First time HTPC

[srphoto]

Hi all, looks like a great community here
I almost bought Lenovo but it seems to have issues with 1080p and after reviewing many threads and posts here and picking up a little information on HTPC I can see that I will need some specific advise.

I currently have my "old" Sony Vaio laptop connected to my 42" TV. Due to Sony's crappy manufacturing the power button on the side of the laptop is loose and I cannot open and close the screen without it disconnecting which is why I only use my TV as the screen. Its days are numbered however and it takes up a lot of space as well as consuming tons of power. Time for me to go modern and small

My best option is a fully functional HTPC ready to use, but those options that I saw recommended in other threads are too expensive such the ASSASSINHTPC. Alternatively if there is an option out there that would be fairly simple for me to build I would be open to trying. I have taken my laptop apart to replace that power button I mentioned but have never attempted to build my own system...

I need:
My budget is $350-$400 hopefully less...
Play 1080p videos both from my current collection and online such as HULU and Youtube
Be able to backup and edit my home photos and videos. So I need a decent amount of hard drive space.
And of course Id like to browse the web and have full featured social media
If it were a system I need to build then cant have too many components for me to install, Im a newbie after all..

I would also like:
A quite system as this will be in my living room.
A small case that will blend in on my bookshelf or even better mounted behind my tv.

edit: there is a similar thread but the advise there looked like it had too many components for me...

[Cauptain]

Hi srphoto,

Processor: AMD A8 3850
MoBo: Gigabyte GA-A55M-S2H
Memory: 2x 4Gb. Kingston 1333Mhz DDR3
Hdd: 2TB WD
Case: XION HTPC Series XON-810PCB-RD

Look on ebay for prices. (300.00, 350.00$)


Claudio

[srphoto]

Thanks for the quick reply.

For some reason after searching all those items on ebay I came to $508?? Perhaps I am not searching the correct items? And this is without the OS...
I also see reviews on newegg that the case you recommend has a loud fan/fan issues?

THANKS

[Moontrash]

tall order for the $ amount but it can be done...here's stuff or one under $300 w/o the hard drive and OS

Dvd Burner

Motherboard

Power Supply

RAM 4gb

Case

Processor

$280+ and some change

building one for that dollar amount with a high capacity hard drive is really not gonna happen...as hard drive prices are still high...plus the cost of the OS...remember that a lot of these if u get them on the right day at Newegg will have good rebates...just have to shop on certain days...the case right now is actually $25....some days it's $30...just depends...power supply also....some models have less in terms of wattage but the one I chose is $45 with a rebate and is 600 watts....not bad

[usually_quiet]

Moontrash's suggestions are suitable for a desktop, but that is not what you asked for. Wanting an HTPC in a tiny case imposes restrictions on what you can use inside. $350 to $450 is not enough to build a complete HTPC from scratch that will do the things you want in a tiny case. Building a tiny PC from scratch is especially difficult and not cheap.

3 1/2 inch 1TB hard drives are still about $90, but 1 TB notebook drives run $120. 2 1/2 inch A Windows 7 system builder's OS license is about $100. 40% to 50% of your budget is gone already.

You need a low TDP CPU with decent integrated graphics for a tiny case. An Intel Core i3-2120T Sandy Bridge runs $124. http://www.amazon.com/Intel-BX80623I32120T-Core-I3-2120T-2-60GHZ/dp/B005LMPN7M Since you want a very small form-factor HTPC system, a suitable mini-ITX motherboard is going to run $80 or more. Here is one example from the low end: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138335

That doesn't leave much money for the memory, case, PSU, and sundries. Do you need an optical drive?

[srphoto]

Usually_quite:
Thanks. Your observation that I am looking for something significantly smaller then a desktop suggested by moontrash is correct. It is extremely important to me that this mounts behind my screen or has a low profile on my bookshelf.

If my budget is that far off, what would it take for me to have all of the features I want? I would rather go 100 bucks over my budget if that meant I have the small profile I want with the no-freeze power of a full desktop.

