!), very quiet, and handles HD video in all forms just fine.

 

[jaimio]

Ok thanks I see. I've tried to read diff. review of it on the net.
But so I guess this is really interesting if I want to go for a small form factor, very low power PC ?
Unless this is really worth changing my whole approach, I would like to stay with a slightly larger AV-like pc case. Any thoughts on the build I proposed ?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

your build is quite solid as an htpc

 

[jaimio]

your build is quite solid as an htpc

Ok thanks again.
I' m in my budget (max 500 euros) but I woudn't mind reducing it . So if anyone thinks some of the components are too much for what I want to do with my HTPC pls let me know !

 

[jaimio]

Oh I just saw that by online shop (www.4launch.nl) has just put online two mATX ASUS Zacate boards !! They are not available yet but can be pre-ordered (I guess they will be available in the coming weeks).
Do you think it is worth going for this option (+/-20€ less) instead of the intial one:

Mobo Asus M4A88TD-M/USB3 AMD 880G, SATA600
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-093716 87.5 euros

CPU AMD Athlon II X3 445 3.10GHz AM3 Box
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-092374 64.9 euros

?

 

[jaimio]

Sorry here are the links for the new Zacate:

http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-3-subshop-Componenten-hoofdcategorie-Moederborden-subcategorie-Embedded%20mATX

 

[ScrewySqrl]

it depends. If you'l be just doing HTPC stuff (video, TV, etc) and maybe light web stuff and other basic tasks, the Zacate will be all you need. If you'll be burning Blu-Ray disks, gaming, or other things like that, you might want the X3's stronger muscle

 

[jaimio]

Hmm ok it seems the Zacate might be more suited for what I want to do then (for sure no gaming) and I can put a little more money on another case which is still quite flexible for the future :


Antec Veris Media Fusion No PSU
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-059550 142 euros

Asus E35M1-M E-350, SATA600, HDMI
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-106771 111 euros

Kingston 2x2GB, DDR3, PC8500, CL7
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-048062 43 euros

HDD Samsung 1TB SATA300 32MB, HD103SJ
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-078737 49.9 euros

Optical driver LG Blu-Ray Drive CH10LS20 10x/16x SATA OEM
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-088593 69.5 euros

PSU Antec EarthWatts Green 380W
http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-086469 47 euros

Total 462.4 euros

No stupid things in this list then ?
Thanks again for your help !

 

[ScrewySqrl]

this RAM might be a bit better. Its marginally faster (1333 instead of 1066), and 2 Euros cheaper at E41

http://www.4launch.nl/shop/#p-4-productid-081163

otherwise, I'd say it looks great.

 

[jaimio]

Great ! Thanks for the quick answers and the memory