OK, here is my build; my first HTPC. In fact, the first PC I’ve ever built. So with that in mind, I decided to document every step I took so other noobies wouldn’t be intimidated to attempt a build as well. I’ll go from selecting components to watching a movie.
I also have to say I probably never would have given this a try if it weren't for assassin's thread. Otherwise, I would have bought an Acer or Dino or something.
Let’s get started.
So this is an i3-2100 Sandy Bridge build. I was inclined to wait for the Llano but in the end, I’d already waited approximately two months while reading up on everything. See, I had to educate myself not just on HTPC but PC parts in general. I didn’t even know what all was required to make a PC run. I’m pretty good working with PCs, but the farthest I’ve delved into the innards is simply swapping out a DVD drive. And as many have stated here, the next best thing is always right around the corner. By the time the Llanos were shipping, I’d already hear about the next CPU that was going to be better than the Llano. In the end, the Sandy Bridge met my needs. What are my needs? Isn’t that the best place to start? Here we go:
Now let’s have a look at the components I selected:
CPU - Intel i3-2100 Sandy Bridge LGA 1155
CPU Cooler - Stock Intel cooler
MOBO - ASUS P8H67-M LE
HDD - Hitachi Deskstar 5K3000 (2TB)
RAM - G.Skill 2x2TB
CASE - hec Black Steel
PSU - stock PSU w/case
Tuner - Hauppauge 1250
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Antenna - Monoprice HD Antenna
I was strategic about ordering my parts and spaced it out enough to get some deals. In the end, the MSRP of all the above totaled $625.42. I actually paid $464.41 plus $14.88 shipping (for a total of $479.29), a savings of almost 26%. And I also get to update my laptop and desktop PC to W7 as a bonus!!
Here is a look at all the components:
Now we get to the meat of it… where to begin?
Let’s unpackage all the components and ensure we have everything. I’m sure to ground myself by touching the case before touching anything else. Certainly don’t want to risk frying anything before I even begin.
OK, so it looks like everything is here and I’ve reviewed my manual for my motherboard. I’m going to start there and set my CPU. Simple process (is this really all there is to it?). Just raise the locking arm on the socket, set the CPU (it only goes one way), and lower the arm.
To install the cooler, you want to snap each ‘corner’ into place. You don’t need extra thermo goo, there are three strips of it already on the cooler. I’m not planning on overclocking and from what I’ve read, I shouldn’t need any more if I’m not. If after monitoring the temps I think it’s running too hot, I may return here and add some.
I will say here, pay attention to where your cooler will plug into the MOBO. I had to reposition my cooler twice because I didn’t pay attention to where the plugs were on the MOBO. Also pay attention to which plug is 3-pin versus 4-pin for the fan.
Now I’ll install the RAM. Again, it only goes one way.
Inside the case are the cages for the external 5.25” and 3.5” drives. I don’t need the 5.25” right now as I don’t have a ODD. But I will go ahead and use the 3.5” for my hard drive. This is a simple install that only uses a few screws.
As you can see, the PSU is preinstalled, but I had to remove it several times; to mount the HDD, to plug in the case LEDs/power switch. It was only (4) screws to remove so it wasn’t a big deal.
In preparation of installing the MOBO, I want to put the rear plate in place. It just snaps in place (as the one that came with the case just snapped out).
Now I will mount my MOBO inside the case. This too only fits one way and screws down.
Then I want to begin the tedious portion of plugging up all the components. I definitely want to keep the MOBO manual handy here to ensure I get everything plugged up in its proper place.
I ran into a problem here with the LEDs. The POWER LED head was 3-pin wide, but there were only two pins on the board (there were only two wires in the 3-pin head). I was able to use a knife to lift the small, black flap on the back of thet 3-pin head and remove the wire and reposition it to the middle position. This allowed me to plug in the 3-pin head and get power to my LED (pretty, green glow around my power button on the front of the case).
OK, everything is plugged up and mounted so why won’t the thing post? It cuts on and immediately the DRAM LED light comes on and kills the fans. After much querying on assassin’s thread, researching the internet, I finally had a friend double-check my connections. My MOBO has a MemOK! feature that is supposed to work with your RAM to ensure it’s compatible, but I couldn’t get that test to run. Because of that, I felt like there was a PSU problem. My friend immediately saw that while I had the 4-pin and 20-pin PSU plugs connected, I didn’t have the 2nd 4-pin plug connected. I plugged it up and BINGO!! My build posted!!
