[R2dTOO]

I have been using an HP ProBook laptop as my HTPC for several months now. My wife, kids, and I love it (I can almost get rid of cable, but not quite)! Since we are using it so much, I figured it was about time to actually build a good HTPC that will last us for a while. Here is what I am planning. Let me know what you think, and if I need to add/take away anything. I will be running on Windows 7, and will eventually be building a media server to handle all files over the network.

First, the Newegg wishlist link:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Public...r=25822587

Case: SILVERSTONE ML03B Micro ATX
Motherboard: ASUS P8H61-M LX Plus R2.0
GPU: ZOTAC ZT-20313-10L GeForce 210 1GB 64-Bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 Video Card
PSU: SeaSonic S12II 430B 430W
Processor: Intel Core i3-2105 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz

Those are the main components. I will also be using a 64GB SSD for OS install. I'm planning on a 2TB HDD for data.

My goals:

Playing up to full 1080p mkv files (full 1080 is sketchy on the laptop)
Streaming HD content from Hulu/Netflix/Amazon/ESPN3 (doing this now with laptop)

Will this buld acomplish this? Is there a cheaper way to do it? I would like to stick with a Windows machine (just personal preference). Thanks for taking the time to look.

[RaggSokk3n]

Take a look at my builds they are about the same but a bit better
Remember: with the hd4000 (igpu in i3 3225 you wont need a dedicated gpu)

[Dougie Fresh]

With the built-in graphics of modern CPUs, you don't need the GT210 for running XBMC/Windows.

For about $15 more than your chosen CPU/motherboard you can move up to the latest generation Intel with better CPU/GPU:

ASRock H77 micro-ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813157303

i3-3225
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819116774

You can go with this excellent SFX12V power supply with ATX bracket. It'll fit better in your case, is still very good quality and will be more efficient since it is sized better (wattage wise) to your components:

FSP Group FSP300-60GHS-R 300W SFX12V 80 PLUS Certified Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817104075

Also you will want 4GB of DDR3-1600 memory (or 8GB if the price is close to 4GB on sale)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820104203
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820104262

I have to say though looking at prices this week, they're looking pretty high compared to normal and I am not seeing any combo discounts for CPU/motherboard. I'd wait a week since next week is the big week leading up to Black Friday. I think you'll find better deals then. Go for Ivy Bridge i3-3225 / H77 micro-ATX.

[NoHesitation]

Just a quick question on integrated CPU's. Are those good enough for console emulation as well? I would want to emulate up to at least the N64...

[R2dTOO]

Thanks guys!

[RaggSokk3n]

Just a quick question on integrated CPU's. Are those good enough for console emulation as well? I would want to emulate up to at least the N64...

Most emulators like dolphin just require a powerful cpu that's why the i3 3225 is a good choice for people wanting to play console games - for normal gaming on the other hand the new amd trinity apus are the best.