INTERACT FORUM
Devices => PC's and Other Hardware => Topic started by: jdhansen63 on June 26, 2013, 10:15:44 am
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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 its 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!!!
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A fair bit of good stuff has already been covered here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=80353.0 (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=80353.0)
If you want to go silent, then have a squiz at my posts.
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A fair bit of good stuff has already been covered here:
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=80353.0 (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://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://htpcguide.blogspot.com.au/2012_05_01_archive.html)
http://www.overclock.net/t/1319808/silent-htpc-build (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://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://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=160)
http://htpcbuild.com/ (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 (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.. ;)