And no a optical drive is not needed. I rarely use DVD or CD and if I need to I can get a USB external drive.

[dragonkeeper]

I need:
My budget is $350-$400 hopefully less...
Play 1080p videos both from my current collection and online such as HULU and Youtube
Be able to backup and edit my home photos and videos. So I need a decent amount of hard drive space.
And of course Id like to browse the web and have full featured social media

Budget of $400 is pushing it.
What type of video are editing? If HD video i wouldn't recommend anything less than a AMD quad core (AMD are the cheapest quads you can find), actually a quad core is the lowest I would recommend it seems that everyone i know at some point either gets in to converting their BD movies to MKV/MP4 or editing HD home movies.

Small cases are cute but if you intend to have a lot of files stored on it what's the point? You wind with a stack of external drives connected to the thing. And in many cases the smallest cases only have room for one hard drive personally i like to have a separate drive for the OS.

Typical HTPC Build: (at least how i build them and this is at the low end)
$50 Case - This is a micro ATX case so its kinda smallish and has room for 3 hard drives. low profile unit, looks like a piece of stereo equipment more than PC.
$45 PSU - 380 watt power supply should be plenty for this build and comes highly rated.
$54 Motherboard - I've been using ASRock in recent years and have had excellent luck with them. This MB has built in HDMI and 6 Channel Audio, F1 chipset, ram speeds up to 2400, up to 16 GB ram and gigabit LAN.
$100 CPU - 2.6 ghz quad core APU
$47 - RAM - 8GB G.Skill DDR3 1600
$51 - OS Hard Drive - 32 GB solid state Drive
$120- storage Hard Drive - 2TB (highest recommended 2 TB hard drive on new egg, can be purchased for $99 this weekend.)

Grand total of $467 this should build you a rig that you can enjoy for many years to come with room for upgrades.

* if you opted for a single 1TB drive in place of the two drive set up the price will fall to $386 which would be within the budget you outlined.

Also add to this ann optical drive of choice, dvd burners can be had for about $25 dollars while BD burners are more along the lines of $80.

[srphoto]

Interesting... Sounds like a powerful setup, and it is tempting, but I was really hoping for a smaller unit.

To clarify, I am not editing video or even photo, just picasa for my home photos and videos. I mentioned it because I would need like a tb of space to store them.

Thanks to all for taking the time to help me!

[redwudz]

Here's a link to a thread about a HTPC I put together a couple of years ago and it's still running strong. I did update the optical drive to a Blu-ray ROM/DVD burner last year and it plays BDs with no problems. It uses an external 1TB HD for video storage, mostly MKV format. With careful shopping for parts, you should be able to put similar together for the price you mentioned. A Micro-ATX MB with onboard HDMI video will simplify it all. You can also add a low profile PCI TV tuner card and set it up as a media center with a simple remote control to operate.

https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/320109-HTPC-from-used-parts?

[srphoto]

Very cool and good price too.

However I am looking for something allot smaller either to mount behind my screen or to blend in on my bookshelf...

[Cauptain]

Look Western Digital WD TV Live Hub 1 TB Media Center??

The only downside is edit photos, but you have a NB. Its very good product.



Claudio

[srphoto]

Yes I've seen this. I was looking for a full PC experience, as I want to use this add my main home PC. (full Web browsing misc apps etc)

If possible with my wish list it would be nice to have something of this size zotac

[Moontrash]

If u wanna go smaller your really not gonna get near the price point you want...those smaller cases are higher in price and the mini-ITX motherboard it would take aren't cheap

find a case you want and post it

[srphoto]

I'm not sure what to look for but something of the size of this would be perfect although I don't know of I can get the performance I want out of something that size... 500GB of hard drive space would probably be enough if I back up old files onto external hard drives if that's an issue.

