HTPC build v1.0 all comments/advice appreciated

[plex_noob]

Hi all, I am going to build a HTPC. Here is my first crack at a build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3225 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($136.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($72.51 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($21.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($43.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS29 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $515.42
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-17 01:20 EST-0500)



Approximate Purchase Date: next 48hours

Budget Range: 400-700

System Usage from Most to Least Important: running Plex server/client

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: new build

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: does not matter to me

Location: austin,tx but unless there are considerable saving i would prefer to buy everything online

Overclocking: No /

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: projector 1080p

Additional Comments: even though i called it an HTPC, optics/slight noise do not matter to me (will be tucked away in closet). For now local content is planned on NAS


Thanks for taking the time to read all this and hope you have some insights to share. It would be appreciated. Cheers!

 

[tiny voices]

Might want another HDD because after windows is installed there will be space for like one movie.

 

[plex_noob]

thanks tiny voices, i was planning to have the local content on a NAS (as stated in op). do you think this would not be a good idea and i should add storage to the htpc? was planning to use it only to run the plex server/client and nothing else. thanks and cheers!

 

[smorizio]

micro center has the new low power g chip for good price.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/408966/Pentium_G2020_29GHz_LGA_1155_Boxed_Processor
http://www.microcenter.com/product/398007/Core_i3_3220_330GHz_LGA_1155_Boxed_Processor
99.00.
430w ps from cosair is 27.0 after rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

 

[plex_noob]

thanks smorizio. would you pair the Pentium G2020 with a dedicated graphic card? i would loose the hd4000 included w my proposed cpu...will def replace power supply with your recommendation (seems cheaper and better

 

[smorizio]

myself i go with the i3 at 99.00 then toss in a 610 video card for 19.00 if the intel ipgpu could not cut it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500276
with 40.00 price point if you went with the lower cost chip and gpu your not saving much..$$.

 

[Aristotelian]

myself i go with the i3 at 99.00 then toss in a 610 video card for 19.00 if the intel ipgpu could not cut it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500276
with 40.00 price point if you went with the lower cost chip and gpu your not saving much..$$.

i3 should be plenty on its own for most streaming and playback needs. If you are gaming or doing anything unusual with this HTPC you should specify, otherwise i3 or even G540 will do fine.

 

[JeauxBleaux]

Save money on the OS with Linux Mint. -> http://www.linuxmint.com/edition.php?id=120

Run the Ubuntu version of Plex server/client with Mint 14. Use the $90 you'll save to upgrade the Rosewill case...

 

[plex_noob]

unfortunately linux does not seem to support netflix HD. otherwise this would be a no-brainer. what case would you use instead of the rosewill? thanks and cheers