New HTPC Build. Critique please?

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Asmodeus

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#113597 21-Jan-2013 21:44

Hi guys,

Just helping out on a build for a friend but it's been a few years! Appreciate any comments on this build. He's cool on the price but, I'm just wondering if that mobo is ideal for an htpc? Also, is that the best i5 variant or does it not matter much? Any other alternatives for the IR receiver or is the Hauppauge kit best?

He doesn't need bluray or tv tuners or serious gaming capability.

Cheers!

Build: http://pricespy.co.nz/list.php?l=78064&view=b

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3713 posts

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Trusted

#748504 21-Jan-2013 22:06

What else will it be used for?? With no bluray, tv tuners or gaming needs that looks overpowered and overpriced; Don't get me wrong, should be a sweet system and those are all nice components, but you could probably save a bundle on it, make it cooler and quieter and not notice any real drop in performance by the sounds of it.

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

Asmodeus

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#748512 21-Jan-2013 22:25

Yeah I think you are right. Hardest work it will be doing is 1080p Bluray rips.

Will get him to swap the i5 for an i3 for starters. What else is overpowered? Mobo? PSU?

Any suggestions?

reven

3743 posts

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#748523 21-Jan-2013 22:34

i would recommend checking out a nettop or similar type all in one box. they're
- cheaper
- small
- cheap to run
- can playback 1080p and DTS (check the specs on each model, but easily can do this on a lot).

i use to use mac minis for my HTPCs, they cost about $800 and look fantastic. but ive switched to raspberrypis now (but thats only for the adventurous atm).

what media centre will they be running?

wouldn't want to spend that much on a box just to do xbmc, esp with xbmc android devices coming out for less than $200 nzd delivered (ouya looks very awesome, due in april).

Asmodeus

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#748539 21-Jan-2013 23:06

They will be running 7MC. Needs to have a lot of storage (5TB+) and he was sold on the customised mediabrowser setup and interface so wants to run that. He's also sold on the traditional htpc pc case.

I just adjusted a few components and got it under $1300.

http://pricespy.co.nz/list.php?l=78087&view=b

sidefx

3713 posts

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#748541 21-Jan-2013 23:08

Yeah I'd drop both mobo and PSU down; won't need much in the way of PSU... a decent brand 350-400W PSU would probably be fine - even lower would probably fine but I like to have a fair bit of wriggle room on any system with regards to the PSU! Might also be worth using the saved dollars to look at an aftermarket cooler too - something quiet if that's in any way important; just make sure it'll fit in the case.

I'm a fan of the AMD APUs for HTPC these days - cheaper and you get a better GPU, though the tradeoff is less powerful CPU (and I believe not quite as efficient.)

Also worth listening to reven and looking at some nettop options too; if he wants it for storage as well as playback it might not work so well, though that's where I prefer the idea of a seperate NAS or home server.

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

Regs

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Snowflake

#748548 21-Jan-2013 23:09

if you really want a full PC HTPC, have you considered a pre-built system from someone like Computer Lounge? worth a look, at least: http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/systems/systemdetail.asp?systypeid=5

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Snowflake
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Asmodeus

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#748550 21-Jan-2013 23:12

Thanks. I reduced the PSU to a sub-$100 model but want to keep it modular. I also reduced the cpu, mobo, SSD and took the harmony out for now as it was skewing the price and not strictly part of the setup. Def need the high storage levels though...

I think an aftermarket cooler could be good, Could possibly get away with a passive with a case that size as long as air is moving through it?

http://pricespy.co.nz/list.php?l=78087&view=b

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sidefx

3713 posts

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#748555 21-Jan-2013 23:24

Looking pretty good there; I'd probably stick with the samsung SSD you had in your first list.

Also, a pre-built is definitely worth thinking about too, far less hassle that way. Though bear in mind if comparing prices that the computer lounge system linked above uses an Antec NSK2480B case, so a lot cheaper than the silverstone you've selected and comes with a PSU. Also I have one for my HTPC and it is a very deep case, you need a fairly deep cabinet or similar to put it in.

And I doubt you could passive cool an i3... maybe undervolted but I'm not sure I'd trust it. Just get a couple of decent size large fans, run them slow and they're barely noticeable.

"I was born not knowing and have had only a little time to change that here and there." | Octopus Energy | Sharesies
- Richard Feynman

Asmodeus

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#748558 21-Jan-2013 23:42

I added a Scythe Kozuti cooler (active) and went back to the Samsung SSD too

This build is cheaper and better than that prepackaged htpc and I'm happy to do the build for him anyway

I don't think I can make any significant savings from here on in really given what he wants.

http://pricespy.co.nz/list.php?l=78087&view=b

turb

881 posts

Ultimate Geek

#748581 22-Jan-2013 07:04

PB have a Logitech wireless keyboard that has a mouse pad built in. Not sure of the details as I'm on the ferry right now. A clever feature is that it has a second 'left mouse button' on the top left corner of the kb so if it's on your lap you don't have to lift your finger off the pad. Not sure if I've explained that terribly well but it's a nice little keyboard....

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

Archer77

131 posts

Master Geek

#748583 22-Jan-2013 07:13

I think that is the Logitech K400 you are referring to. Cheapest pleace I found it was XP Computers in Newmarket, $58+gst ($79+gst at PBtech)
http://www.xpcomputers.co.nz/product-logitech_k400_wireless_touch_keyboard-468525

I use it with my R Pi, it's a nice keyboard, and I'll be using it with my HTPC once I build it.

turb

881 posts

Ultimate Geek

#748593 22-Jan-2013 08:02

Archer77: I think that is the Logitech K400 you are referring to. Cheapest pleace I found it was XP Computers in Newmarket, $58+gst ($79+gst at PBtech)
http://www.xpcomputers.co.nz/product-logitech_k400_wireless_touch_keyboard-468525

I use it with my R Pi, it's a nice keyboard, and I'll be using it with my HTPC once I build it.

Yep, that's the one. It was on special when I got it - less than $40 I think, so it may be worth waiting to see if that happens again.

Interests: HTPC, Web App authoring.

tukapa1

725 posts

Ultimate Geek

#748596 22-Jan-2013 08:08

I've been looking at doing the same thing - I initially had the i3 3220 but changed to the i3 3225 just because of the far better onboard graphics. Worth the extra $30 for the HD4000 graphics IMHO.

Asmodeus

1015 posts

Uber Geek

#748611 22-Jan-2013 08:56

Cool thanks. I changed the i3 to the 3225 model and added the Logitech k400. If you exclude the Harmony, price comes in at $1280 but it will be a nice little piece of kit

dickytim

2514 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#749256 23-Jan-2013 07:05

It looks to me like you are missing your OS in your pricing where as the pre-built comes with it.

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