Download the Tom's Hardware App from the App Store
The reference for current tech news
Yes No
Ads
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > Need case & PSU suggestions for HTPC build

Need case & PSU suggestions for HTPC build

Forum Systems : New Build Need case & PSU suggestions for HTPC build

Word :    Username :           
 

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

Reply to g-unit1111
Register or log in to remove.

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??

Reply to gkay09

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

Reply to Lenymo

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

Reply to Outlander_04

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

------------------------------ http://valid.canardpc.com/cache/banner/2145063.png
Reply to rwpritchett

gkay09 wrote :

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?

Reply to 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.

Reply to g-unit1111
Register or log in to remove.
Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > Need case & PSU suggestions for HTPC build
Go to:

There are 2010 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Please mind

You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months.
If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.

Add a reply Cancel
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Ads
Latest best answer
What level would you consider this?
By austinwillie_95, 2 hours ago:

It won't handle high end games that's for sure. And for $800 you would be better off just...

Best offers
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them
Top experts