First HTPC Build, Will This Work ?

[culso]

Hey TomsHardware,

I want to build a HTPC for my Dad for his birthday and i wanted to make sure it would work if i bought this stuff and which one i should build. This PC will not be getting overclocked but will sometimes be used in a warm enviroment and it need to be quiet.

Intel-based Build:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=wish_lists&wlcId=84281&action=wish_lists

AMD-based Build:
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=wish_lists&wlcId=84278&action=wish_lists

 

[TheBigTroll]

we cant view them.

can you use pcpartpicker.com? its a site with pretty much all the parts that you need to build a system. if you cant find the part on the site, you can directly link them here. pcpartpicker usually gives the lowest prices for each component. just make sure that you set the location to Australia

 

[culso]

general parts list:
case: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20116

ssd: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17344

hdd: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=19747

ram: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13931

gpu: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20938

psu: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=19149

sound card: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=19259

optical drive: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=658_667&products_id=18220

amd parts:
mobo: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=19402
cpu: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18689

intel parts:
mobo: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=21184
cpu: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=16726

 

[TheBigTroll]

your budget? if you are just watching movies, the i3 2120 is overkill

id keep the case.

 

[culso]

watching blu-ray movies, watching youtube and prett much nothing else

 

[TheBigTroll]

actually, do you mind if i make the build in this case?

http://www.mwave.com.au/sku-16011638-Fractal_Design_ARC_Mini_Tower_Case_6x_3_5%22_HDD_Bays_with_Silicone_Mounting_

its quite a bit cheaper

 

[TheBigTroll]

this should be more than enough

http://pcpartpicker.com/au/p/ewLj

take the dvd drive that you listed. i cant find it on this site

you also dont need a graphics card to play movies. the onboard should be enough

 

[culso]

ok, but im gonna get the sound card because my dad spend heaps of time on his hifi and i want to get something that has optical out

 

[TheBigTroll]

creative sound is a pretty terrible choice for the price.

 

[culso]

do you know any better ones ?
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15774
^ that one maybe ?

 

[TheBigTroll]

yeah that one is pretty good.

this one is slightly better but either one is good
http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=211&products_id=16792

 

[culso]

so i have decided on what i want to get, i had to cheapskate a few thing so i could fit it in the budget i got set after deciding everything :/

mobo:http://www.pccasegear.com/index.phpmain_page=product_info&products_id=20082

psu: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17405

cpu: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20038

ram: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=13597

sound: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=15774

hdd: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18357

case: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=20116

networking: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=17076

keyboard/mouse: http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=18547

 

[naama]

culso your dad won't need a discreet sound card if he is using the optical out to his Home theater system. Almost all of the motherboards have optical out nowadays. So save some money and forget about the sound card...

 

[TheBigTroll]

seems ok.

 

[naama]

And if I may add... stick with the silverstone case. IF your dad is planning to put the computer near his other hifi equipment (receiver?) he will greatly appreciate how the silverstone case stylistically matches his other hardware...
You might also like the silverstone grandia 04. It comes in silver and black...