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!

 

[AMD Radeon]

wanna mini ITX build?

 

[plex_noob]

since it will be tucked away in closet i do not particular care about form factor and mATX seems to get a bit more bang for the buck. besides optics is there a functional advantage? then i could be persuaded to change. cheers!

 

[AMD Radeon]

mini ITX build with WIFI
up the ssd to 128GB version

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3225 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($136.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($101.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($107.95 @ Mac Connection)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($44.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($26.99 @ 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: $588.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-17 01:47 EST-0500)

 

[plex_noob]

thanks for the suggestions. can you make an argument for the integrated wifi? what would my use case be? so far my setup is planned as HTPC--->av receiver--->projector. i am not sure were the wifi would come in handy.

wrt the upgraded ssd: i guess once the remainder is finalized that would be an easy change. will def keep it in mind. would you considr it an 'nice to have' or a 'must have' upgrade? again, thanks. cheers!

 

[AMD Radeon]

128 GB is a must have as os partition will grow over time
the rest may not suit your need. sorry i dont really understand your case