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[jdhansen63]

Hi there,

It's time to upgrade my old HP PC and I would like to build my own HTPC. I've never done a build before and don't really know where to start (component wise) for a build like this. Here is the list of what I would like it to do and be:

  1) Run Media Center 18
  2) Low Power Consumption
  3) Quiet
  3) Cost ~$1000
  4) Use the 2 x 3TB Seagate Barracuda HD I already have
  5) Fit into my media cabinet (Silverstone LC11 or HDPLEX H10 Series or similar)
  6) Play (from disc and HD) and rip blu-ray
  7) Boot from SSD
  8) Window 8 Pro 64
  9) Work with Logitech Harmony One remote

Connects to:
  - HDMI to Pioneer elite pro 1150hd TV
  - SPDIF to Rotel RSX 1067 Receiver

Components on hand:
  1) Windows 8 Pro 64
  2) SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme Sound Card
  3) 2 x 3TB Seagate Barracuda HD

Here is a list of what I think I'll need:
  1)   OS – Windows 8 Pro
  2)   Case (any real disadvantage with going Micro-ATX)??
  3)   Processor - Intel I5 37XXS (Or better)??
  4)   Motherboard (probably dependent on case & processor choice)??
  5)   SSD (probably need 128GB)
  6)   Second/third HD - 2 x 3TB Seagate Barracuda (This may affect case choice)
  7)   Memory (Was thinking 16GB)
  8)   Optical Drive – Blu-Ray write/read
  9)   Graphics Card (Is this necessary or can the onboard graphics of the intel chip be used? May not fit in some cases anyway)
  10)   Sound Card - SoundBlaster X-Fi Xtreme (may not be necessary or even fit in case)
  11)   Power Supply - How much is enough??
  12)   Cooler/fans – Are these necessary???

I know some of my build requirements may be at odds, but it’s just a wish list and you know what they say about wishes. Anyway, any build recommendations and or links to relevant builds and setups would be appreciated.
Thanks!!!

[astromo]

A fair bit of good stuff has already been covered here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=80353.0

If you want to go silent, then have a squiz at my posts.

[astromo]

A fair bit of good stuff has already been covered here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=80353.0

If you want to go silent, then have a squiz at my posts.

And then a quick wander out onto the interweb delivers up all sorts of goodness:
http://www.kulture.com.au/silent-htpc-build-guide-pt-viii-bonus-tips-references-resources/
http://htpcguide.blogspot.com.au/2012_05_01_archive.html
http://www.overclock.net/t/1319808/silent-htpc-build
http://blog.superuser.com/2011/07/22/a-super-users-complete-guide-to-building-an-htpc-planning-and-purchasing/
http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=160
http://htpcbuild.com/
The problem is where do you stop, not where do you start.

Regarding your hardware plan, I don't quite see the sense of 16GB RAM. I've got 8GB and for Video/Audio it doesn't normally get stretched to much more than 40% load (normally around 25%). Margin is never a bad thing. Maybe you have other designs for the unit other than straight HTPC use?

In my case, I opted for RAM to give low latency figures that I understand is a positive for audio / video playback:
http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtml
That was my focus along with enough RAM to be sure that this wouldn't be a system bottleneck.

Your option to include an HD-Plex case gets my vote. I'd expect that would serve you well..