[srphoto]

Btw, the reason I think the Zotac unit I linked is no good, is bc it seems that it is choppy when playing 1080p vids

[usually_quiet]

Usually_quite:
Thanks. Your observation that I am looking for something significantly smaller then a desktop suggested by moontrash is correct. It is extremely important to me that this mounts behind my screen or has a low profile on my bookshelf.

If my budget is that far off, what would it take for me to have all of the features I want? I would rather go 100 bucks over my budget if that meant I have the small profile I want with the no-freeze power of a full desktop.

And no a optical drive is not needed. I rarely use DVD or CD and if I need to I can get a USB external drive.

If you expect to have a powerful system in a tiny case, you will be disappointed. The most computing power you will have available with a small mini-ITX build is going to be that of a modest desktop. ...and it will need good air circulation. If you crowd other items around it in the bookshelf, you run the risk of overheating. Forget about mounting the system behind your TV like the nettops from Zotac and Asus. Cases like that require an Intel Atom or AMD E-350 APU and are not easy to work with, especially for a first-time build. This is the best inexpensive beginner case I could find for a small ITX build: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108196

The Micro ATX builds that look like consumer electronics which others have suggested can be more powerful and will be easier to maintain. Editing video from an HD camera really does require a quad core, and it couldn't hurt to have more power for photo editing. You are less likely to be disappointed with performance with a larger machine, and it will be easier to build.

[dragonkeeper]

I agree with usually_quiet the while technically the ITX-motherboards support fast CPUs when placed in the confines of a small case they will overheat under load (1080P video is somewhat demanding) when placed in a small case. A half height HTPC case is going to be you best option (some similar to what i posted in my previous post) it will fit right in in most TV stands or shelving units as it loos like a piece of stereo equipment.

[usually_quiet]

It isn't only heat-build up in a small enclosure. The included power supplies for mini-ITX cases are often insufficient for a system built around a 95W-100W CPU, and they may not be a standard size, which prevents replacement with something better. The PSUs in smallish, inexpensive mini-ITX cases range from 60W to 200W. (300W or 350W would be enough for a 100W CPU and 2 hard drives, but the mini-ITX cases that include them are a bit larger, and cost over $100.)

The Zotac model the OP linked to will play 1080p video if GPU assist can be used. It runs into trouble with streaming 1080p Silverlight video because Silverlight uses only the CPU for decoding. Silverlight is used for Netflix, Hulu Plus, and other paid services. I don't think regular Hulu content, YouTube and other free streaming services employ Silverlight. I have not installed Silverlight, and can use the regular Hulu website and YouTube.

[dragonkeeper]

Totally agree with you on the the ITX PSU, but didn't mention beause I hoped the fear of overheating was enough to dissuade the OP from an the use of such a case. INMO most ITX cases are only useful if you want something portable and you wont be putting any real demands on it. Although there are a few microATX/ITX cases that are cubed shaped and use a standard PSU, which may work for the OP, but most people use them for portable gaming rigs. I find these units unatractive when stitting out in the open along side entertainment equipment they really stand out due to their cube shape. Personally I like something that blends in with my other components. Like this nMedia case, which is what i'm currently using in the theater room, my other two media PC utilize this case.

[usually_quiet]

I should have mentioned it before, but all the itty-bitty nettop PCs have the same problem with 1080p video. If the player software and video format allow GPU-assisted decoding, then they do a decent job, but if the CPU must decode, then they stutter.

If I had money to burn I would be tempted get one of those little Zotacs to play with. I don't have a subscription to a paid video streaming service, and don't need to play any obscure video or audio formats.

[srphoto]

Ok...
I just re-read over the last few posts a few times so I can chew it over in my mind.

So the bottom line is I have 3 basic options.

Get the small size of the "nettop" pc (prebuilt option here as well) but lose the capability to have true 1080p in all configurations (I dont subscribe either so silverlight is no biggee). It seems I would also have alot less computing power, space and the ability to easily upgrade. Question is whether it meets my current needs. Seems like alot of compromise just to have the smaller case. But my (perhaps foolish) first feeling is to go this way. I think maybe this is just tempting me not not smart in the long run...

