HTPC build

marc69

marc69

marc69

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Hi guys,

First time in building a HTPC so I'm pretty unsure what I'm doing.

I've put something together and I'd just like a few more opinions to make sure I've not made any silly mistakes.

unledmw.jpg


It's going to be connected to a yamaha rxv367 AV receiver. Would this be adequate for 1080p movies / blurays (I know I need to add a bluray drive to the build but I can add that in later).

Also, will this output audio and video over the HDMI output on the motherboard?

Many Thanks,

Marc
 
will this output audio and video over the HDMI output on the motherboard?
Click to expand...

It will

http://www.msi.com/product/mb/A75MA-G55.html
HDMI v1.4 (AMD)

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is new generation fully digital video/audio interface which can transfer 1080p High-Definition video and Audio output in single compact connector. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.

Features
- Next-Gen Multimedia Interface
- Deliver Full HD Video & Audio output In Only One Cable
Click to expand...

This HDD should be tiny bit faster (at least in benchmark software) - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-082-SA
 
Thanks for clearing up the HDMI question mate.

As for the hard drive, are these 6GB/S ones not worth going for then? I've never really paid much attention to hard drives, as long as they store my files, I've generally been happy with them :)

Any other changes you could recommend?

Thanks again,

Marc
 
marc69 said:
As for the hard drive, are these 6GB/S ones not worth going for then? I've never really paid much attention to hard drives, as long as they store my files, I've generally been happy with them :)
Click to expand...

A SATA6GB/S interface makes no difference to a mechanical harddrive as it cant transfer enough MB/S to even fill a SATA3GB/S interface, the harddrive roundups I have seen have shown the F3 to be a tiny bit quicker than a barracuda7200.11 or 7200.12.

Any other changes you could recommend?
Click to expand...

Not really, the PSU supplied with the case is not the best, and reviews for the case suggest a few things such as adding a fan.
 
Ah right, I see.

I did read the review on the case and noticed about the PSU and the fans. I've added three fans to the build as the guy recommened in the review. I think I will probably replace the PSU at some point if I go ahead with it but it should last me for a little bit :).

Would this be a pretty adequate HTPC build?

Thanks for all your help,

Marc
 
stulid said:
Not really, the PSU supplied with the case is not the best, and reviews for the case suggest a few things such as adding a fan.
Click to expand...

the PSU sounds pretty terrible to be honest, it doesnt even have ANY 6 pin plugs. i know the OP wont need them, but it doesnt sound like the kind of thing i'd be happy to have powering £250 worth of computer
 
marc69 said:
Ah right, I see.

I did read the review on the case and noticed about the PSU and the fans. I've added three fans to the build as the guy recommened in the review. I think I will probably replace the PSU at some point if I go ahead with it but it should last me for a little bit :).

Would this be a pretty adequate HTPC build?

Thanks for all your help,

Marc
Click to expand...

Will be very adequate and the Llano graphics core is better than the usually "built-in" junk so even gaming at modest settings will be possible.

Dont spend the earth on case fans, about £2-3 each is all you need to spend.
 
Cheers for the replies guys.

I am a bit wary of that power suply. I guess my max budget is about £350.

Yeah, I found some ultra quiet ones for a couple of quid so they should do.

Cheers,

Marc
 
You may want to consider using a Fusion E-350 board like the fully passive ASUS E35M1-I DELUXE (~£130). This board includes the CPU and GPU on the package. Here is a review that puts it through it's HTPC paces.

That said, the one thing it can't seem to do at the moment is Iplayer HD using the standard interface - since the current implementation doesn't use GPU decoding. However, if you use the iplayer plugin within XBMC then you can play iplayerHD smoothly.
 
I think if I go for my original build I will add the PSU you suggested Stulid. It's not worth risking expensive equipment for £30.

Andi, that motherboard / cpu combo board looks pretty good, it would save me a little bit of cash as well.

I'm not sure where I'm heading with this build though. Maybe I'm building a bit overkill for my needs?

Cheers,

Just under £400 now

6123.jpg


Marc
 
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4GB (2x2GB) Corsair DDR3 XMS3, PC3-12800 (1600) £22.99
1TB Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3, SATA 3Gb/s, 7200rpm, 32MB Cache, £39.23
430W PSU, Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-430CX, £35.32
Silverstone Milo ML03B Micro ATX, Black, Slim/HTPC Case with USB3 £47.98
MSI A75MA-G55, AMD A75, FM1, PCI-E (x16), DDR3 1600, SATA 6Gb/s, Micro ATX, On Board Graphics £71.95
AMD A8 3850, Lynx Core, Quad Core, S FM1, 2.9GHz, 4MB Cache, GPU 600MHz, 100W, Retail £99.95
Samsung SH-B123L/BSBP 12x Blu-ray BD-ROM & DVDRW Combo Player OEM £41.98

£362.20 not ocuk prices

the milo supports 4 80mm fans not included but you can add them
 
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marc69 said:
I think if I go for my original build I will add the PSU you suggested Stulid. It's not worth risking expensive equipment for £30.

Andi, that motherboard / cpu combo board looks pretty good, it would save me a little bit of cash as well.

I'm not sure where I'm heading with this build though. Maybe I'm building a bit overkill for my needs?

Cheers,

Just under £400 now

6123.jpg


Marc
Click to expand...

That will work.

But get a retail Blu-ray drive that will come with playback software.

Maybe I'm building a bit overkill for my needs?
Click to expand...

Is that a bad thing?:D
 
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