My first PC build ever! (which way should I go: i3/Ceton or i3/GPU/HDHomerun Prime)

Hi everyone,

This is my first post after many, many hours of searching and researching my first PC build. I have to say that that this is one of the best communities around. So thanks in advance to everyone who unknowingly helped me along (especially renethx!) for my head-first dive into this hobby. On to my question/build:

HTPC USE: We will be using this htpc to watch 1080p .mkv files via XBMC and I would eventually like to incorporate either the new Ceton tuner or the upcoming HD Homerun Prime and migrate to an WMC7/XBMC setup. This system will NOT be used for gaming, video encoding etc. and a ODD is not necessary.

MULTI-ROOM PLAN: When we add-in the tuners, we will be using xbox360s as extenders (we only need live tv/recorded tv in the other rooms) but that could change if I can be convinced otherwise by the time I buy.

SYSTEM:The system I have essentially decided on is a slightly modified version of renethx's recommended mini-itx premium system (downgraded SSD). However, my main question is regarding the GPU vs. iGPU and how that choice will affect the tuner/case/psu I pick.

CPU: Core i3-530 2.93GHz LGA1156 - $115
Cooler: Stock Cooler - $0
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA1156 - $105
Memory: G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ DDR3-1600 2 x 2GB - $96
GPU: Sapphire HD 5570 1GB DDR3 HDMI 100293L - $80
HDD: Intel X25-V SSDSA2MP040G2R5 2.5" 40GB SATA II SSD - $110
PSU: ?
Tuner: ? (remove GPU and add Ceton? OR keep GPU and wait for external HDHomerun Prime?)
Case: ?

TOTAL SO FAR: $506

QUESTIONS:

1.) Is it a mistake to downgrade the SSD to X25-V (40GB)? The drive will be for system files only and it sounds like an SSD makes a world of difference. All media will be housed externally (including recorded TV down the road).

2.) My main question is regarding my GPU/Tuner/Case choice. Since I went with a mini-itx setup, I only have one expansion slot. I can see two options right now. Which would you suggest? Also, does either option effect my case/PSU choice (Antec ISK 310-150, Origen M10 etc.)?

- OPTION A: Keep GPU in the build and wait for the external HD Homerun Prime? I suppose I could potentially wait on the GPU as well and keep that slot open until the HDHomerun Prime is released and make the decision then.

OR

- OPTION B: Remove GPU from the build (use Clarksdale iGPU) and install the Ceton tuner now. Will the iGPU be strong enough to handle the 4 tuners (with potentially 2 extenders)?

I apologize for the long post but I wanted to get out all of the background info up front. Any help will be appreciated. Feel free to correct me if I made any wrong assumptions or if I missed any crucial information. Thanks again in advance!

-G

I'm glad that I'm not the only one. Here is what I can think of for pros and cons so far.

HDHomerun Prime (Pros):
- Reduces the heat/noise/space in the main system
- Frees up an expansion slot (essential for m-itx systems)
- Less expensive than Ceton

HDHomerun Prime (Cons):
- Still not much known about the product
- Release Date TBD
- 3 tuners instead of 4

Ceton (Pros):
- 1st batch now shipping
- all contained in single box
- 4 tuners instead of 3

Ceton (Cons):
- for m-itx, takes up only slot
- more expensive than HDHR Prime

-G

I thought I had read somewhere that some folks were having trouble with the i3 when using MC7 with a few extenders. Has anyone heard the same?

i3 with the Ceton was the original plan but once I read that the i3 might have some issues with MC7 w/ extenders, I started to rethink things.