HTPC Build

[Dookie]

I'm trying to come up with a cheap HTPC build that will play blu-ray. I'm not going to be doing any gaming on the machine, just playing movies and music. Before you ask I already have a HDD for the machine.

I'm trying to keep it a inexpensive as possible while still getting good quality parts. What's killing me is the blu ray drive. I'd like one with dvd burning capability as well as blu ray playing but 129.99 is a bit prohibitive as I'm trying to keep it under $400. Also I'm wondering if the AMD mobo I have is a bit of overkill. Any suggestions?

Here's my builds running Win 7 32bit:

Intel

ANtec Case W/Remote 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129046

Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 117.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115206

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU LGA 775 74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131387

2 x G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) 50.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231085

LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA 129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136162

Total: 472.26


AMD

ANtec Case W/Remote 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129046

AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor AM3 76.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103681

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AM3 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128397

2x Crucial 1GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) 45.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148147

LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA 129.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136162

Total: 440.97

 

[jae]

Try this combo deal, the cpu is only 200Mhz slower than the one you originally picked. But its $16 cheaper + an additional $15 off for the combo. Motherboard is also cheaper than your original pick.

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX240OCGQBOX - Retail
125.98
-----------------------
Antec Black M FusionRemote 350 Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - Retail 99.99

LG Black 8X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Combo LG Blu-ray Reader & 16X LightScribe DVD±R DVD Burner - Retail 129.99

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864BA1339 - Retail 44.99
-------
Subtotal: $400.95

 

[Dookie]

Where did you find that? I can't seem to find it on Newegg. EDIT: Found it

Another question I have is are AM2 or AM2+ heatsinks compatible with AM3?

If so I'm thinking the ZALMAN CNPS8700 should fit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835118030

 

[mc866]

I would go the AMD route suggested above personally. I just put together an AMD based HTPC with the 780G chipset and the bluray playback works great, it plays back 1080p files with ease.

I know you mentioned you wanted DVD burning capabilities but why not go with a Bluray player which can be had for $60 or less? Do you have a burner that you can utilize elsewhere? I went with the reader only to save $$ and do all my burning on my main PC.

 

[Dookie]

Yeah I've been reconsidering the burning. It would bring the cost down quite a bit.

I've also seen mobo recommended a few places GA-MA785GPMT-UD2H. Would the upgrade be worth it?

 

[mc866]

The only difference I could find on those boards is that the GPMT has the side port memory which I don't believe is required for blueray playback so I would say no, especially if you are trying to keep the price as low as possible.

Have you thought about going with the 780G chipset to save money by reusing some DDR2 memory? I did some checking and it looks like prices went way up since the last time I checked on DDR2, when I did my build I was able to get a 2GB dimm for $25 shipped. Dunno just another possible idea to keep the cost down a bit.

 

[Dookie]

Well I came up with this using the 780G chipset
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131324
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16819103708R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134181

I figure a savings of ~$30. Unfortunately I don't have any DDR2 in need of a home.
Would the integrated Radeon HD 3200 handle Bluray?

 

[mc866]

Yea I'm using 780g on my HTPC to playback bluray without any issues. You could check the FS area here for some used memory?