Spec: Mini-ITX HTPC

gee3000 · 27 Oct 2009 at 01:56

Hey

Building a HTPC for multimedia needs, playback on a 1080p 37" tv. Considering a few of the following. Please advise..

Case: Compucase 8K01 comes with 120w psu - £40 (from elsewhere)
Mobo: Zotac GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi Mini-ITX - £113.99
CPU Cooler: Akasa AK-CC044B Low Profile CPU Cooler (Socket LGA775) - £11.99
Hard Drive: using an existing samsung f1 1tb 3.5" sata-ii ~ £0

I need spec on the following:

CPU: cheap but decent ~ budget £50
RAM: cheap but decent ~ budget £50
DVD Drive: must be slimline, prefer slot loading ~ budget £40
Sound card: Was recommended this but not sure if I need it? - £34.99 - will be outputting to a 5.1 system with built in amp..

Want to keep the cost low as possible. And of course I'm completely open to any suggestions as this is my first htpc build.

Thanks!

gee3000 · 27 Oct 2009 at 14:01

Thanks guys. This is how the spec's now looking:

Case: Compucase 8K01 comes with 120w psu - £40 (from elsewhere)
Mobo: Zotac GeForce 9300-ITX WiFi Mini-ITX - £113.99
CPU Cooler: Akasa AK-CC044B Low Profile CPU Cooler (Socket LGA775) - £11.99
Hard Drive: using an existing samsung f1 1tb 3.5" sata-ii ~ £0
CPU: Intel Dual Core E5400 2.7ghz - £56 (from elsewhere)
RAM: 2GB OCZ or Corsair 800mhz- £30
DVD Drive: Sony Slimline Slot loading DVDRW x8 - £40
Extras: Mini sata power cable - £3

Total: £295 inc vat & postage

Anyone have any final suggestions or warnings?
Will I have any issues with cpu heat, power, etc?

Will post pics and my thoughts once I get built.

gee3000 · 30 Oct 2009 at 18:08

I've done a bit of googling on E5200/5300/5400 vs Q8200 and the E's are getting overwhelming favour mainly down to their "raw power"?.. Can anyone advise which CPU would be better for my HTPC build?

Btw it looks like the price is still £103 - Did I miss a lower price?

Thanks.

gee3000 · 30 Oct 2009 at 19:50

Err nothing very demanding tbh. Mostly just the following;

Play mkv/avi files output to 1080p 37" tv
Occassionally output to my 24" @ 1920 x 1200
Play music to sound system/av box
Connect to my wifi network for file sharing
Serve/Stream my files via internet (inc. iTunes library via Simplify Media)
Accept my iPhone as a remote control for VLC, iTunes and other media players

I have an E8400 system for my main use, gaming, browsing etc.