[heynineteen]

I've been trying to piece together an htpc for less than $250. I already have an E5200 2.5ghz Core Duo processor laying around that I'd like to use, so I need to have an LGA775 motherboard. I also have a 160gig drive I was going to use (probably will use Windows version of xbmc in order to use hardware acceleration and some other software). I would like to have a board with an IDE connector so I can use an old dvd drive I have. Also, I don't have room for a tower with my entertainment center, but a horizontal case would fit. I already have a media center remote. I obviously need hdmi and spdif opitcal also. Looking to run 1080p and Aeon.

Here's what is currently in my cart:

MI-008 Tower Black P4 Chassis with 250W Itx Psu+sata Power Supply

Intel DG45ID Media Series G45 micro-ATX Intel Graphics HDMI+DVI 1333MHz LGA775 Desktop Motherboard


Kingston ValueRAM 2 GB 1333MHz PC3-1066 DDR3 DIMM Desktop Memory KVR1333D3N9/2G

I also need a cpu heatsink and fan. At some point I will probably install a TB drive.

Thanks for any help!!

[esoterix]

Unfortunately, that case is for mini-ITX motherboards and the board you chose is a micro-ATX. Here is what I would probably go with if I were in your situation.

Case: http://www.amazon.com/Antec-MicroFusion-...973&sr=8-4 (99.99 + 0)
Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/Asus-P5G41T-M-CSM-...533&sr=8-1 (58.30 + 7.97)
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product (27.99 + .99) Had a hard time finding RAM that I like on Amazon so these are from Newegg.
Total: $195.24 shipped

This leaves you with some money for the heatsink and fan. It's been awhile since I've looked inside one of these cases so maybe someone can recommend you a good one that will fit well. Also, I have 0 experience with Intel graphics and XBMC. I would personally drop in a GT210 or GT430. There is a good deal on a 210 right now that was posted in the deals thread.
http://www.amazon.com/SYNERGY-GeForce-64...B0046U6Y1Y (47.94 + 0 - 30 mail in rebate)

[eskro]

Good advice esoterix!
If i try my hand at this,
and if you wanna stay in the mini-ITX form factor,
here's what u could do....


[MOBO] ZOTAC GF9300-K-E LGA775 WiFi Mini-ITX ($108 + $7 - $20 Mail-in Rebate)
[GPU] ZOTAC GeForce GT210 512MB DDR2 64-bit Low Profile ($48 + $0 - $30 Mail-in Rebate)
[RAM] G.SKILL 2GB(2x1gb) ddr3 1066 CL7 ($28 + $1)
[CASE+PSU] Apex MI-100 Black mini-ITX 250W ($53 + $0)
[FAN] Scythe Slipstream 120mm 800RPM 40.17CFM 10.70dBA ($13 + $0)
TOTAL: ($208)

[esoterix]

Keep in mind that if you do decide to go with eskro's mini-ITX build you wont be able to use your old dvd drive. BUT, you could always go with a Bluray drive like this one for 60 bucks from the deals thread.

[eskro]

Keep in mind that if you do decide to go with eskro's mini-ITX build you wont be able to use your old dvd drive

Very true, i forgot about that DVD drive
But hey, Time to get up 2 date, 12x Bluray Combo for $60!!!
http://forum.xbmc.org/showpost.php?p=728...stcount=21
Come on

[heynineteen]

Wow, thanks for the replies! This will make my shopping much easier!

You guys are great!

edit: I could really use a hand with finding a heatsink and cpu fan that will fit either of your recommendations... I've never bought one before, I've always just used stock, and I'm not sure what will fit in those cases!