$600 HTPC build - First timer.

[drflu]

Feeling kind of gun shy. There are so many choices out there and this is my first build. I'd love some advice.

Going to use it as a Home Theater with some moderate Video editing & Photoshop graphic design.

This most complex issue is that I plan to store the case in a small trunk. See additional comments..



Approximate Purchase Date: 1-2 weeks

Budget Range: $600 After Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Media player: XBMC, Streaming, Large amounts of storage, Sony Vegas video editing, photoshop

Parts Not Required: I have a mouse and keyboard, I have a 47Inch 3D LED LG TV

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: NewEgg.com

Country: USA

Parts Preferences:No Brand loyalty here. Willing to go any direction.

Overclocking: Maybe - I need to learn

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe - Not sure what this is... noob

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: Case needs to fit in a trunk! Dimensions 16in wide, 15in Long, 10in Height. I will drill holes for wires and air flow. Will probably add fans to the trunk. I'm willing to modify the back of the trunk further if it helps fit a larger case.

 

[aznshinobi]

Check out my $600 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore
Drop the video card (-$160)
Then pick up this case instead since you're using it for HTPC (+10)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174
Change the PSU to this Antec 430D (+0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034&Tpk=EA-430D
Total: $450
Here's the link to the HDD
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59705&vpn=WD2500AAKX&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD

Everything should work fine, the i5 2400 (if you're worried about GPU) has an integrated iGPU in the chip and with the H61 motherboard you should be good to go. The case has USB 3 slots for your USB 3 motherboard and the i5 2400 is a more than capable chip for Photoshop and video editing. You also got 8gb of DDR3 ram for photoshop and video editing if it utilizes it.