HTPC build (first timer)

[AANYC237]

Hello everyone,
I am in the process of putting together my first HTPC. I was hoping to get some recommendations on hardware. I already have a case (mid size), but everything else is up in the air. I would like to use the system to store/play movies (dvd, blu ray etc using XBMC), run modern gaming emulators and STEAM, and be powerful enough to edit hd video.

Any suggestions on motherboards, graphics cards, cpus (had the i5 2500k in mind) etc?


Much appreciated, thank you!

 

[alvine]

It depends how much you want to spend. for the best performance I would go with Intel but if you want bang for the buck I would go with AMD Trinity processors as they have integrated amd 7xxx graphics on them so it will playback 1080p movies and do some gaming. if you go with amd you save money by not needing dedicated graphics

 

[iceclock]

whats ur budget and whats the main things ur gonna be doing with ur pc?

 

[AANYC237]

As far as the budget, I'd like to stay under $1k. It'd be great if I could be in the $700-$850 range.

 

[iceclock]

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($106.97 @ Newegg)
Case: nMEDIAPC HTPC 6000B HTPC Case ($89.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($66.93 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $741.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-15 12:27 EST-0500)

 

[User000151]

Any suggestion for a budget between $400 to $600?

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

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.15 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($106.97 @ Newegg)
Case: nMEDIAPC HTPC 6000B HTPC Case ($89.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($66.93 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($24.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $741.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-15 12:27 EST-0500)