New HTPC build help...

[AHOLLA]

Hey, it's been several years since I last built a PC and need some help. Im planninga to build a HTPC but would like it to be able to do a little more if I need to but all would like it to be small and sit nice with the TV and xbox etc...

I was looking at the Lian Li Q11 but would prefer something smaller so am now looking at the Silverstone Milo ML03B but am concerned about clearance for the heatsink/cooler.

Processor, Im looking at an i5 2500k with the HD3000 gpu. I have no idea what motherboard to get... Initially I wont be using any of teh expansion slots and relying on the i5s GPU. Also it will mostlikley be connected via etehrnet but WiFi would be cool.

Anyway, heres my initial thoughts:

Silverstone Milo ML03
I5 3300 2500k
Shuriken BIG or Thermalright AXP-140 ???
Motherboard ??
Ram 4g ??
PSU (low noise/watt) ???


Pretty mucha blank canvas but if anyone can help with mobo choice or let me know if teh heatsinks will fit or antything , that would be great.

Cheers!





So he

 

[welshdragon]

Just out of curiosity what do you want the pc to do? If its just some browsing and media playback that strikes me as overkill. However, its not if you're gonna game on it to?

I've just built a fusion based htpc. Total cost including win 7 was 250 notes. throw in a wireless keyboard and you're away.

my build:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18271957

very customisable and runs win 7 fairly nippy and xbmc etc. I haven't stretched its legs yet but will do during the week ahead. And its whisper quiet, I cannot hear it behind my tv and power consumption is tiny when at full tilt let alone idle!

 

[AHOLLA]

Well I will also be playing Star Craft on it hence the need for a little bit of speed. I will also do a bit of development work on it some compile times would be another thing. Maybe an I3 would do.

 

[Pohly]

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i would reccomned ** Linking to competitors is strictly prohibited - Please read FAQs regarding rules ** case its a little bigger but a great htpc i build a compter for a friend with one they are great and take monst coolers in all it will cost about £530

you never stated your budget but i put this together anyway.

seeming as it is just a htpc with a bit of gaming on the side the i3 is the best bet (with an aftermarket cooler you can pump it up to 4ghz+)

the gpu might be a bit overkill but it is cheap (about the same price as some of the ****ty descreate cards) and will give you loads of power for games etc (and will last you longer)



just to show you the performance difference between the 5830 and the hd 3870 (i know its not the onboard one the would be even worse!! but you get the picture) http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/179?vs=171

 

[AHOLLA]

Hey man thanks for all that, im gonna look into those components. Budget wise its a little over, il have a look at the video card options. Cheers!