First HTPC Build: Need Suggestions

[asnelson33]

So I am looking into building my first HTPC. I have been using a gateway mid-range desktop with integrated video/audio for the past few years, but it overheats in the entertainment center and is quite loud with the fans. I am looking to spend less than $700 (less is better) and it will be primarily used for video playback, internet, and XBMC.

I need suggestions for everything (Case, PSU, CPU, Motherboard, RAM, HDD, SDD, etc). I am also wondering whether it is necessary to have a dedicated graphics and/or sound card [I have a 50" LED and 5.1 DD/DTS, but am looking to upgrade to 7.1 in the future]. Finally, what are the benefits to installing the OS on the and SDD vs HDD? I am only wondering because SDDs are expensive and have a relatively short life.

Any info you guys can give me concerning the current market tech and any suggestions for hardware you think may be good for my budget/use would be greatly appreciated!

THANKS!

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been moved from the section CPU & Components to section Systems by Mousemonkey

 

[Aristotelian]

I would definitely recommend SSD. I have a Celeron G540 HTPC running Ubuntu/XBMC and it boots in about 7 seconds with SSD. The only problem is you have to make sure and get a case that fits 2 internal drives. This limits your selection especially if you want it in a HTPC form that blends in with your stereo.

I think $700 is overkill unless there are some specific needs that you haven't mentioned. Here is a build for $500 that includes SSD and 1 TB HDD. A Celeron G540 would not be quite as fast but would do all the tasks you have mentioned for about $60 less but if your budget is $700 you might as well go for the Core i3.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xsVL
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xsVL/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/xsVL/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 2 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($74.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On IHAS324-98 DVD/CD Writer ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $509.90
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-13 19:39 EST-0500)

 

[omkar135]

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3CxDw
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3CxDw/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3CxDw/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4340 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($112.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($94.49 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($54.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($63.77 @ Amazon)
Other: Hp USB MCE Remote Control Usb Ir Receiver ($18.98)
Total: $590.70