First HTPC Build
#1
So, I have never before built an HTPC, but my brother is very familiar with building PCs and has agreed to help me, so I am going to give it a shot. I currently run Frodo XBMC on my desktop (http://ow.ly/qZGTn), so I am familiar with XBMC to some extent.

My brother helped me draw up this build: http://ow.ly/qZGZf.

What I am hoping to do with it is the following: run Frodo, playback full 1080p videos with DTS audio, share said videos with other computers on my home network, install an additional 4 TB drive I currently have in my desktop to create a RAID 1 array,and run the usual sab/sb/cp software... so I can repeatedly download all the Linux distros my little heart desires Wink Oh, and I would be looking to use Windows 7, as I want to incorporate Netflix and other Windows-only software.

Can somebody take a look at the build and give me some feedback? Does it look sufficient for my uses? Any recommendations or critiques would be appreciated.

Thanks!
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#2
Very nice except your PSU is overkill for a system that's going to use 40W most of the time, 80W maximum. That case is also very shallow so it later you want to an an optical drive it's going to be a pain. For the ML03B, this is a good power supply:

http://www.amazon.com/FSP-Group-Certific...B004VF4R4U

It's an SFX power supply but it comes with a bracket to mount it in a ATX PSU bay. The only difficulty you might run into is needing a 24-pin ATX power extender to reach the 24-pin power on the motherboard since the FSP's a pretty short.
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#3
Thanks, Dougie Fresh. Taking your recommendation into consideration, I replaced the psu with a 430w version of the one I had previously selected. I prefer the modular design I think.

I hear you on the case being a right fit for an optical drive. I have read comments from people who used the case saying as much. In fact, I am debating about using this one instead
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/silverstone...gd05busb30 . The ML03B is cheaper, otherwise I would prefer this one.

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. I am going to try to have this build done by the end of the year. I want to take advantage of the sales the next few weeks Smile
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#4
I've read that modular is actually worse because of the way the plugs stick out. You might end up with more of a depth issue with modular.
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#5
(2013-11-22, 17:51)Dougie Fresh Wrote: I've read that modular is actually worse because of the way the plugs stick out. You might end up with more of a depth issue with modular.

Hm, I didn't realize that. Thanks for the heads up. I will look into that issue.
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#6
Dougie Fresh, thanks for your comments on the build.

I have begun purchasing parts and will continue to do so as I see them go on sale over the next few weeks.

I am probably going to switch my choice of case to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811163205 .

It is considerably more expensive than the ML03b I had considered previously, but it is larger and includes three 120mm fans, so I think it will be preferably to the ML03b because of its better ventilation. I figure if I am going to install 2 HHDs in a RAID array inside I ought to be sure there is proper ventilation.

Again, thanks Dougie Fresh.
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#7
Yeah, that case should be awesome.
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#8
I completed my build over the New Years holiday.

My part list is as follows (plus a 4 TB Seagate to make a RAID 1 array):

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/drew_willy/saved/

I love it thus far. I love it. I will post pics later.
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#9
Hey guys, I'm in a similar situation- been researching high and low for my first HTPC build. I've got a few specific requirements and have included most of the current build I'm leaning towards:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2ANIL

Two missing components:

AVerMedia AVerTVHD dual tuner card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6815100044
Recommended PSU - current recommended wattage is 175W - a bit disappointed that I'm outside the PicoPSU range- any suggestions?
I'm also open to other case recommendations than the ML03B

We live in a rural area and currently only have satellite TV available to us- I'd like to build a system to replace most of the satellite capabilities. We're also rather limited on our internet - currently 6MB wISP link. I can upgrade us to 100GB/month DL, but obviously I'm still concerned with transferring too much data.

My primary goal is to build a very quiet system that's capable of some decent gaming with my boys over Steam Big Picture, play Blu-rays/DVDs and stream/record/DVR capabilities. I've also picked up a Roku 3 that I was planning to add and intend to use PlayOn and PlayLater in conjunction with this HTPC to reduce the amount of long-term streaming. Planning on mainly Netflix, HuluPlus and network affiliate sites for streaming.

I really wanted to go mini-ITX, but there aren't any boards that include a PCI-Express x1 ports for the tuner card so I went with micro-ATX. I'm not opposed to going with a bigger case, but it needs to lay horizontally in our entertainment center and can't be taller than 7".

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!
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#10
No help here?
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#11
Mero,

Your build is virtually nothing like the one that I was posting about, save for the fact that I originally intended to use the same case you have listed (in the end, I used a different one, as you can see in my above posts).

I intend this in the nicest way possible... maybe you would get better feedback if you started your own thread? Or maybe find another thread that focuses on a processor or motherboard that is similar to the ones you have selected?
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