£400 NAS/HTPC build - any good?

[Deleted member 68110]

I'm trying to spec out a simple HTPC to run XBMC to watch films, stream from my spotify account, and store (and back up on a second "mirror" drive) all our photos.

Does this look any good?

I want a desktop box rather than a tower, to fit into the TV unit/stand.

What would anyone change?

 

[RJC]

Even though the system will pull very little I would like to see a quality PSU, but this would increase the price by another £20 ~

The system should run as a HTPC ok.

 

[Deleted member 68110]

Even though the system will pull very little I would like to see a quality PSU, but this would increase the price by another £20.

Blimey. Really? Had hoped to save a bit of cash. Ah well.

Something like this:

Cooler Master Elite Power 500W Power Supply - £37

Are there any areas of the build where I can get more bang for my buck?

Also, am I right in thinking this system can have single RAM units? (ie, it doesn't have to be put in as pairs?)

 

[xNytramx]

Maybe something like this?The sandybridge will give you a lot more of a kick for your money and with the H67 board you can use the onboard graphics.

EDIT: No Case -> Removed OCUK case.



If you can get a case for £40 then this would probably be a nice HTPC
With the case you opted for above this build comes overbudget by £37, at £436.72. Just another opinion for you
With a 550W OCUK PSU + the Silverstone Sugo it comes in at £419.73

 

[xNytramx]

Delete - double posted

 

[Buchanan0204]

I wouldn't entertain an OcUK case. It's absolutely junk!! It's massive also, and you would need a hefty unit to place it on. The depth was something silly causing it overhang on my unit. It also has the same cheapo PSU pre fitted tha was advised against. Although there not actually that bad. I use a couple for low end builds.

Have you considered something like an Acer Revo. £200, playback of 1080p and BBCIHD, perfect for XBMC, All you need to do is attach an external drive or simply add a networked drive. I have an external drive connected to mine and it's ideal. It's tiny and you never see it. It's also completely silent, the Revo and the drive.

 

[xNytramx]

Ah right, so the OCUK case is a No no.
Well with the H67 board you shouldnt need the Gfx card so you could swap that out for a better case - I believe all H67 boards have onboard graphics ability with the SB chips, enough for a HTPC! GL

 

[Buchanan0204]

Ah right, so the OCUK case is a No no.QUOTE]

Yeh it's totally garbage. If you subtract the cost of the PSU at £18 from it. That leaves you with a £22 case which profit is being made on. It's absolutely massive as well. Hardly ideal for a HTPC case. No idea why they sell it, OcUK don't really sell bargain basement products.