Getting a HTPC
#1
Hello everyone,

I'm thinking about building a passively cooled HTPC which i'll be using for running XBMC off Windows or Linux to watch HD content mostly 1080p and 720p via network.
After reading various topics i got even more confused on what hardware i should get so i'll leave my options below:

CPU + MB combo: Sapphire PURE White E350 or Gigabyte GA-C847N.

Case: Akasa Galileo or Akasa Euler both with 120W external adapter. I'm going for the Akasa Euler since the Galileo doesn't have a 2.5 HDD mount.

Memory: 2x Corsair Value Select 2 GB DDR3-1066 PC3-8500 CL7

Total: ~140€

I'm on a budget and for now i'm missing an SDD.

Please comment and leave your advices.
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#2
Site states that Euler:

Compatible with the following thin mini-ITX motherboard
Intel DQ77KB Ivy Bridge
Intel DH61AG Sandy Bridge

Love the looks of Galileo though ... but didnt see the motherboards that is compatbile with....
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#3
I've inquiry akasa about the subject.

My main doubt is which CPU to choose from, the info about it is a bit confusing when it cames to HD playback.
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#4
Pardon my ignorance how does this buld compare to an Ouya? ignoring the fact that Ouya has a fan. Is this what you call an ITX system?
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#5
I built several HTPCs with the Akasa Euler, i3-2120T, DH61AG and 64GB mSATA SSD. They ran great and sold quick. Akasa recommends 35W TDP or less but Google for the Euler review they used a 65W TDP CPU.
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#6
(2013-08-24, 00:03)Dougie Fresh Wrote: I built several HTPCs with the Akasa Euler, i3-2120T, DH61AG and 64GB mSATA SSD. They ran great and sold quick. Akasa recommends 35W TDP or less but Google for the Euler review they used a 65W TDP CPU.

Thanks for the tip. Just wondering if you can point me to an alternative to the DH61AG and the i3-2120T. The online shop i usually order doesn't have Intel motherboards, it's not very easy tracking down stores with this components at a good price VAT free, and i think an i3 is too much power for video playback.

I was thinking along the lines of this Gigabyte GA-H77TN, Intel G2030 (55W) or Intel G630T (35W), this one is a bit more expensive the the G2030. I read the bit-tech review of the Galileo and saw that delta T when streaming HD was about 38º on the 65W, so i don't expect to be hotter on the Euler with a 55W.
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#7
Thin mini-ITX is *supposed* to be a standard that includes processor placement so the GA-H77TN *should* work. I would try contacting the shop or manufacturer to be sure or dig into the details on the Intel Thin mini-ITX spec and verify it for yourself.
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Getting a HTPC0