Now that everything is installed and plugged up, I need to take a look at the BIOS in preparation for the Windows 7 install. I’m relying on my manuals to help me with my settings. For me, this was an intimidating portion of the build because I don’t know what much of this stuff means. I’ve read some details online (Tom’s Hardware comes to mind) in preparation (here and here).
I really didn’t change much, just made sure my RAM was rated correctly and that my drives were AHCI.
I need to get Windows 7 installed. I planned on borrowing an old DVD ODD from my desktop to install Windows, but it was so old the adaptors weren’t compatible with my new build. So I ran to the store to pick up a USB and planned on using the Microsoft DVD/USB Tool to load Windows.
I followed the direction and of course at the end of each process, it would err out. In researching it, I learned that I need a bootsect.exe file to make this work. Microsoft won’t give you that file unless you downloaded W7 off of their website (I ordered mine from Newegg). I ‘found’ the file around online but still could not get the process to work.
So as a replacement, I came across WinToFlash, a software that basically does the same thing as the MSFT tool. And it worked like a CHAMP!!
I used the Double Install Method that has been outlined in several places on the web. (sources include: here, here, here, as well as assassin’s FAQ). It worked without issue.
Windows 7 is installed successfully but I have to get all my updates .
I also go ahead and install Microsoft Security Essentials while I am here.
I can’t get the driver downloads from ASUS working correctly so I copy the DVD content over to my newly purchased USB and update the drivers from there.
I then go to the Intel website to make sure I’m current. I let them scan my machine and tell me everything that is needed.
Alright, now everything is stalled and up-to-date. Let’s run some tests
I’m running Prime95 (64bit) for my stress test and monitoring my temps with Core Temp.
I ran the stress test for 2-hr and the CPU temps topped out at 67*.
I think that is adequate. Looks like my build was successful. No area exhibit concern. All looks well.
So now we have to start turning this PC into a HTPC. I really want an all-in-one application that I can use to watch LiveTV, previously recorded TV, as well as stream my media, and has some serious eye candy and easy functionality (via remote). In my personal opinion, I am a big fan of XBMC. I think its appearance and customization is unsurpassed. I’ve learned how to work XBMC to get it to look and act the way I’d expect it to. So because of that, it pains me to say that I will be using 7MC w/Media Browser as my HTPC software. The simple fact is the TV integration of 7MC cannot be beaten. And a large concern of mine is WAF, so I have to weigh heavier on functionality. I’ve tested a bit on my laptop using 7MC and simply launching XBMC out of it directly into my Movie Library. I may still go back to this, but in the initial setup, I’m going to stick with just one 7MC. I know XBMC is working on a TV package but I don’t know if they will be able to top the integration and functionality of 7MC. At any rate, I’ll begin installing the software I’ll need to set this up like I want.
I don’t want to reinvent the wheel here, so be sure to check out GreenEyez’s thread on Windows 7 Media Center: Setup Guide, Knowledge Base & Support .
I quickly realize I need some more things installed:
I also install Media Center Studio so I can customize 7MC.
Then install Media Browser (Titan is the latest version - 2.3.1).
I won’t go into how to set all of this up here. If people are interested, I may add it in later.
I did play some videos last night through XBMC and Media Browser and it worked GREAT!! So much better than my ‘tests’ on my dual core Vista laptop. And I have to say that MB is MUCH faster than my previous experience. I am much more happy with it.
All in all, there are still several tweaks I have to make. I put in 3-hrs last night setting up screens the way I want them. I’m still having some issues I have to resolve (like file sharing between XP, Vista, and W7) but I’ll get it all worked out in the coming weeks.
Hope this was helpful.
I also have to say I probably never would have given this a try if it weren't for assassin's thread. Otherwise, I would have bought an Acer or Dino or something.
Let’s get started.
So this is an i3-2100 Sandy Bridge build. I was inclined to wait for the Llano but in the end, I’d already waited approximately two months while reading up on everything. See, I had to educate myself not just on HTPC but PC parts in general. I didn’t even know what all was required to make a PC run. I’m pretty good working with PCs, but the farthest I’ve delved into the innards is simply swapping out a DVD drive. And as many have stated here, the next best thing is always right around the corner. By the time the Llanos were shipping, I’d already hear about the next CPU that was going to be better than the Llano. In the end, the Sandy Bridge met my needs. What are my needs? Isn’t that the best place to start? Here we go:
- LiveTV with guide (OTA)
- PVR functionality
- Stream movies/TV shows off my LAN
- Capable of playing 1080p
- Bitstreaming HD-Audio
- Absolutely ZERO shuttering! I NEVER want to see ‘buffering’
- Function solely from a remote (with the exception of websites that required logins)
- 3D capable - I didn’t require 3D technology because I consider the technology very new and believe it will be changing drastically in the next 3 years. I won’t be a trailblazer there. By the time I upgrade my TV it will be time to upgrade my HTPC as well and I’ll use this current box as an extender in the bedroom at that time.
- Blu-Ray ODD – I will add a BD ODD at a later date. I was still concerned with costs at this point and know that BD ODD have sales periodically
- Wireless – the HTPC will be hardwired into my LAN
- Ripping/Encoding DVDs/BDs – I plan on using another machine to rip/encode
- Extenders – only plan on using the HTPC in the family room
- Size – I have an AV closet so the HTPC will be out of sight
- dB levels – I have an AV closet so the HTPC will be out of sight
- temperatures – I am only moderately concerned about heat since it will be in an AV closet with an Onkyo 608 putting off heat. But I can add more fans if needed.
Now let’s have a look at the components I selected:
CPU - Intel i3-2100 Sandy Bridge LGA 1155
CPU Cooler - Stock Intel cooler
MOBO - ASUS P8H67-M LE
HDD - Hitachi Deskstar 5K3000 (2TB)
RAM - G.Skill 2x2TB
CASE - hec Black Steel
PSU - stock PSU w/case
Tuner - Hauppauge 1250
OS - Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
Antenna - Monoprice HD Antenna
I was strategic about ordering my parts and spaced it out enough to get some deals. In the end, the MSRP of all the above totaled $625.42. I actually paid $464.41 plus $14.88 shipping (for a total of $479.29), a savings of almost 26%. And I also get to update my laptop and desktop PC to W7 as a bonus!!
Here is a look at all the components:
Now we get to the meat of it… where to begin?
Let’s unpackage all the components and ensure we have everything. I’m sure to ground myself by touching the case before touching anything else. Certainly don’t want to risk frying anything before I even begin.
OK, so it looks like everything is here and I’ve reviewed my manual for my motherboard. I’m going to start there and set my CPU. Simple process (is this really all there is to it?). Just raise the locking arm on the socket, set the CPU (it only goes one way), and lower the arm.
To install the cooler, you want to snap each ‘corner’ into place. You don’t need extra thermo goo, there are three strips of it already on the cooler. I’m not planning on overclocking and from what I’ve read, I shouldn’t need any more if I’m not. If after monitoring the temps I think it’s running too hot, I may return here and add some.
I will say here, pay attention to where your cooler will plug into the MOBO. I had to reposition my cooler twice because I didn’t pay attention to where the plugs were on the MOBO. Also pay attention to which plug is 3-pin versus 4-pin for the fan.
Now I’ll install the RAM. Again, it only goes one way.
Inside the case are the cages for the external 5.25” and 3.5” drives. I don’t need the 5.25” right now as I don’t have a ODD. But I will go ahead and use the 3.5” for my hard drive. This is a simple install that only uses a few screws.
As you can see, the PSU is preinstalled, but I had to remove it several times; to mount the HDD, to plug in the case LEDs/power switch. It was only (4) screws to remove so it wasn’t a big deal.
In preparation of installing the MOBO, I want to put the rear plate in place. It just snaps in place (as the one that came with the case just snapped out).
Now I will mount my MOBO inside the case. This too only fits one way and screws down.
Then I want to begin the tedious portion of plugging up all the components. I definitely want to keep the MOBO manual handy here to ensure I get everything plugged up in its proper place.
I ran into a problem here with the LEDs. The POWER LED head was 3-pin wide, but there were only two pins on the board (there were only two wires in the 3-pin head). I was able to use a knife to lift the small, black flap on the back of thet 3-pin head and remove the wire and reposition it to the middle position. This allowed me to plug in the 3-pin head and get power to my LED (pretty, green glow around my power button on the front of the case).
