Getting ready to build a HTPC (not my first PC build, but my first SFF HTPC build) and unload that overpriced cable company DVR, and looking for some feedback. I've read through Assassin's blog guide, some great stuff there. I've pretty much settled into the following, using new components and some leftovers from around the house. Let me know what you think, plus a question at the end. This system will be used mostly as a replacement for the DVR, occasional movie watching from DVD rips, and live TV viewing (mostly sports).
Newly/to be purchased:
Core i3 3225 3.3GHz LGA 1155 Processor
H77M-ITX LGA1155 H77 mini ITX Intel Motherboard
4GB G.Skill RAM
hec Black 7K09BBA30FNRX Micro HTPC Case with 300W power supply
Hauppauge WinTV-DCR-2650 Dual Tuner Digital CableCARD Receiver
NOTE: If you live anywhere near a Micro Center store, you really should take a look there for your motherboard and processor. Quite often they have combo deals that just can't be beat. I got the combination listed above for $175, which is $70 cheaper than Newegg, and $55 cheaper than the same motherboard with the i3-3220 from Newegg.
Leftovers around the house:
OCZ Agility OCZSSD2-1AGT60G 60 GB SSD drive (OS and applications)
Seagate Barracuda ST31000528AS 7200.12 1TB hard drive (data) OR
WD Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB hard drive (or both, using eSATA port for extra drive)
Windows 7 Home Premium
So, what do you think? Anyone with experience with that case who can say how the power supply is? I've picked that case over some others due to the included power supply in order to keep costs down, and if I'm just going to have to replace it sometime, I might look at something else.
Also, I was thinking about adding in a display in the optical drive bay, since I'm not putting one in, and would appreciate recommendations for that. I found this one, don't know how good it is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811996004
Thanks for any help you might have.
Newly/to be purchased:
Core i3 3225 3.3GHz LGA 1155 Processor
H77M-ITX LGA1155 H77 mini ITX Intel Motherboard
4GB G.Skill RAM
hec Black 7K09BBA30FNRX Micro HTPC Case with 300W power supply
Hauppauge WinTV-DCR-2650 Dual Tuner Digital CableCARD Receiver
NOTE: If you live anywhere near a Micro Center store, you really should take a look there for your motherboard and processor. Quite often they have combo deals that just can't be beat. I got the combination listed above for $175, which is $70 cheaper than Newegg, and $55 cheaper than the same motherboard with the i3-3220 from Newegg.
Leftovers around the house:
OCZ Agility OCZSSD2-1AGT60G 60 GB SSD drive (OS and applications)
Seagate Barracuda ST31000528AS 7200.12 1TB hard drive (data) OR
WD Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB hard drive (or both, using eSATA port for extra drive)
Windows 7 Home Premium
So, what do you think? Anyone with experience with that case who can say how the power supply is? I've picked that case over some others due to the included power supply in order to keep costs down, and if I'm just going to have to replace it sometime, I might look at something else.
Also, I was thinking about adding in a display in the optical drive bay, since I'm not putting one in, and would appreciate recommendations for that. I found this one, don't know how good it is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811996004
Thanks for any help you might have.














