[roland6543]

Hi Guys,
Having carefully looked through Eskros recommended builds, then shopping on line, then finding some parts not available, then consolidating shipping where possible (not too much free shipping in Canada), I've tried my best to replace the recommended parts with a close match. I have listed my proposed system below, and wish to know if it is a good balance of components. I guess I was targeting a group #7 machine in general, but actually my priorities are:
Play any divx, and other format up to 1080p via HDMI cable to my TV;
Direct optical audio to my 5.1 audio system by optical cable;
Smooth use of XBMC with huge library and lots of cool fanart;
Eventually, when I can afford a 3D TV, be able to play SBS 3D formats to the TV;
Lower power consumptions (relative to my current always on system;
Content to come from WHS via Gigabyte ethernet, through ASUS RT-N56U Router.
Quiet

So my proposed system (running Windows 7):
Two Fractal Design Silent Series 80MM Ultra Quiet Cooling Fan 1400RPM 16.0CFM 11DBA W/ Rubber Fasteners
Silverstone Milo ML03B Black mATX HTPC Case 1X5.25 2X3.5INT USB3 Supports 4 80MM Case Fan
Seasonic SS-400ET 400W EPS12V 20/24PIN ATX Power Supply Active PFC 80PLUS 6PIN PCI-E 120MM Fan OEM
AMD A6-3500 APU W/ AMD Radeon 65XX HD GFX Triple Core Processor Socket FM1 2.1GHZ 3MB 65W Retail Box
Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT25664BA160A 4GB 2X2GB DDR3-1600 1.5V CL10 Dual Channel Memory Kit
Gigabyte A75M-D2H mATX AMD FM1 A75 2PCI-E16 1PCI-E1 1PCI DDR3 HDMI DVI SATA3 USB 3.0 *IR-$2*

Will this work as I require it? Are there any weak links, or for that matter any components that are overkill, since this is exclusively a HTPC machine (no games).

As always.... thank so much to the helpful members here, without which I would still be in the dark ages.

[eskro]

everything looks good to me!
it'll suit all your needs!
just note that AMD stock coolers can be loud :/
other then that,
you should have a silent HTPC!

[roland6543]

Would the bestbuy option recommended here be a good option? It's an amazing price, so I wouldnt mind taking a drive to the States.... The processor/GPU is obviously OK, but I'm not certain whether it would meet the requirements I mention above e.g. noise etc.

[eskro]

its got a nice price tag thats for sure.
but noise can be handled if u find it too loud.
replace case fans and CPU cooler can be done.
but then, price goes up.

[bluray]

It's still on sale at Bestbuy- Gateway SX2370-UB30P. It's hard to beat for a very well equipped AMD A6-3600 at $349 shipped. It's slightly step up from A6-3500 in your list. It's ready for XBMC out of the box.

[roland6543]

If it had optical audio out, I would have bought it for sure. Unfortunately my AV receiver doesn't have hdmi so I have to run a separate audio to it to get 5.1

[roland6543]

Do you know if the audio out is a S/PDIF multiple channel connector, like on some laptops, or 2 channel type only?

[eskro]

i dunno, contact gateway

[bluray]

Do you know if the audio out is a S/PDIF multiple channel connector, like on some laptops, or 2 channel type only?

Unfortunately, Gateway A6-3600 doesn't have S/PDIF output but you can install one of these options below in it.

Asus Xonar DG PCI 5.1 Channel Sound Card

SIIG CE-S00022-S1 Virtual 7.1 Channels USB Interface surround sound USB audio adapter with Optical S/PDIF out

[roland6543]

Unfortunately, Gateway A6-3600 doesn't have S/PDIF output but you can install one of these options below in it.

Asus Xonar DG PCI 5.1 Channel Sound Card

SIIG CE-S00022-S1 Virtual 7.1 Channels USB Interface surround sound USB audio adapter with Optical S/PDIF out

I just contacted Gateway. Not sure how knowledgeable the guy on the other end was, but he said it cannot take a PCI sound card. Second question: Can it take a 2.5" SSD drive for installing the OS? Finally: Is it quiet, or should I replace the case fans (1, or 2?)

[bluray]

I just contacted Gateway. Not sure how knowledgeable the guy on the other end was, but he said it cannot take a PCI sound card. Second question: Can it take a 2.5" SSD drive for installing the OS? Finally: Is it quiet, or should I replace the case fans (1, or 2?)

You still can use the USB sound card then. I used my friend Gateway. It seems to be quiet. You might not need SSD either. It included W7 and everything in it. You can try it as is first. If you don't like certain thing in it, you can modify it afterward.

[roland6543]

First of all, to give credit where it is due..... thanks for the advice and guides, especially eskro and bluray!

To get the Gateway, I would have had to travel too far (stock is obviously running very low), so I decided to build my own, using eskro's guide for group 7:
Gigabyte A75N-D2H motherboard
A6-3500 CPU with stock cooling
Silverstone ML03B Case
2 Fractal design 80mm case fans
Seasonic SS-350ET PSU
AMD 4GB PC3-12800 DD3 RAM
Samsung 830 60GB SSD

It runs SUPER QUIET. The loudest component is the second SATA drive I installed (when its working).

OK, so it cost more than I wanted to, but I couldn't resist the SSD.

Sig change coming soon - my old HTPC (jet engine!) is being rebuilt as a server, in another room.

One problem that frustrated me, and I'll mention it here for others who experience similar problems, was the installation of Windows 7.

The board only takes SATA drives, so I first tried an old Philips external DVD. Copies the installation files on boot, then when it comes to installing Windows, it gives a missing CD/DVD driver error. Weird. So I put the Windows 7 files on a bootable USB flash dive - same error. Curiouser and curiouser! After scouring the web forums, many people are experiencing the same problem and there are a variety of fixes. For me, the fix was simple.... after getting the missing driver error, move the USB flash drive to a different USB port, back out of the error screen and continue with install. It seems crazy that the Windows installation routines "forgets" where the install files reside in the middle of the install. But there you have it - problem solved.

[bluray]

First of all, to give credit where it is due..... thanks for the advice and guides, especially eskro and bluray!

Gigabyte A75N-D2H motherboard
A6-3500 CPU with stock cooling
Silverstone ML03B Case
2 Fractal design 80mm case fans
Seasonic SS-350ET PSU
AMD 4GB PC3-12800 DD3 RAM
Samsung 830 60GB SSD

Congratulation and it time to enjoy the movie then!

If you are interesting in playback BD files in full 1080P video with DTS-HD/TrueHD audio, you can do it with this guide- Another External Player Code, but Very Simple to Setup.

[eskro]

congratz on your htpc roland6543!

if u feel like it, some pics and a tiny video plz