[smith2012]

Just need a simple htpc for playing 1080p movies and tv shows. it will be hooked using dvi connection, since my tv doesnt have hdmi. how does this look? I'd like to spend between $500-$600.

case Hec 6T Series 6T10BB - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=33089&vpn=...=Compucase

psu Seasonic SS-350ET 350W - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=30144&vpn=...lectronics

processor g620 - http://ncix.com/products/?sku=61144&vpn=...ture=Intel

motherboard - Gigabyte H61M-S2H mATX http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=63501&...e=Gigabyte

harddrive - Seagate Barracuda 1TB http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=65701&...re=Seagate

memory - Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 4GBhttp://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=55546&...20Enhanced

cd-drive - Samsung dvd drive http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=45667&...re=Samsung

o/s - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition 64BIT SP1 DVD OEM http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=45271&...=Microsoft

assembly - http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=7842&v...ure=NCIXPC

[wil.fortune]

I don't mean to insult you, so please don't take this that way, but that case is pretty awful. Looks like an old Dell. I respect that you're trying to save money, but had you looked at this one?
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=58341&vpn=...l%20Design
It's the same money, and it's much more discreet.

Or this one,
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=42116&vpn=...Technology

I'm assuming that you don't really know how to put these together, but I'm sure you'd be able to find help on here, if even it's just being pointed in the right direction for step-by-step instructions. That'd save you the $50, but I get that it's not much to pay to have it arrive "complete".

Anyway, I'd say you're on to the right track there. I don't have that MOBO, but the reviews I read said that it played back 1080p files just fine. I would offer one suggestion though.. think about putting an SSD in there. It will speed up your system incredibly, and it will also keep you current for alot longer.

Do you have plans in the future for a media server, or will this be it for you?

[problaze]

Hi Smith - welcome to the forum!

You haven't specified what you intend to use the htpc for but I think you would be better suited with an AMD build...especially since you intend to use windows anyway.

How about this?
AMD FM1 A8-3870 (no 3850 available at ncix)
Here

Motherboard Asus
Here

RAM -1866 frequency
Here

Case -ml03
Here

I think everything else you selected is A-ok though, maybe look for the 400w seasonic? normally not much more and its better to have spare capacity on a PSU.

The HD is a squeeze though...you'll likely be able to find a better deal elsewhere.

Also build it yourself and save 50 bucks...it's very easy really and there are a million youtube videos, warranty can come from manufacturers of components anyway all they are charging you for is man hours - thermal paste etc sometimes even comes with the cpu!

[jackh]

Unless you are very, very afraid of going Linux for OS, then yes, go ahead and spend $$ on Win7. And if you really intend just to play movies, you should know Linux will do everything you need. No need to waste money on Micro$oft.

I myself recently built mine nearly identical to this build which uses the G530 CPU, $52+7 on Newegg.ca (so less costly than the G620) and it's just as good.

The full build, including the dedicated video card, taxes and shipping, ended up costing around $350 (way less than your budget)

[smith2012]

Can I add a video card if I have to?

maybe i will change the case, i like the fractal but the inputs are on the side of the case and the dm-387 might be too long.

i dont think ssd is really necessary, as windows will boot up fairly quickly and programs too.

no way im spending 150 on a processor, i wouldnt even use half the amount of power it has. im just watching 1080p movies, thats all and tv shows.

how does the g530 compare to the g620, they have diff graphics right?

[Jetster]

Ether add a video card or bump up to a i3. The video card would be more logical