Building htpc (settop box)

[peterson99]

Hi, This is my first attempt at building one of these, so I would just like some opinions on the build. My budget is $300 (give or take)

CPU/Motherboard (Intel Atom Dual-Core D525) with a Mini-ITX Motherboard

http://www.amazon.ca/Intel-Dual-Core-Mini-ITX-Motherboard-BOXD525MW/dp/B0041RSC94/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1325136409&sr=8-14

case/psu
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164145

ssd (32gig)
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227510

ram

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139284


I plan on using xbmc live for the operating system. I need this to be able to smoothly stream all formats (including mkv), and the ability to play 1080p

Concerns. I was unable to find any newer, or even similar cpu's on newegg or tigerdirect - so I'm wondering if this one will do the job, or does anybody know of a better one?

Also, I'm not too sure about buying a case with a built in power supply. So any opinions on that would be appreciated

Any help is welcome!! Thanks,

 

[Outlander_04]

AMD's Fusion APU's combine processor and graphics on a single cpu . Much more graphic power than the atom .

 

[o1die]

This case has an older atom board/cpu, but the setup will move heat out more effectively: http://www.pcdirectsource.com/Item.cfm?ID=2494. Amd combo below:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208039
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135290

 

[peterson99]

OK, so here is my updated list. I decided to go with the AMD's fusion over the Atom, with Outlanders suggestion.

CPU (AMD A4-3300 Llano 2.5GHz)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103957

Motherboard (GIGABYTE micro atx)

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=717472&CatId=7243

Case/psu (275W)

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4627627&CatId=3429&SRCCODE=LINKSHARE&cm_mmc_o=-ddCjC1bELltzywCjC-d2CjCdwwp&AffiliateID=je6NUbpObpQ-aZz2g84fnbezb.yXgehbuA

Ram (Kingston 2gig)

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7095011&CatId=4534

ssd (32Gig)

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227510

Any suggestions or opinions on this build is welcome!

I'm assuming that 275W will be plenty for its purpose

 

[Outlander_04]

Because the RAM is also the graphics RAM when you use fusion APU's you should squeeze 2 x2 gig in to the budget if you possibly can

Consider using an OS/media center application like Mythbuntu

 

[peterson99]

Does anybody know how well a wireless "N" Adapter will work with streaming 1080p content, or even 720p?
And does anybody have one to suggest?

Thanks, for any help!

 

[peterson99]

Best answer selected by peterson99.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey