Building a new HTPC

post #1 of 7

9/6/12 at 6:16am

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3 Posts. Joined 3/2010
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Hello all! I've been working with computers for years and have built a few, but recently I decided to take on a new challenge and build a new HTPC. My old one is a wimpy Acer AspireRevo 1600 and is setup to stream XBMC to any device on my network. It works, but is very dated and slow. I originally checked out google for a decent parts list for a new HTPC but every single one I found was dated to the point of having most parts no longer carried by online retailers. Obviously this is a problem

While looking around I stumbled upon this site and was hoping for some much needed guidance in terms of the parts needed to build what I was looking for.

Here is what I'm looking for (and please feel free to ask any questions!):

Budget is $1000
Needs to be a HTPC but also be able to run modern games
If possible, a wireless keyboard that can be charged
Don't need an OS
Would like to buy from Newegg, but doesn't really matter if there is a better option. Would like to by all parts from the same place
Would like an awesome case, looks are important!

So in a nutshell, I would like a quiet PC. It will run Windows 7 and boot to XBMC. As stated earlier, needs to be able to run modern games with decent graphics, but remain silent (at least while being used as a HTPC). I don't want a jet engine in my living room while watching a movie

. Will be running 24/7. As few LED's as possible.

Thanks in advance all, looking forward to your responses!

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post #2 of 7

9/6/12 at 7:01am

50 Posts. Joined 4/2006
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If you dont need an OS or a TV tuner you can do within your budget for sure. Just take a look at the sticky up top.

But I am currently ordering for my build:

Antec Case
Sandy Bridge i3
4GB mem
Asus MB
3TB HD
64GB SSD
I/O wire keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823176020

Also for me but doesn't seem it will apply to you:
I already have a Harmony remote
Infinitv4 Pci
Windows 7

By no means is my build exactly what you want to do, but an outline that it can be done fairly cheap. Only thing in question is what exactly you will need for the gaming you want to do. I do all my gaming on a console so I dunno what a PC would need for specs so be sure to find out specifics there but I would assume you'd want a dedicated video card, if not a better processor as well if the games are high end graphics.

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post #3 of 7

9/6/12 at 11:34am

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Must have misses the sticky, sorry about that. I'll go read it.

One question for you though. I already have a Harmony Remote and Windows 7, but the thought of a Infinitv4 Pci was a great one. Do you think it works well/would you recommend one?

Thanks again.

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post #4 of 7

9/6/12 at 2:15pm

50 Posts. Joined 4/2006
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Quote:

Originally Posted by TobyChimp

Must have misses the sticky, sorry about that. I'll go read it.
One question for you though. I already have a Harmony Remote and Windows 7, but the thought of a Infinitv4 Pci was a great one. Do you think it works well/would you recommend one?
Thanks again.

I don't have it yet setup yet. Still waiting for certain parts to arrive.

But reviews are very favorable. I don't see any reason why it wont replace the DVR box from my cable company and be a much better product.

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post #5 of 7

9/6/12 at 9:57pm

679 Posts. Joined 12/2011
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Quote:

Originally Posted by TobyChimp

Must have misses the sticky, sorry about that. I'll go read it.
One question for you though. I already have a Harmony Remote and Windows 7, but the thought of a Infinitv4 Pci was a great one. Do you think it works well/would you recommend one?
Thanks again.

I would highly recommend the Ceton . Stay away from the usb version though.. The biggest issue with the Ceton is quite simple . Like anything else of this nature , you MUST follow the install instructions to the "T". It is not hard at all but again , installation by the numbers is mandatory . Also disable any AV software prior to installing the drivers etc. Once your up and running then you can turn the AV back on .

I have heard really good results with this vid card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130796 Not a screamer mind you . Not going to play Crysis with all the candy on full blast but would do middle of the road gaming and still remain relatively quiet.

Any of the builds / part recommendations in Assassins guides are going to net you the results you are looking for ... hands down no question .

One last bit of advice . Puke up the $25 and get Assassins paid guide . When it comes to the software side of the htpc this is ware the rubber meets the road and your going to save day's ( maybe weeks) of torture if you go this route.

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post #6 of 7

9/7/12 at 7:07am

782 Posts. Joined 6/2011
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I haven't used the Ceton but have heard good things. The SiliconDust HDHomeRun line is excellent though. Networked tuners so accessible by multiple computers and a snap to set up. I like being able to watch TV on my office PC but use the HTPC for my main DVR.

As for parts within your budget, it shouldn't be a problem especially if you live near a Microcenter.

Core i5 3570K = $190 (Microcenter)
BIOSTAR TZ77A mobo = $40 (Microcenter: $105 - $15 MiR - $50 processor bundle promo)
Patriot DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) = $34 (Newegg: $44 - $10 MiR)
XFX Radeon HD 6870 vid card = $150 (Newegg: $180 - $30 MiR)
128 GB SSD = $80 (various brands, deals at this price happen all the time)
CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 600w PSU = $40 (Newegg: $70 - $10 promo code - $20 MiR)
Case = $100 (lots of options depending on what you like)
4TB (2x2TB) HDD = $200 (many options here)
SiliconDust HD HomeRun Prime = $160 (Amazon or wait for a frequent deal on Woot for $130)
IR receiver and remote = $18 (HDPlex Internal)

Total = $852

+ KB/Mouse + OS will still be less than $1k

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post #7 of 7

9/7/12 at 8:05pm