2012-10-16, 20:58
Hi Guys
I'm looking to build my first HTPC. I've been lurking for a while now, taking in all of the advice I can, and have finally decided that I am going to trade up from my Popcorn Hour A210 to a HTPC.
I currently use the PCH to play all of my content, which is all stored on a NAS (that also runs sickbeard etc.) This, for the most part works fine, but XBMC offers much more flexibility. I am hoping to be able to take the load off my NAS and shift sickbeard etc onto the HTPC. I would like to include a BD-ROM at some point in the future to allow me to backup and play my Blu-Ray collection.
I am choosing between a couple of builds, and I would really appreciate any opinions that you guys might have. I have been waiting for the Ivybridge and Trinity stuff to become available and I am trying to decide between the two at the moment. I know that the ASRock board is not quite available yet, and I am leaning towards the Intel build as a result.
CPU: Intel i3 3225
Mobo: ASRock H77M-ITX
Or
CPU: AMD A6-5400K
Mobo ASRock FM2A75M-ITX
With
Memory: Corsair XMS3 2x 4GB 1600MHz
SSD: Samsung 64GB 830 Series
Case: Antec ISK 300-150
OS: Windows 7 Professional
I am undecided as to whether the stock cooler will be quiet enough for my needs, so I am considering the Scythe Kozuti. I don't know if the Big Shuriken Rev. B will cause problems if I add a Blu-Ray drive in the future with the cutting that is required to fit it.
I am slightly concerned about the PSU included with the case, and would also appreciate any recommendations on where I can get a decent Pico PSU in the UK.
I have a Logitech Harmony One, but have decided to worry about the whole IR boot thing once everything is built. Both boards have a CIR header, which is a good start!
I'm looking to build my first HTPC. I've been lurking for a while now, taking in all of the advice I can, and have finally decided that I am going to trade up from my Popcorn Hour A210 to a HTPC.
I currently use the PCH to play all of my content, which is all stored on a NAS (that also runs sickbeard etc.) This, for the most part works fine, but XBMC offers much more flexibility. I am hoping to be able to take the load off my NAS and shift sickbeard etc onto the HTPC. I would like to include a BD-ROM at some point in the future to allow me to backup and play my Blu-Ray collection.
I am choosing between a couple of builds, and I would really appreciate any opinions that you guys might have. I have been waiting for the Ivybridge and Trinity stuff to become available and I am trying to decide between the two at the moment. I know that the ASRock board is not quite available yet, and I am leaning towards the Intel build as a result.
CPU: Intel i3 3225
Mobo: ASRock H77M-ITX
Or
CPU: AMD A6-5400K
Mobo ASRock FM2A75M-ITX
With
Memory: Corsair XMS3 2x 4GB 1600MHz
SSD: Samsung 64GB 830 Series
Case: Antec ISK 300-150
OS: Windows 7 Professional
I am undecided as to whether the stock cooler will be quiet enough for my needs, so I am considering the Scythe Kozuti. I don't know if the Big Shuriken Rev. B will cause problems if I add a Blu-Ray drive in the future with the cutting that is required to fit it.
I am slightly concerned about the PSU included with the case, and would also appreciate any recommendations on where I can get a decent Pico PSU in the UK.
I have a Logitech Harmony One, but have decided to worry about the whole IR boot thing once everything is built. Both boards have a CIR header, which is a good start!