HTPC build from scratch
Posted: Mon Mar 11, 2013 10:51 pm
Hey guys, thanks in advance for all the help. I've been reading everything I can on this site the past few days, but its always more comforting to have a convo specifically geared around your personal needs haha. Especially with this being my first build.
Per the guidelines (sorry if I skipped any):
I'm looking to build a mid level HTPC with crisp 1080 output. It will be used for streaming (Netflix, Hulu, MLB.tv, some online streams, etc), TV (with a cablecard tuner), stored content (my media that's already digital and also using Handbrake), and Spotify. I may also dabble in some light gaming (I use PS3 for heavy gaming). I prefer Newegg and MicroCenter, and live near a MicroCenter In Atlanta. My budget is around $500-$700. I tend to spend a few extra dollars for marginal upgrades, but I don't want to overpay or overkill. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
Case -- currently looking at either a Fractal Define Mini http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... ine%20mini or the Silverstone Tek GD05b http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-GD05B ... f=pd_ybh_8
CPU -- Intel i5-3570k, or if that is overkill for my needs, then the i3-3225. If someone can elaborate on how much difference there is between the two for a HTPC build I would appreciate that
Motherboard -- I'm a little overwhelmed here as far as knowing what will fulfill my needs, but I've been looking at the ASUS P8H77-I LGA 1155 H77 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... _-13131841
RAM -- Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3-1600 http://www.microcenter.com/product/3821 ... (PC3-12800)_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Memory_Modules)
Cablecard Tuner -- Ceton InfiniTV 4 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6815706001 I realize adding this will probably put me over my budget, but its one of the main reasons I want to build this HTPC
The rest I'm still generic on and don't have specific models in mind:
- 1TB HDD
- SSD (what's a good size for an HTPC?)
- BD burner optical drive
So I realize that build blows my budget away, but its a start. Will this suffice for what I need, is it too much? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Per the guidelines (sorry if I skipped any):
I'm looking to build a mid level HTPC with crisp 1080 output. It will be used for streaming (Netflix, Hulu, MLB.tv, some online streams, etc), TV (with a cablecard tuner), stored content (my media that's already digital and also using Handbrake), and Spotify. I may also dabble in some light gaming (I use PS3 for heavy gaming). I prefer Newegg and MicroCenter, and live near a MicroCenter In Atlanta. My budget is around $500-$700. I tend to spend a few extra dollars for marginal upgrades, but I don't want to overpay or overkill. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
Case -- currently looking at either a Fractal Define Mini http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... ine%20mini or the Silverstone Tek GD05b http://www.amazon.com/Silverstone-GD05B ... f=pd_ybh_8
CPU -- Intel i5-3570k, or if that is overkill for my needs, then the i3-3225. If someone can elaborate on how much difference there is between the two for a HTPC build I would appreciate that
Motherboard -- I'm a little overwhelmed here as far as knowing what will fulfill my needs, but I've been looking at the ASUS P8H77-I LGA 1155 H77 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... _-13131841
RAM -- Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB DDR3-1600 http://www.microcenter.com/product/3821 ... (PC3-12800)_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Memory_Modules)
Cablecard Tuner -- Ceton InfiniTV 4 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6815706001 I realize adding this will probably put me over my budget, but its one of the main reasons I want to build this HTPC
The rest I'm still generic on and don't have specific models in mind:
- 1TB HDD
- SSD (what's a good size for an HTPC?)
- BD burner optical drive
So I realize that build blows my budget away, but its a start. Will this suffice for what I need, is it too much? Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!