[Gunserotti]

I'm contemplating my first HTPC. In the past I have used streamers such as: PCH A200, SageTV HD 300, Boxee Box. The HTPC will be attached to an Unraid server via gigabit LAN and be displayed via HDMI. My blurays are in bdmv format. I want to store the HTPC in a standard size AV cabinet. OS will be Win7 64bit.

I am looking for a system that is "overpowered" meaning cost is not a major concern. I want the best performance. Here are some of the requirements:

1. Bitstream HD Audio easily
2. Corectly display 23.976 FPS

Final component list (parts on the way). All products from new egg.ca except the case, which I regret because the company best direct.ca has not shipped yet and the order status page results in a 404 error.

1. AMD A8-3850-----139.99

2. ASRock A75M----95.00

3. Scythe SCSK-1100 100mm Shuriken Rev. B 3 Heat Pipes CPU Cooler---------34.99

4. Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB----119.9

5. Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600)--------50.49

6. SILVERSTONE Grandia Series GD05B micro-ATX------92.84. Not too impressed with this company...order status page does not work. Got initial email confirmation but nothing about shipping. Beware!

7. Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80
--------51.49

8. Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition-------16.00

[eskro]

looks great to me!

[Gunserotti]

I have updated the component list and close to ordering. Am I missing anything?

[Mallet21]

Maybe find some cheaper RAM? That price seems pretty high for 8gb.

<edit> just noticed you don't care about price....nevermind.

[Beer40oz]

Maybe find some cheaper RAM? That price seems pretty high for 8gb.

<edit> just noticed you don't care about price....nevermind.

Yah! $100 for RAM.... you could get something cheaper.... but it's your $...

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6820148476

Just a fan of Crucial... that is all.


How about a CPU cooler? while you are at it..... the stock one is loud.....

I have this one:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6835185097

It does fit the Fm1 Socket too..... but they did not list it on newegg.... it does say it on the box and here:

http://www.scythe-eu.com/en/products/cpu...rev-b.html

It should fit very nicely the case you choosed.... its a very nice case btw!




What you think of its slimmer sister?

[Beer40oz]

Oh and for a power supply.....

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6817371029

Antec Neo Eco... its silent and it's made by one of the best PSU makers... Seasonic.....

[Gunserotti]

I'm a fan of crucial as well...I'll take the suggestion for the cheaper ram. What model is the case. It looks very nice as well. I was under the impression that the CPU would come with. Heats ink/fan. I guess this's why there is a dedicated forum. Thanks or the help. BTW whats a good IR solution for the above cases.

[Beer40oz]

MILO ML03B

Yes I have tried many RAM modules crucial has been good to me.

Oh and yes your ram buy it with out any heat sinks.... (spreaders) because they might get in the way of the CPU cooler....

[Beer40oz]

I'm a fan of crucial as well...I'll take the suggestion for the cheaper ram. What model is the case. It looks very nice as well. I was under the impression that the CPU would come with. Heats ink/fan. I guess this's why there is a dedicated forum. Thanks or the help. BTW whats a good IR solution for the above cases.

I use the MediaGate GP-IR02BK Remote....

[eskro]

the Crucial M4 SSD sure had impressive read/write speeds but,
honestly, after seeing some videos on utube,
mainly boot time videos,
the Patriot Torqx2 boots windows7 in the same amount of time!!
i'd go for the Torqx2!
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PI...ME%29.aspx
$70
but use this link Here to get it at $66
memoryExpress website has a Price Beat feature!


agree for the NEO ECO 520W PSU!!
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.asp...6817371030
$60 + free shipping
get it while it lasts!!


this HyperX ram rocks!!
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?s...e=Kingston
$49
but use this link Here to priceMAtch at $33.54!!


and i agree, stock AMD CPU cooler is annoying/distracting,,,
i suggest you get a Scythe Big Shuriken with the money saved!
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=64483&...ure=Scythe
$45


best to buy your silverstone GD05B HTPC case on memoryExpress.com
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PI...ME%29.aspx
$100
and again, use this link Here to price beat at $90!!

[Gunserotti]

Eskro..thanks for the links...thats gonna save me some cash

Just need a good IR solution now....

[Gunserotti]

Ended up purchasing this for the IR solution:

Windows 7 Vista XP Media Center MCE PC Remote Control and Infrared Receiver for Home, Premium and Ultimate Edition

[eskro]

should be good to go!

and i bet u can even pair that Receiver with any HArmony remote (windows only)