HTPC for £200-£300

[scwilson]

All,

Trying to spec up a HTPC but I'm having doubts about the E350 approach.

I basically have an Antec ISK300-150 case. I'm not going to add a CD/DVD drive to it because I'll install Windows 7 64-bit via USB stick. The less power it uses the better

So all I want to do with it is;

- Media Player (mkv, avi, DVD-iso and Blu-Ray-iso) probably using XBMC
- Web browsing

My plan is to add an SSD;

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-075-OC&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=910

Add some memory (4GB);

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-257-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1516

I realize the memory is dependent on motherboard but I think DDR3 1333MHz Dual-Channel is a safe bet.

The problem I have is motherboard. I can't seem to decide on an E350 or whether to go separate mobo and processor, which works out more expensive and I can't actually find many mini-itx mobos without processors.

I do like the idea of combined GPU to reduce heat but again, I'm unsure if this will limit me at all.

Any advice?

 

[scwilson]

Is there a reason that you don't want to go for the E350? I've got one in my server and its fantastic. Using the Asus board myself (albeit the Micro ATX version)

Not really, I just hear on various forums that the E350 struggles but then I guess they may be referring to gaming. I'm not interested in that and if the E350 can handle 1080P alongside the built in GPU on the mobo than that is good for me.

 

[scwilson]

Wondering whether to go Gigabyte, Asus or Zotac. I've only ever owned Asus boards, just because they have always been reliable for me, including my current reliable Crosshair III.

 

[scwilson]

Ok - thanks. Will check out some ASrock boards.