OK, everything is plugged up and mounted so why won’t the thing post? It cuts on and immediately the DRAM LED light comes on and kills the fans. After much querying on assassin’s thread, researching the internet, I finally had a friend double-check my connections. My MOBO has a MemOK! feature that is supposed to work with your RAM to ensure it’s compatible, but I couldn’t get that test to run. Because of that, I felt like there was a PSU problem. My friend immediately saw that while I had the 4-pin and 20-pin PSU plugs connected, I didn’t have the 2nd 4-pin plug connected. I plugged it up and BINGO!! My build posted!!
Now that everything is installed and plugged up, I need to take a look at the BIOS in preparation for the Windows 7 install. I’m relying on my manuals to help me with my settings. For me, this was an intimidating portion of the build because I don’t know what much of this stuff means. I’ve read some details online (Tom’s Hardware comes to mind) in preparation (here and here).
I really didn’t change much, just made sure my RAM was rated correctly and that my drives were AHCI.
I need to get Windows 7 installed. I planned on borrowing an old DVD ODD from my desktop to install Windows, but it was so old the adaptors weren’t compatible with my new build. So I ran to the store to pick up a USB and planned on using the Microsoft DVD/USB Tool to load Windows.
I followed the direction and of course at the end of each process, it would err out. In researching it, I learned that I need a bootsect.exe file to make this work. Microsoft won’t give you that file unless you downloaded W7 off of their website (I ordered mine from Newegg). I ‘found’ the file around online but still could not get the process to work.
So as a replacement, I came across WinToFlash, a software that basically does the same thing as the MSFT tool. And it worked like a CHAMP!!
I used the Double Install Method that has been outlined in several places on the web. (sources include: here, here, here, as well as assassin’s FAQ). It worked without issue.
Windows 7 is installed successfully but I have to get all my updates .
I also go ahead and install Microsoft Security Essentials while I am here.
I can’t get the driver downloads from ASUS working correctly so I copy the DVD content over to my newly purchased USB and update the drivers from there.
I then go to the Intel website to make sure I’m current. I let them scan my machine and tell me everything that is needed.
Alright, now everything is stalled and up-to-date. Let’s run some tests
I’m running Prime95 (64bit) for my stress test and monitoring my temps with Core Temp.
I ran the stress test for 2-hr and the CPU temps topped out at 67*.
I think that is adequate. Looks like my build was successful. No area exhibit concern. All looks well.
So now we have to start turning this PC into a HTPC. I really want an all-in-one application that I can use to watch LiveTV, previously recorded TV, as well as stream my media, and has some serious eye candy and easy functionality (via remote). In my personal opinion, I am a big fan of XBMC. I think its appearance and customization is unsurpassed. I’ve learned how to work XBMC to get it to look and act the way I’d expect it to. So because of that, it pains me to say that I will be using 7MC w/Media Browser as my HTPC software. The simple fact is the TV integration of 7MC cannot be beaten. And a large concern of mine is WAF, so I have to weigh heavier on functionality. I’ve tested a bit on my laptop using 7MC and simply launching XBMC out of it directly into my Movie Library. I may still go back to this, but in the initial setup, I’m going to stick with just one 7MC. I know XBMC is working on a TV package but I don’t know if they will be able to top the integration and functionality of 7MC. At any rate, I’ll begin installing the software I’ll need to set this up like I want.
I don’t want to reinvent the wheel here, so be sure to check out GreenEyez’s thread on Windows 7 Media Center: Setup Guide, Knowledge Base & Support .
I quickly realize I need some more things installed:
- - DirectX
- - Flash
- - I haven't installed yet, but Shark007 Win7 Pack & 64 bit . By the way, here are Shark's recommended settings.
I also install Media Center Studio so I can customize 7MC.
Then install Media Browser (Titan is the latest version - 2.3.1).
I won’t go into how to set all of this up here. If people are interested, I may add it in later.
I did play some videos last night through XBMC and Media Browser and it worked GREAT!! So much better than my ‘tests’ on my dual core Vista laptop. And I have to say that MB is MUCH faster than my previous experience. I am much more happy with it.
All in all, there are still several tweaks I have to make. I put in 3-hrs last night setting up screens the way I want them. I’m still having some issues I have to resolve (like file sharing between XP, Vista, and W7) but I’ll get it all worked out in the coming weeks.
Hope this was helpful.
