Hey guys, I'm just getting into the whole "HTPC" world, so bear with me. Not new to anyone, COMCAST has pissed me off one too many times. No more cable dudes and overpriced service. So, with that being said, I'm going to be building an HTPC for the first time....and a computer for that matter. The main use will be for streaming online content, music, NETFLIX, HULU, watching HDTV, and DVDs. I'll probably go with W7 OS, and Windows Media Center as my platform. I've been doing a lot of reading these past few days, but I'm not sure if I have a compatable setup. If you can check my homework and offer any suggestions I would appreciate it.
Where I'm at for now:
CPU: i3-2120
Mobo: Intel BOXDH67GDB3
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB/DDR3/1333
Case: Silverstone GD04B
PSU: OCZ ModXStream 500W
Tuner: Hauppauge 1229 WInTV-HVR2250
SSD: Crucial 64GB SSD
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2TB
DVD: Blue Ray really isn't a necessity, but I do need a good DVD player
First off, I was torn between what CPU to pick (don't want to limit myself, and be outdated too soon) and the MOBO setup. Is 2-cores enough with the i3-2120? And for the MOBO, is the Intel board a good choice, or is Asrock, or Gigabyte a better (or easier interface) to work with? I was really looking at the ASROCK Z68 Extreme3 Gen3, but it adds another $20, and is a full ATX board...which brings me to my next issue-- I was torn between the case I chose above and the Silverstone LC13B, and going with a full ATX and leaving myself some room to grow. Is microATX enough? I know these are probably "it depends" type questions I'm asking, but if you have a suggestion, please let me know--At least to let me know I'm not going to blow something up when I hit the power button. Thanks again. ~Darks
Where I'm at for now:
CPU: i3-2120
Mobo: Intel BOXDH67GDB3
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB/DDR3/1333
Case: Silverstone GD04B
PSU: OCZ ModXStream 500W
Tuner: Hauppauge 1229 WInTV-HVR2250
SSD: Crucial 64GB SSD
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2TB
DVD: Blue Ray really isn't a necessity, but I do need a good DVD player
First off, I was torn between what CPU to pick (don't want to limit myself, and be outdated too soon) and the MOBO setup. Is 2-cores enough with the i3-2120? And for the MOBO, is the Intel board a good choice, or is Asrock, or Gigabyte a better (or easier interface) to work with? I was really looking at the ASROCK Z68 Extreme3 Gen3, but it adds another $20, and is a full ATX board...which brings me to my next issue-- I was torn between the case I chose above and the Silverstone LC13B, and going with a full ATX and leaving myself some room to grow. Is microATX enough? I know these are probably "it depends" type questions I'm asking, but if you have a suggestion, please let me know--At least to let me know I'm not going to blow something up when I hit the power button. Thanks again. ~Darks