Need case & PSU suggestions for HTPC build

[g-unit1111]

I want to build an HTPC but the idea is that I want a low profile, low power-consuming unit that can sit in a home theater cabinet without generating a lot of heat in the process (that part is inevitable, I know). And for the longest time I couldn't make this system work until AMD's new APU came about, and not having to utilize a central graphics card makes a huge, huge, huge difference. So with that in mind these are the requirements:

- Low profile
- Low wattage PSU (no more than 400 or 500 watts)
- Micro ATX form factor

This is the hardware I'm getting:

- CPU: AMD A8-3850
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-A75M-UD2H
- RAM: Kingston Hyper-X 8GB PC 1600 MHz
- my spare Pioneer BDR-204
- Hard Drive: 2 x 750GB Western Digital Caviar Black in RAID 0
- OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

 

[gkay09]

Some suggestions - I would suggest a SSD instead of going RAID,
Reason - Noise of 2 HDDs,...
So get a small SSD for boot and a single large slower, silent HDD for data...

How much are you willing to spend for the case + PSU??

 

[Lenymo]

Lol ill sell you my slimline shell for $5 doesnt get much more low profile then that xD

 

[Outlander_04]

Silverstone GD 05 .
Fans set to low

what are you planning on using 8 gig of ram for in a HTPC?

Second the SSD opinion ... and make the other drive a WD green

 

[rwpritchett]

I'll third the SSD + Green drive suggestion.

Here's a nice setup from Silverstone that is low profile you may want to consider with the other suggestions. It helps to get the matching strider PSU which is short, but still standard ATX and modular. The optional cable kit is designed by Silvertone specifically for their small micro-ATX cases.

Case: Silverstone ML03B
PSU: Silverstone Strider
Cable Kit: Silverstone PP05 Short Cable Kit

 

[g-unit1111]

Some suggestions - I would suggest a SSD instead of going RAID,
Reason - Noise of 2 HDDs,...
So get a small SSD for boot and a single large slower, silent HDD for data...

How much are you willing to spend for the case + PSU??

So instead of RAID 0 I should go with like a 32GB SSD for boot and then a 2TB for programs / DVR etc? I'll keep that in mind and try to work it into my budget.

As far as budget goes - I'm trying to keep this as low as possible - under $700 if I can. I'm trying to tweak it a bit - the AMD APU is really helping the case for it since it doesn't make use of a central graphics card and drops the price by like $200 - $300.

As far as using 8GB of RAM goes - I figure I can get 8GB of RAM for $50 or 4GB of RAM for $40 I might as well max it out.

Also is it really hard to turn sync your PC with your DVR or use it as the main DVR?

 

[gkay09]

^ Some parts suggestions,...

CPU - Even the 3650 is powerful enough for HTPC needs,...
And combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.687729

RAM - Actually you get good 4GB kits for $25,... but its your call
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148418
8GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148347

CASE -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811204037
This would be good, but would be tight fit,...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174

PSU - 500W Modular and 80+
OCZ Mod
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

SSD -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227610
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233194

Samsung F3 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

 

[g-unit1111]

Wow, I really like that first case. If it's an ATX form factor I think I'll go with a Corsair PSU - I seem to have really good luck with those. I have a Samsung Spinpoint that I got off a Newegg sale a couple weeks ago, not a bad drive at all.

And I have a 4GB G.Skill kit - it's PC 10666 that I was using in my AMD system - the RAM is still good so I think if that's enough I'll just use that and save the money off it.