Kodi Community Forum

I'm building a basic budget HTPC for my bro-in-law who needs it to run XBMC and occasional web browsing. He'll mostly stream videos online in XBMC and Netflix, very little full 1080p video playback. He won't use it extensively, maybe a few hrs a day. Here's the build so far:

CPU: Intel Celeron G530 2.4 GHz ($44.99)
http://www.directron.com/bx80623g530.html

Motherboard: ECS H61H2-M2(1.0) H61 HDMI Micro ATX ($14.99 AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813135288

Ram: G.SKILL NS 2GB DDR3 1333 ($12.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231395

Case & PSU: Apex DM-318 includes 275W PSU ($36.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811154062

SSD: Waiting for a deal on any 64GB SSD like this one (around $44.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820227794

All in all, looking at a basic build for about $154.95. Looks like enough power to stream video in XBMC and use the browser occasionally. Any feedback or see any problems? I am considering upgrading to 4 GB RAM and maybe a Pentium instead of Celeron.

Celeron and Pentium will perform the same for HTPC duties -- the G530 is perfect.

Potentially better deal on G530:
http://www.superbiiz.com/query.php?categry=0&s=G530
$41.99 - $5 with code "ZAMBONI" + shipping ($2.01 USPS First Class to my zip) = $39

this is where prices should be on a basic HTPC. Its not like we need mega power. I would love to know how this board performs.

Note sure if there's a Microcenter near you but if there is http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...id=0373701

Don't forget to factor in the cost of a Windows license for the system... since he wants to run Netflix. You are a nice brother-in-law!

(2012-06-01, 09:45)artrafael Wrote: [ -> ]Don't forget to factor in the cost of a Windows license for the system...

this make me realize something.. how much it is ... i always thought it is free and open source like our XBMC lol

What about the graphics, you have listed a gpu.

David[/align]

The motherboard and CPU combination have Intel HD Graphics which will handle HTPC duties fine. Great job on a great budget HTPC!!!

Here's a 64GB SSD for sale today:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820220581
$49.99 after mail-in rebate

Looks good!!

Don't forget a 2.5 to 3.5 mounting bracket if you're using that SSD.

(2012-06-01, 18:00)Monkeypox Wrote: [ -> ]Don't forget a 2.5 to 3.5 mounting bracket if you're using that SSD.

Velcro will do for an SSD .

(2012-06-01, 18:00)Monkeypox Wrote: [ -> ]Don't forget a 2.5 to 3.5 mounting bracket if you're using that SSD.

Since there is no moving part and it generate no heat, you can stick it to anywhere w/ double sided tape-

I just realized, that this doesn't have wireless does it?

no built in wireless, he can add a cheap wireless usb to it if needed but, wired network is the way to go if at all possible.