Yet another HTPC build

[Wingsgb]

Hi everyone,

I'll appreciate any feedback if someone could help me out. I'm in the process of Building a new home server mainly to use as a HTPC but I will also host my website of it seens as it will be live 24/7. I have already put a list of parts together but got told I could do it slightly cheaper so I am now going to see what I could cut back on.*


Zotac Z68ITX-B-E Supreme Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3

Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155

Fractal Design Array MiniITX Case - Black (with 300W SFX PSU)

Crucial RealSSD M4 64GB 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s*

Hitachi Deskstar 5K3000 3TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 5900RPM

Compro VideoMate E900F Dual Tuner TV Card - Retail

First is the CPU iv picked will I get away with using the i3, I don't mind paying extra for the system to run smooth. Only reason I originally choose the i5 was because of the server conditions on full load. It has to beable to stream 3movies + transcode (atleast2) *movies + 1 Internet channel with vlc at any given time.*

Next is the motherboard, as you can see iv choose an itx for one reason only to keep it in a small case. I went for the Z68ITX-B-E Supreme*but do I need the onboard graphics card (gt430) will I get away with the z68ITX-A-E. I will remote access into the server so it won't be on a display apart from initial setup. My logic was it may take some load of the cpu but then realised I'm not displaying an image with that machine (its the backend server). Am I right in that transcoding is all on the CPU load.*

Many thanks

 

[SGWills]

if your not outputting to a display it seems a bit O.T.T to pick a board just because of the graphics, but if you happy with the amount your spending theres no harm in future proofing incase that system changes roles later on in its life


Both these boards have got good reviews

Zotac Z68ITX-A-E Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard [Z68ITX-A-E]

and

Asrock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3 Intel Z68 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard [Z68 EXTREME4 GEN3]


depends on budget really

 

[Wingsgb]

Thanks for the reply, as I said my only intension was to get the card if it cut down the load. This isn't the case and I take that onboard. I will look into the two MB you suggested.

Any comments will be appreciated on the CPU for my load.