Maximizing HTPC value

[bwall244]

I am currently toying with the idea of donating the PIVOS AIOS I have to a set up for my kids and replacing it with a HTPC running XBMC. I know I'm going to spend more than another AIOS but want to keep it around what I would spend on a Popcorn hour. $220-$280

With that being said, my needs are: Being able to run Winows 7 with XBMC quickly and efficently(no lag), streaming of 1080p content from local network, using apps such as youtube or netflix, compatability with Harmony One(including power on/off), possible minimal browsing. Video out would be prefered to be HDMI while audio can be optical or digital coax. No OS is required, no large local storeage, I think I would prefer SSD.

 

[bwall244]

So far my ideas have lead me to:

AMD A6-3500 - ~$70
ASROCK A55M ~$54 (will I see a big difference using a ssd without SATA III?)
4GB DDR3 - ~$25
Cooler Master Elite 460W ATX ~$35

That takes me to $184 before Case or SSD would like to see what I would be sacrificing to maybe lower CPU and MOBO cost. I'm also looking for case ideas, I want something that would like modern and clean in an AV rack.

 

[simonb530]

this should work for you its close to what i have build for myself
SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum - $53
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174

Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 - $49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116409

ASRock H77M LGA 1155 Intel H77 - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157303

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 - $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231310

OCZ Agility 2 OCZSSD2-2AGTE60G 2.5" 60GB - $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227542

Antec Basiq BP350 350W ATX12V v2.01 Power Supply - $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371003

Total $282

for compatibility with the harmony remote im not sure but i got this for mine
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00224ZDFY/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00 - $16

 

[bwall244]

Looks like there is about a $5 difference in MOBO/CPU combos there. What type of performance difference will I see between the A6 and the G530?

 

[simonb530]

From what I understand there is marginal difference between the Amd A6-3500 to the Intel G530, if anyone else knows something else please correct me. Personal I like the intel so I tend to go intel and with the build I post it will allow you to upgrade in the future if you wish to any of the sand bridge or Ivy bridge. I have a similar build and stream 1080p blu ray movie to my htpc and it great.

 

[bwall244]

I am really liking the case, best fit from what I've been searching for. Are you running XBMC? 60 GB SSD more than enough for windows 7, xbmc, and any added apps?

 

[simonb530]

Yeah, I have windows 7 with xbmc, but im about to change it to xbmcbuntu, but either way windows 7 at most should use 20gb and xbmc is less than a 1gb so that leaves at least 29gb free (assuming 60gb ssd to 50gb free an overestimation) for anything else. I don't use a ssd but my friend use one in his and ran fine didnt really worry about space unless you are installing alot of programs.

 

[bwall244]

Right now it's most 1-5gig files from my NAS, but if I decide to add a BD drive to it later will the G530 be able to handle full BD? Is there anything I'm missing out on by going with this level of CPU or not getting a dedicated GPU?

 

[simonb530]

I believe the cpu is more than enough for what you want and if you could get a discrete graphic card like Radeon HD6450 ($40ish). It will handle the video great.

Just a though the ssd will only show an improvement in the boot or loading programs and at least I tend to just leave my htpc on constantly. So, I believe the gpu would be a better investment unless if you can do both.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102933