Get a mini-ITX case like usually_quiet suggests but then we have the other issues that he mentions above. Are those significant? How much would such a system run me with say 500gb storage space, decent ram (16gb? 8gb?) a fast processor etc..?

Get the ATX case and system that dragonkeeper so nicely outlined for me up above. The setup does sound great but the size keeps on making me pause. If I am opting for a unit of this size I can also go with something like this Acer which is not as powerful as the system above but seems to me to have the power I need. What are the downsides to that?

Whats a NooB to do (would like to purchase something to have it shipped Mon.)

What are your thoughts on the Acer Revo?


Please continue to educate me this discussion has been very informative and I appreciate your opinions and help!

[yoda313]

Please continue to educate me this discussion has been very informative and I appreciate your opinions and help!

I think you should really evaluate how much computer processing you'd actually do in this configuration. If your current computer is adequate and your main goal for this is strictly video playback then I suggest reconsidering a settop media player like a wdtv or one of its competitors.

They have very small form factors sans the external harddrive you need to add to it - except for the wdtv live hub that has the internal 1tb harddrive - all other models that I am aware of from the wdtv require an external drive. And the external drives need to be powered.

The settop media players play practically anything you throw at it with little no manipulation required. Though I'd review all the roku models carefully as apparently there is only one that does usb harddrive playback and with limited options. From what I gather the roku series are mainly aimed at media streaming from portals like netflix and hulu not file playback (except as I said on the one model but I don't have the number in front of me).

So for simplicity and budget sake I'd seriously consider whether or not you need a full fledged pc. The newest settop units do media streaming from the web and most have excellent file support options.

The only major drawback is hulu. You have to have a hulu plus subscription to use it on a settop unit. There is a way around it sort of but you need a networked pc that is on and running playon or tversity and have the web package of it (a paid service for both I believe - the file streaming modes are free but not when you do the web surfing stuff).

So its not a perfect solution but it is nearly perfect and the latest models can play virtually anything you throw at it. They should all have youtube portals but just double check before buying. As I mentioned the hulu issue is the only drawback to going to a streaming/file playback settop player.

So that is one thing you should seriously consider before commiting to a htpc build. Also they will look pretty good as long as you can either hide the harddrive (without suffocating it of course) or get a sleeker looking model with a stand so that it is out of the way and easy to access.

Edit - as far as any video websites that you can't get to on a settop player you could always use a youtube downloader or screen capture utility to download the video. Getflv and tunebite are paid software examples that can work with a lot of other websites aside from youtube. Though that would be more work than a htpc where you just point the browser and go but it is an option at least.

[olyteddy]

My 2¢: Net-Tops aren't beefy enough for an HTPC. I have an ION1 Revo 3610 (upgraded with 4GB ram and an SSD) and even SD NetFlix stutters. I'm planning on replacing it with a micro-ATX setup such as this motherboard, this processor, an existing SSD and harddrive, 8GB RAM (~$40), and about $50 (or less) for a case. This build will cost less than my Revo and will run circles around it. Of course these choices aren't set in stone (depends on what's available when I drop the hammer)...This type of machine is way more powerful than an ION and not that much bigger.

[usually_quiet]

Get the small size of the "nettop" pc (prebuilt option here as well) but lose the capability to have true 1080p in all configurations (I dont subscribe either so silverlight is no biggee). It seems I would also have alot less computing power, space and the ability to easily upgrade. Question is whether it meets my current needs. Seems like alot of compromise just to have the smaller case. But my (perhaps foolish) first feeling is to go this way. I think maybe this is just tempting me not not smart in the long run...

