Thoughts on HTPC build

[kodekameleon]

I'd like to get thoughts on an HTPC build I am considering, all thoughts greatly appreciated, like compatibility, whether there is any quirks with the components, whether there is anything I haven't thought of etc... I'm a noob so as far as I know I'm just going to put all the bits together!

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: This month

Budget Range: 300-400 total

System Usage from Most to Least Important: HTPC

Are you buying a monitor: No

Do you need to buy OS: No, Windows 7

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I've been using newegg

Location: Atlanta

Parts Preferences: AMD

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1080p - 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Quiet is important, nice looking case is important. Will be loading XBMC and using it to access media on the web and on my NAS, so onboard storage isn't important, at the moment at least.

The parts I am thinking about:

MOBO: ASRock A75M http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157260

CPU/GPU: AMD A4-3400 Llano 2.7GHz http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106014

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB DDR3 1600 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233196

ODD: LITE-ON 12X Blu-ray Combo OEM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106374

SSD: OCZ 2.5" 60GB SATA III SSD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227728

WIFI: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 300/300Mbps http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833166073

Case: APEX DM-387 Black Steel Micro ATX HTPC Case 275W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154087

One thing I am wondering, is how hard it will be to get blu-ray player software (free). I have a notebook with a blu-ray player.

 

[idroid]

Hey, buddy! check out the "Best builds for any budget here!" on my signature.

 

[deadlockedworld]

Hey there!

I'm going to suggest you check out Silverstone cases. They have some much nicer looking HTPC cases than the one you picked out. (as you see in my signature I have a Milo and it is the perfect size.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174&Tpk=silverstone%20milo

It would end up being a little more expensive because it takes a separate power supply, but I think that's worth it for the higher quality parts. You have to look at this thing in your living room for years ... (my wife is very strict about what people see!)


Edit: Also your concern about the blue-ray player is a good one. I would buy a non-oem package that comes with software... otherwise you are going to get sprung paying for something to play blue-ray with. I'm really happy that I paid a little more for my samsung SH-B123L/BSBP with cyberlink BD.

 

[Wolfshadw]

I'd agree with DeadlockedWorld in that you should definitely look at Retail versions of Blu-Ray drives. While I lucked out with my OEM purchase (it came with powerdvd 9 even though it wasn't supposed to), I wouldn't count on it. Retail versions of Blu-Ray drives are running between $80 and $120. OEM plus software are generally running around $160.

Also, if at all possible, do not use a wireless connection for your HTPC if the majority of your viewing content is online.

Finally, it looks like you have built a decent system. Not too much for your needs (except maybe RAM). If this is all you ever want your HTPC to do, then it's fine for your needs.

-Wolf sends

-Wolf sends