[the5w4n]

Long term lurker but found I actually needed to post a question, so I'm not new but I am a new member!

Me and the other half have been using an aging tower that has been re-purposed many times but now we want to build a HTPC from scratch using only parts we need and ones that shine in the area we want to use it for, watching high definition movies.

Live in the UK so if anyone has any suggestions for better hardware could they please find a UK supplier to link to

I've read the "Your Very First HTPC? But Where do You Start?" thread a few times, and I've been looking on Ebuyer as well as other websites and these are within my price range :

Intel Bundle
http://www.ebuyer.com/601354-asus-intel-...-4130-1150

AMD Bundle
http://www.ebuyer.com/601190-asus-amd-ga...00-am3-m5a

We aren't brand loyal, we just want the best for our money. Are these bundles suitable to use? And are they worth the cost?

Not interested in watching Blurays on there (at the moment) as we have a PS3. And we're still deciding on a case, but would just like the get to grips with whats needed inside first.

[PatK]

You might keep your eye on the NUC devices, looks like some can handle XBMC well with not a lot of extras, and might be cheaper over-all.

[the5w4n]

We have 2 x 2TB 3.5" drives to go in, they wont fit in a NUC

http://www.tekheads.co.uk/d/Motherboard-..._1097.html

What about any of these? We are both useless with computers!

[elusien]

I've found ebuyer to be quite helpful, I bought the net top PC from them that I use as an HTPC.

I can't answer your specific query but have a look at the websites in my signature for useful advice in building an HTPC.

[the5w4n]

I'll check them out now, problem I'm having is making sure I pick compatible components and also ones that do what we want.

[elusien]

Have a look at the mymediaexperience website. It should help a lot.

[the5w4n]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlis...y=priceAsc

These bundles seem good, but how do I know the right one to choose? Their all so similar!

[the5w4n]

Intel Pentium Dual Core G3220 3.00GHz Socket 1150 3MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor

AsRock H81M-HDS Socket 1150 DVI HDMI 5.1 Channel HD Audio Micro ATX Motherboard

Kingston 4GB DDR3 1600MHz HyperX Blu Memory Module

Can someone please check to see if these components place nicely together and if its suitable for 1080p playback.

[tboggie]

Intel Pentium Dual Core G3220 3.00GHz Socket 1150 3MB Cache Retail Boxed Processor

AsRock H81M-HDS Socket 1150 DVI HDMI 5.1 Channel HD Audio Micro ATX Motherboard

Kingston 4GB DDR3 1600MHz HyperX Blu Memory Module

Can someone please check to see if these components place nicely together and if its suitable for 1080p playback.

Yes, they are all compatible. I assume your case big enough for a micro atx motherboard

[the5w4n]

I'm still looking for a case I like that can hold 3x3.5" drives and look good under my TV.

Will those bits be OK to run 1080p?

Also is it better to get a graphics card that can out 5.1 via HDMI or can I get that from the motherboard? My Onkyo accepts HDMI and pulls the 5.1 from that to output to speakers

[tboggie]

Fractal and Silverstone make good HTPC cases which should meet your requirements

Yes, your build should run 1080p smoothly and AsRock H81M-HDS motherboard supports 5.1 HD Audio which you can connect to your receiver via HDMI

[the5w4n]

http://www.ebuyer.com/270599-fractal-des...re-1000-bl

http://www.ebuyer.com/616262-cit-1023-mi...-cscit1023

I like both of these cases, and either will take everything I plan on using. Will it be ok to lie it on its side though? Obviously fans facing upwards.

I also spent too much time browsing and now the above motherboard is out of stock.

http://www.ebuyer.com/553590-asrock-h81m...srock-h81m

Would that be a good alternative?