Silverlight isn't the only thing that causes problems for nettops when playing video. Some software media players do not use GPU acceleration for decoding video (or do not have GPU decoding turned on by default). When a nettop's weak CPU must decode a demanding video format, the player stutters, since the CPU can't keep up

Before going with a nettop, you need to examine the software players you want to use to see if they support GPU accelerated decoding, and review the types of video that you want to play to see if the nettop's GPU has a suitable decoder for them built-in. If you don't understand what I mean, or don't know how to go about doing it, then a nettop is a risky choice for you.

Get a mini-ITX case like usually_quiet suggests but then we have the other issues that he mentions above. Are those significant? How much would such a system run me with say 500gb storage space, decent ram (16gb? 8gb?) a fast processor etc..?

A fast, powerful mini ITX system in a small case is impossible given your budget. You asked for a $500 ITX build, and here are two options. Either will use more electricity than a laptop.

This is the best Intel-based mini-ITX system I could put together with $500 budget (including shipping), given the PSU power constraints:

$58 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108196&Tpk=N82E16811108196
$80 MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138335 with shipping
$120 CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078
$49 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104231
$75 HDD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769&Tpk=N82E16822136769
$97 OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I

The Biostar motherboard comes with some accessories, and has a CIR header, which allows the included MCE remote to turn the PC on as well as shut it off.

This is the most similar AMD build. The CPU is less powerful, but the integrated GPU a bit better in some areas. The motherboard has an e-SATA port on the backplane, which the Intel modtherboard does not have. I should note that new socket FM2 motherboards and CPUs are supposed to be released next month.

$58 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108196&Tpk=N82E16811108196
$90 MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157273
$65 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106014&Tpk=N82E16819106014
$24 RC: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASRock-Smart-Remote-Controller-/200719191486#vi-content
$53 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104173
$75 HDD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769&Tpk=N82E16822136769
$97 OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premium-64bit-System-Builder/dp/B004Q0PT3I

Things not included in either parts list:
You may want a wireless keyboard and/or mouse. You may want a different SATA cable. You may find you need a PC toolkit or extra screws. You may find you need a different exhaust fan, if the one on the case seems too noisy.

The case has an 80mm exhaust fan. If it is used in a tower position, has good air circulation around it, and air intakes and exhausts are not obstructed, it should not be especially prone to overheating in a room that is at a comfortable temperature for humans. The case's PSU is weak. There are TFX PSUs available as a separate purchase, but I can't tell if it will be possible to replace the one that comes with the case if it fails because the maker does not include dimensions for the PSU. I should note that if a PSU fails, it can potentially take the rest of the system with it, although that does not happen in every instance.

Get the ATX case and system that dragonkeeper so nicely outlined for me up above. The setup does sound great but the size keeps on making me pause. If I am opting for a unit of this size I can also go with something like this Acer which is not as powerful as the system above but seems to me to have the power I need. What are the downsides to that?

Whats a NooB to do (would like to purchase something to have it shipped Mon.)

What are your thoughts on the Acer Revo?


Please continue to educate me this discussion has been very informative and I appreciate your opinions and help!

We don't really know enough about what you want to do to tell you whether any of the systems discussed is powerful enough to to meet your needs. What kind of video and photo editing do you plan to do? What software do you plan to use?

Frankly I think a pre-built machine or bare-bones kit is the best option for you, given that you do not have previous experience building a PC. There are such things, but not for the kind of mini-ITX build that you want.

[srphoto]

Thanks for all the input!
I have decided that I would like to build my htpc. I can definitely get more bang for my buck and I would like to gain the experience as well. It will either be one of the builds that usually_quite suggest

This is the best Intel-based mini-ITX system I could put together with $500 budget (including shipping), given the PSU power constraints:

$58 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108196
$80 MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138335 with shipping
$120 CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115078
$49 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104231
$75 HDD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136769
$97 OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premiu.../dp/B004Q0PT3I

The Biostar motherboard comes with some accessories, and has a CIR header, which allows the included MCE remote to turn the PC on as well as shut it off.

