Critique My HTPC Build

Misan

Misan

Misan

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Joined
17 Nov 2006
Posts
123
Location
Manchester
Hi guys, let me know if you have any suggestions or changes to the following spec. The machine will be used a standalone HTPC front-end for streaming content from an existing Windows file server. I'm building this box to replace my Xbox running XBMC due to issues with 720p playback and above,

I will be running Windows 7 with XBMC loading on startup.

I've stuck with the ATI 4200, as several reviews state 1080p playback works great, and also to reduce power consumption and noise over a PCI-e card.

Antec Fusion Remote HTPC Case - Silver £116.98

Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H AMD 880G (Socket AM3) microATX DDR3 Motherboard - £51.05

Corsair Force 40GB F40 2.5" SATA-ll Solid State Drive (CSSD-F40GB2-BRKT) £93.99

AMD Athlon II X2 Dual Core 250 3.00GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail £46.99

Corsair CX 400W ATX Power Supply (CMPSU-400CXUK) £32.99

Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 10666C8 1333MHz Dual-Channel (CMX4GX3M2A1333C8) £82.24

Samsung SH-S223L/RSMN 22x DVD±RW SATA Lightscribe ReWriter (Beige/Black/Silver) - Retail - £11.05

Sub Total : £379.71


Thanks for any help!
 
I don't know all that much about building for videos, but I have had to build a HTPC for work using an Antec Fusion Remote and a Corsair CX400 and its a pain in the a$$ trying to get all the cables in once you have an optical drive installed and when you use the front display which requires an extension of the 24pin cable to be used... just a heads up.
 
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I definitely would go for a modular psu design, the Corsair CX400 has oodles of cables, more than you ever possible will need for a MATX build. The other components look fine, although you could do with an aftermarket CPU cooler too to lower noise.
 
The Enermax PSU's tend to be 140mm long, as compared to 150mm or 160mm. They all conform to the ATX standard, but it's worth checking the length - definitely go modular as well. Something like the 500W Enermax LibertyECO II, however OCUK don't seem to sell them and I'm loathed to link to another seller ;)
 
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