Building a HTPC. Want to save as much $$ as possible.

[Coldkilla]

What I am thinking for this HTPC:
-Playing 1080p media files (5gb .MKV files)
-Accessing and watching 1080p streaming Youtube, seemlessly, without lag.

1. I don't need an optical drive, this will be a disc-less HTPC.
2. I don't need a SATA drive. I own a 1TB SATA drive and cable.
3. I don't need a keyboard/mouse. I have a wired one.
4. I don't need an OS disc (Have Windows 7 on a Flash drive).
5. I don't need a GPU for my limited purposes.

Here's the thought process so far: [Updated as of Page 1]
CPU - Intel G530 ($44 free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
PSU - Corsair 430w ($44 free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
RAM - Kingston 4GB Ram ($23 free shipping): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820139659
MOBO - Elitegroup ECS H61H2-M2 ($45 + 7 shipping) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135288
CASE - SilverStone ML03B ($50 free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Total Cost: $213.

The form factor is sort of large but it allows me to stay cheap. Total cost: $213 right out of the gate.

Additional toughts are Bluetooth keyboard/mice combos but it isn't nessessary yet, as I'd like to get the core PC built first as cheaply as possible. I'll deal with wired until I'm up and running.

Two things I would like to know:
1. Will this HTPC do the job?
2. What is a slightly more expensive/smaller alternative?

 

[LowTech]

1. Will this HTPC do the job?
In short, yes it will do the job; However, I don't think you will enjoy the experience because of the 2GB RAM.

2. What is a slightly more expensive/smaller alternative?
~$30 for 4GB RAM---- This will do the job, but with $5 more for 6GB. You can really
tell the different.
~$35 for 6GB RAM---> Highly recommended for you budget
~$45 for 8GB RAM

As for the Corsair PSU, I bought the exact same one three weeks ago when it was on sale. It is a good PSU. It got enough power to do the job and the fan is extremely silence. However, the one I received from newegg has a high pitch hissing noise which irritated me a lot. I end up replacing the power unit because I just like all of my PC system to be as deadly silence as possible.

 

[Blain]

I've got that Silverstone case.
It's a well built case, but not much room to spare.
You'll want as short an optical drive and PS as you are comfortable with.
You'll also want to use a 90 degree SATA cable connecting the optical drive.
The optical bay backs right up to the PS.
I have a LG Blu-Ray burner and SeaSonic S12II 620 PS.
I cut a chunk out of the side of the PS housing to allow the wires extra space.
The wire bundle was fairly tight up against the optical drive before I cut the housing.

 

[Coldkilla]

1. Definitely will invest in the 4gb/6gb of ram. Appreciate that mention.
2. As for an optical drive, this case wont have one.
3. Appreciate the 90' degree SATA cable mention and image, will go through my cables to try and find one.

Final tally then before purchase:
CPU - Intel G530 ($44 free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
PSU - Corsair 430w ($44 free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
RAM - Kingston 4GB Ram ($23 free shipping): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820139659
MOBO - Elitegroup ECS H61H2-M2 ($45 + 7 shipping) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135288
CASE - SilverStone ML03B ($50 free shipping): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Total Cost: $213.

6GB ram requires the 3 sticks. Motherboard has two slots. I think 4 will be okay.

 

[Blain]

What I am thinking for this HTPC:
-Playing 1080p media files (5gb .MKV files)
-Accessing and watching 1080p streaming Youtube, seemlessly, without lag.

Here's the thought process so far:
CPU: Intel Celeron G530 - www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?...82E16819116409
Mobo: ECS H61H2-M2 - www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?...82E16813135288

Two things I would like to know:
1. Will this HTPC do the job?
2. What is a slightly more expensive/smaller alternative?

What are you using for video output?

 

[wirednuts]

i dont know... when i go from 4gb to 6gb of ram in my htpc (i swap out sticks to get other computers working) i really dont notice the difference. if you really pay attention, you can tell the 6gb seems a little snappier but really, it works great with 4gb too.

but if it only costs $15 to make it 8gb... then just do it. its not going to hurt and the program guide and such will pop up a little quicker. plus if you ever have a stick go bad just pull it out and continue running on 4gb until you get the ram rma'd. ive had to do this too.

 

[assassin24]

4GB or 8GB. From a cost perspective 6GB doesn't make a whole lot of sense as its probably the same as a 4GBx2 kit.

 

[pauldun170]

g530 - fine
ECS H61H2-M2 - Fine but I would pay the extra $8 for usb3 ports
Asrock H61m\u3s3 59.99 + free shipping http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157236
PSU - I'd rather get the Antec earthwatts 380 over the Corsair

 

[billyb0b]

4gb of RAM is plenty for HTPC use. Save the extra cash and get a i3 with HD3000 integrated gpu. that will give you more beef than a mere 2gb xtra memory

 

[assassin24]

This H77 board is $60 right now with coupon code: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157303

 

[zon2020]

The Corsair CX430v2 is only $20 through tomorrow at New egg. At that price it's a good deal. At $45 there are better choices.

