<$500 mini itx HTPC (linux)

[probablyluddite]

Hello,
This is my first linux build.. would love to have some advice. I'm buying everything (in the box) new.

Objectives:
- do web/banking on local 17" monitor
- output video via HDMI to HDTV (need dual monitor support with different resolutions)
- sources of video are streamed from hulu, files on NAS, BD drive (prefer gigabit ethernet)
- very fast boot time (SSD, will probably use ubuntu since I am new to linux)
- small footprint (mini-itx, appliance-like case)
- quiet is best

Approximate Purchase Date: within a month

Budget Range: <$500

System Usage from Most to Least Important: covered above

Parts Not Required: speakers, keyboard, mouse, monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: any

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: mini-itx, gigabit ethernet

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution:1920x1080, 1366x768

Additional Comments:

Appreciate any help you can provide!

 

[striker410]

Hi! Welcome to the forums.

Simple enough request. I think we can get it knocked out.

Here's the draft build I made. Offers a very low profile machine with a decent punch. If the Intel HD 2000 can't do the streaming you want it to, a cheap 5450 can take care of that.

Case: Silverstone Sugo with 300w PSU $105
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163149
OR when in stock
Antec ISK 300-150 with 150w PSU $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129080
Mobo: ASRock H67M-ITX CPU $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157238
CPU: Intel G620 $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116399&Tpk=g620
RAM: G.Skill Value 2GB (buy 2) $12
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231395
SSD: Samsung 830 128GB $160
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147137
I think that should do the trick! Let me know if I missed anything.

 

[probablyluddite]

nice - thanks! I was wondering whether it was better to go with one of the AMD F1 mobo/cpu combos, but that might not be necessary. Will check out this hardware in more detail
Also need a bluray drive (no need for writing capability) but can probably just find a cheap one somewhere.

 

[striker410]

While speccing out this machine, I also considered using an FM1 system. However there was a very limited amount of miniITX motherboards that provided the connectivity I wanted (HDMI+DVI) so I decided to go Intel. Really any old system would work, this one just worked out to be the cheapest. If you're worried about CPU performance swapping to a slightly more powerful CPU like a G850 or i3-2120 would take care of that. If it's GPU performance, a 5450 and cheaper motherboard is also an option.

 

[probablyluddite]

Best answer selected by probablyluddite.