[jdawg0528]

I plan to build a custom HTPC. I have 1080p m2ts files and 480p mkv (as well as audio files, mp3, etc.). Basically I just want my HTPC to stream all my media flawlessly. I also want it to be able to bit stream HD audio.

I plan to use Aeon as my XBMC skin. I don't plan to watch Hulu or Netflix right now but perhaps in the future (if the build below is adequate for Hulu, great, if not, I don't want to spend more to add it).

Will this do? :

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Public...r=22258268

Is it overkill or underkill?

Any feedback and advice you can give me would be extremely helpful.

[maxinc]

I absolutely love the case! Setup looks great and will do all that you expect it to.

[darkscout]

Way over kill.

The GPU does all the hard work,
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/Public...r=14740405

Is just something I made a while ago to prove a point. You can obviously find the GT430 on sale for around $50 now.

I dont' think my 7 drive solaris server has a 620W power supply.
That GPU isn't low profile and the case looks like it is.
Way too much RAM, unless you plan on running a RAM disk.

[maxinc]

That GPU isn't low profile and the case looks like it is.

I think the case is a lot bigger than it looks. Look a the size of PSU compared to expansion slot sizes. It looks like a full height.

[jdawg0528]

Thanks for the replies guys. The case made me smile when I saw it

I did forget to mention that it'll be running Win7 Ultimate 64-bit. I thought perhaps 4GB of RAM might be too much but since that OS recommends 2GB, I thought perhaps I need the overhead.

As for the GPU, I picked that one because it is fanless. I like the price of $50+ one more but how is fan noise on such a thing?

Lastly, the PSU is overkill huh? What do you guys think I need for wattage. I don't intend to add any additional HDDs, but might add a bluray drive. I mostly picked the one I did on price and rating ... what would you recommend?

Almost forgot, thanks for pointing out that I might need a low profile graphics card. The case is quite big but I do need to follow up on that.

Update: Just checked out the manufacturer of the case's website, it does support full sized PCI cards but thanks again for pointing that out.

[eskro]

PSU overkill.....
380W ($40) is enough!!!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817371033

and if you dont plan to play heavy PC games with your HTPC,
that CPU is not needed...
you could save by buying the Athlon X2 3.0GHz ($60) http://fwd4.me/u0U