This is the most similar AMD build. The CPU is less powerful, but the integrated GPU a bit better in some areas. The motherboard has an e-SATA port on the backplane, which the Intel modtherboard does not have. I should note that new socket FM2 motherboards and CPUs are supposed to be released next month.

$58 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108196
$90 MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157273
$65 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819106014
$24 RC: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASRock-Smart...486#vi-content
$53 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104173
$75 HDD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136769
$97 OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premiu.../dp/B004Q0PT3I

Now when you say that the CPU on the Intel is more powerful then the AMD but the GPU is better in some areas what do you mean? Which would be better for my needs? To be clear I am NOT doing video editing. I do minor photo edits (crop, contrast etc) but mainly just storing and viewing home photos and vids... I am using simple picasa for now, with the occasional PS for more serious photo edits.
Besides for that, I am mainly using this for streaming videos from the web, downloading media, web surfing, spreadsheets etc nothing too intense but I really want a smooth operation, no freezing or hiccups...

What do you think of the build below?


or the build dragonkeeper suggest (quad core+more hd space) which is bigger but seems to be more robust.

Typical HTPC Build: (at least how i build them and this is at the low end)
$50 Case - This is a micro ATX case so its kinda smallish and has room for 3 hard drives. low profile unit, looks like a piece of stereo equipment more than PC.
$45 PSU - 380 watt power supply should be plenty for this build and comes highly rated.
$54 Motherboard - I've been using ASRock in recent years and have had excellent luck with them. This MB has built in HDMI and 6 Channel Audio, F1 chipset, ram speeds up to 2400, up to 16 GB ram and gigabit LAN.
$100 CPU - 2.6 ghz quad core APU
$47 - RAM - 8GB G.Skill DDR3 1600
$51 - OS Hard Drive - 32 GB solid state Drive
$120- storage Hard Drive - 2TB (highest recommended 2 TB hard drive on new egg, can be purchased for $99 this weekend.)

Grand total of $467 this should build you a rig that you can enjoy for many years to come with room for upgrades.

* if you opted for a single 1TB drive in place of the two drive set up the price will fall to $386 which would be within the budget you outlined.

Also add to this ann optical drive of choice, dvd burners can be had for about $25 dollars while BD burners are more along the lines of $80.

Oh, and I think I have an extra license or two for Windows Vista lying around my office so that will save me some $$

[usually_quiet]

Thanks for all the input!
I have decided that I would like to build my htpc. I can definitely get more bang for my buck and I would like to gain the experience as well. It will either be one of the builds that usually_quite suggest

This is the best Intel-based mini-ITX system I could put together with $500 budget (including shipping), given the PSU power constraints:

$58 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108196
$80 MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138335 with shipping
$120 CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115078
$49 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104231
$75 HDD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136769
$97 OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premiu.../dp/B004Q0PT3I

The Biostar motherboard comes with some accessories, and has a CIR header, which allows the included MCE remote to turn the PC on as well as shut it off.

This is the most similar AMD build. The CPU is less powerful, but the integrated GPU a bit better in some areas. The motherboard has an e-SATA port on the backplane, which the Intel modtherboard does not have. I should note that new socket FM2 motherboards and CPUs are supposed to be released next month.

$58 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811108196
$90 MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157273
$65 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819106014
$24 RC: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASRock-Smart...486#vi-content
$53 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820104173
$75 HDD:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136769
$97 OS: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Premiu.../dp/B004Q0PT3I

Now when you say that the CPU on the Intel is more powerful then the AMD but the GPU is better in some areas what do you mean? Which would be better for my needs? To be clear I am NOT doing video editing. I do minor photo edits (crop, contrast etc) but mainly just storing and viewing home photos and vids... I am using simple picasa for now, with the occasional PS for more serious photo edits.
Besides for that, I am mainly using this for streaming videos from the web, downloading media, web surfing, spreadsheets etc nothing too intense but I really want a smooth operation, no freezing or hiccups...

What do you think of the build below?


or the build dragonkeeper suggest (quad core+more hd space) which is bigger but seems to be more robust.