And 4gb of sdram is more than enough for an htpc. No advantage to 6 or 8gb.

 

[Coldkilla]

1. Wirednuts: "Program Guide" - I will not be using a TV Tuner. This is strictly for media files, internet/Youtube.
2. Blain: "Video Output" - If you mean my monitor, its 1920x1080 55'' television.
3. Pauldun: "USB 3.0 Ports" - USB 2.0 works flawlessly with all of my 5+gb media files. Don't see why I absolutely need to spend more on 3.0.
4. Billyb0b: i3 with HD3000, could you please elaborate on that for me? Costs/etc?
5. Assassin: What makes that motherboard so much better? I'm saving money with the other one. Thanks though for the code.

 

[assassin24]

Its the latest chipset. More options.

 

[Blain]

2. Blain: "Video Output" - If you mean my monitor, its 1920x1080 55'' television.

I meant what GPU?

 

[zon2020]

I meant what GPU?

I assume he's using the on-chip graphics in the G530. Why would he need a separate GPU?

 

[Blain]

I assume he's using the on-chip graphics in the G530. Why would he need a separate GPU?

He may want to change to an AMD platform. The Intel isn't known for stellar Sandy Bridge HD3000 performance.

-Playing 1080p media files (5gb .MKV files)
-Accessing and watching 1080p streaming Youtube, seemlessly, without lag.

 

[pauldun170]

He may want to change to an AMD platform. The Intel isn't known for stellar Sandy Bridge HD3000 performance.

The G530 does not come with hd3000 and instead comes with the basic Intel HD graphics.

For what he intends to do and even for more intensive stuff, the onboard gpu is more than enough.

 

[Coldkilla]

Assassin: "More options" is offly vauge. I think the cheaper one is the better choice. I've no reason to need 'more options'.

Blain: No GPU. Waste of $$$ for my limited purposes.

 

[zon2020]

The Celeron will be fine. No discrete video card required.

 

[pauldun170]

Assassin: "More options" is offly vauge. I think the cheaper one is the better choice. I've no reason to need 'more options'.

Blain: No GPU. Waste of $$$ for my limited purposes.

For the basic usage you listed out, your original list modified to include 4gb ram is fine.

My preference would be to go with a different motherboard manufacturer and go for an 80+ Antec or Seasonic PSU. However, if this is going to be strictly an appliance with no possibility of requirements\usage creep then go for it.

 

[assassin24]

Assassin: "More options" is offly vauge. I think the cheaper one is the better choice. I've no reason to need 'more options'.

Blain: No GPU. Waste of $$$ for my limited purposes.

Here is a comparison...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...157%2D303%2DTS

You gain USB 3.0, DVI, Optical Out, PCIe 3.0, Internal IR header, SATAIII and SATAII (instead of just SATAII), Hardware Raid (not important) for an additional $8 or so.

I think its well worth it.

Is that specific enough? Sorry I was extremely busy on my previous post and couldn't expand my thoughts further at that time.

 

[Coldkilla]

Yea I don't need USB 3.0 functionality, DVI (have adapter & cable already)/Optical Out/PCIe 3.0 (No GPU), and have no plans on purchasing a second universal remote for functionality, or raid. I appreciate the mention but I'll stick to the cheaper one.

 

[assassin24]

Yea I don't need USB 3.0 functionality, DVI (have adapter & cable already)/Optical Out/PCIe 3.0 (No GPU), and have no plans on purchasing a second universal remote for functionality, or raid. I appreciate the mention but I'll stick to the cheaper one.

I understand your viewpoint. To me having a little flexibility if my needs change and going from ECS to ASRock (who in my personal view has a better product overall) is worth $8. I have spent that amount of money on far worse things.

To each his own.

Edit: One other thing... the ASRock has 2 extra SATA connections which come in handy if you ever want to convert it into a server down the line. Needs change.

 

[wirednuts]

I understand your viewpoint. To me having a little flexibility if my needs change and going from ECS to ASRock (who in my personal view has a better product overall) is worth $8. I have spent that amount of money on far worse things.

To each his own.

Edit: One other thing... the ASRock has 2 extra SATA connections which come in handy if you ever want to convert it into a server down the line. Needs change.

op wants to save as much money as possible, and if he doesnt even have usb3 devices then why not save there?

 

[assassin24]

op wants to save as much money as possible, and if he doesnt even have usb3 devices then why not save there?

For the same reason I paid $5 extra to get a board with hdmi in my server. Because needs change and the $5-$10 extra, to me, is worth it.

Again, to each their own. But the motherboard is one component that I will spend $5-$10 to get these kind of options.