Typical HTPC Build: (at least how i build them and this is at the low end)
$50 Case - This is a micro ATX case so its kinda smallish and has room for 3 hard drives. low profile unit, looks like a piece of stereo equipment more than PC.
$45 PSU - 380 watt power supply should be plenty for this build and comes highly rated.
$54 Motherboard - I've been using ASRock in recent years and have had excellent luck with them. This MB has built in HDMI and 6 Channel Audio, F1 chipset, ram speeds up to 2400, up to 16 GB ram and gigabit LAN.
$100 CPU - 2.6 ghz quad core APU
$47 - RAM - 8GB G.Skill DDR3 1600
$51 - OS Hard Drive - 32 GB solid state Drive
$120- storage Hard Drive - 2TB (highest recommended 2 TB hard drive on new egg, can be purchased for $99 this weekend.)

Grand total of $467 this should build you a rig that you can enjoy for many years to come with room for upgrades.

* if you opted for a single 1TB drive in place of the two drive set up the price will fall to $386 which would be within the budget you outlined.

Also add to this ann optical drive of choice, dvd burners can be had for about $25 dollars while BD burners are more along the lines of $80.

Oh, and I think I have an extra license or two for Windows Vista lying around my office so that will save me some $$

You know, you could use a search engine to find some of these answers for yourself. Typing "i3-2100 vs A4-3400" into Google returned these links, amongst others:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXznGhxNSEA
http://compare-processors.com/amd-a4-3400-vs-intel-core-i3-2100/911/
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=AMD+A4-3400+APU

This is the Intel motherboard from the YouTube video. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157238&Tpk=N82E16813157238

We presented you with several alternatives, and it is up to decide what you want. We can't decide for you.

If these "extra Vista licenses" came with another computer, you can't use them for your new build. OEM licenses like that can't be transferred.

You need to take more initiative if you want to build a PC. I suggest that you educate yourself on the basics of assembling a system from scratch, before you order anything. The instructions that come with the various parts can be a bit sketchy, and you shouldn't expect anybody here to write down complete, step-by step detailed instructions for you.

[fritzi93]

The link redwudz posted should be good enough to guide you through building your first HTPC. If you're careful and reasonably handy.

Actually, redwudz posted an earlier illustrated guide at least 6 years ago that inspired me to give it a go. Thanks, redwudz! I've done 4 more since then, not counting ones I've built for friends/relatives. An extra benefit is that you'll have a better understanding of computer hardware and will be able to troubleshoot and replace defective hardware once you've built one yourself.

You've gotten some good suggestions, I think you should go ahead and make one. Good luck.

[usually_quiet]

redwudz's link is nice, but incomplete. Nothing there about installing the CPU, CPU cooler, or RAM, or safe handling of components. CPUs generally come with good instructions, but Intel and AMD CPUs and CPU coolers are a little different.

More thoughts on the spare Vista licenses... A 64-bit OS can use 8 GB of memory, but a 32-bit OS can only use 4 GB.

[yoda313]

but a 32-bit OS can only use 4 GB.

Not to nitpick too much but isn't that kind of like the rated capacity of dvds in that it can't quite utilize the full stated value? Isn't it something more like 3.5gb than a full 4? But the main point for the poster is it can't use more than 4 on a 32bit platform.

[usually_quiet]

but a 32-bit OS can only use 4 GB.

Not to nitpick too much but isn't that kind of like the rated capacity of dvds in that it can't quite utilize the full stated value? Isn't it something more like 3.5gb than a full 4? But the main point for the poster is it can't use more than 4 on a 32bit platform.

True. No more than 3.2GB to 3.5GB of RAM will be used if 4GB is installed. Sometimes it is a bit less. The remainder of the 4GB is allocated by the OS for various devices on the motherboard. However, since RAM should be installed in matching pairs for most systems (to use dual channel mode), it often isn't desirable to install only 3GB.