Best PC Builds VOTE NOW $750 Media Center Home Theater Build

What is the best Media Center Home Theater build under $750?

  • HTPC Delicious by vapour

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Liberation from Consoles by WildCard999

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Media Center PC by ScrewySqrl

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    3
Status
Not open for further replies.

Jsimenhoff

Community Manager
Editor
Feb 28, 2016
1,814
190
11,990
Vote now for the Best PC Build under $750! Here are the final five:

Liberation from Consoles by WildCard999

HTPC Command Center by g-unit1111

Media Center PC by ScrewySqrl

Avatar by Wolfshadw

HTPC Delicious by vapour


Welcome to the Summer 2019 Best PC Builds Competition! For more than two decades Tom's Hardware has brought you news and reviews of the latest and greatest in hardware, growing to over 2 million users in the process! With constantly evolving technology, our members have developed an unmatched talent for finding the best prices and putting together the best system builds anywhere.

We've gone ahead and changed the rules a bit, so please make sure to read the list of ground rules below.

Be warned:
  • We no longer accept Newegg as a source of parts.
  • Build lists must link directly to the Amazon product page.
So why the change? Well, in the past few competitions we've noticed that prices using the PCPartPicker builder don't necessarily reflect actual availability. Given that and the confusion in regards to the list of available vendors, we wanted to simplify the process to encourage more participation.

When exporting your build lists from PCPartPicker, please make sure to edit the links so they point directly to the Amazon product page (please see the BBcode in my example build below for further clarification).

This thread is for the $750 Media Center Home Theater Build budget category. We are looking for the best performing, low power, low profile, media center build under $750. Show us your best parts list for a build that lives in a media console cabinet, and is primarily used for consuming content of all types, including light gaming and streaming. Bonus points if your build is fanless, has DVR capabilities, and a high storage capacity. Please only submit builds within the $750 budget category to this thread. All other builds will be disqualified.

We will accept submissions over the next 2 weeks.

Please make sure to follow the ground rules below. Any builds over budget will be disqualified.

Here are the ground rules:
  • Only one build per budget category, per user. Multiple builds from a single user or duplicate accounts will be disqualified.
  • Do not go over budget.
  • Use only Amazon to source parts.
  • DO NOT USE Amazon 3rd Party Sellers to source parts.
  • Use list prices only: coupons, rebates, bundles or any other limited-time offers will not be accepted.
  • Do not include shipping or tax in your final budget.
  • Do not include the Operating System, Monitor or VR Headset, Keyboard, Mouse or Gamepad.
  • All builds must have a name.
  • Do not put your forum handle in the name of your build, and avoid odd capitalization & symbols.
  • Provide direct links to the Amazon product pages of each component — we encourage users to use PCPartPicker's System Build for speedy construction. Do not post a link to your build, but rather please be sure to export as BBCode and then edit with the product page links for a quick copy/paste to the forums.
Here's an example build for formatting help:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 7 2700X 3.7 GHz 8-Core Processor ($251.89 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master - Hyper 212 RGB Black Edition 57.3 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus - ROG STRIX B450-F GAMING ATX AM4 Motherboard ($126.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($77.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital - Caviar Blue 1 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($43.81 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus - GeForce RTX 2070 8 GB STRIX GAMING OC Video Card ($489.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT - H500 ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: EVGA - SuperNOVA G3 750 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply
Total: $1030.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-19 12:26 EDT-0400


Here are links to all five build categories:

$500 Low Power NAS Build
$750 Media Center Home Theater Build
$1000 Mainstream Gaming Build
$1500 Gaming and Streaming Build
$2000 Content Creation Workstation
$5,000 Ultimate Watercooling Build

Good luck and may the best build win!
 
Last edited:

WildCard999

Titan
Moderator
"Liberation from consoles"

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel - Core i5-9400F 2.9 GHz 6-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock - H310M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($88.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($61.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial - P1 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($59.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac - GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB GAMING Video Card ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair - SF 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Total: $748.06
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-21 12:08 EDT-0400
 
"ThePlayCreation"

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor | $124.93 @ Amazon
Motherboard | Gigabyte - B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard | $119.99 @ Amazon
Memory | Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory | $68.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Kingston - A400 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $29.99 @ Amazon
Video Card | Asus - GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB Phoenix OC Video Card | $224.99 @ Amazon
Case | Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case | $69.99 @ Amazon
Power Supply | Corsair - SF 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply | $97.16 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $736.04
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-22 11:26 EDT-0400 |

All links go straight to amazon
 
Last edited:

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
"Avatar"

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 3 3200G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($99.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua - NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI - B450M PRO-M2 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($75.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial - MX500 250 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($39.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate - Barracuda 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.50 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - ML03B HTPC Case ($97.75 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling - Silencer MK III 400 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($85.25 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG - WH16NS60 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $685.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-21 13:49 EDT-0400


-Wolf sends
 
The BOOM Box...

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
CPU | AMD - Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor | $149.00 @ Amazon
CPU Cooler | Noctua - NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler | $39.95 @ Amazon
Motherboard | MSI - B450M BAZOOKA V2 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $81.99 @ Amazon
Memory | Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory | $69.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Crucial - P1 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive | $59.95 @ Amazon
Storage | Hitachi - Ultrastar 7K3000 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $46.99 @ Amazon
Storage | Hitachi - Ultrastar 7K3000 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $46.99 @ Amazon
Case | Silverstone - ML03B HTPC Case | $97.75 @ Amazon
Power Supply | SeaSonic - FOCUS SGX 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply | $99.99 @ Amazon
Optical Drive | LG - WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer | $46.00 @ Amazon
| Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts |
| Total | $738.60
| Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-22 04:37 EDT-0400 |

Note: Memory CAS Latency is 15.
 
Last edited:
"Console Killing HTPC"
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($124.93 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial - Ballistix Sport LT 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($75.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX - Radeon RX 570 8 GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design - Node 202 HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake - Toughpower SFX 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($92.88 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: ARCTIC - ARCTIC F9 PRO PWM 57 CFM 120 mm Fan ($8.33 @ Amazon)
Total: $747.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-22 11:18 EDT-0400

*Edited to fix links.
 
Last edited:

bloodroses

Distinguished
Elegant like a grand piano

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.00 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus ROG Strix B450-I Gaming Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($151.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3600 Memory ($95.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Intel 660p Series 2.048 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($190.20 @ Amazon)
Case: Inwin Chopin HTPC Case w/150 W Power Supply ($99.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $726.08
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-23 17:18 EDT-0400
 
Last edited:
Little Red Devil :

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($124.89 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte - B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Intel - 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor - Radeon RX 570 4 GB Red Devil Video Card ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone - RVZ03 Mini ITX Desktop Case ($146.86 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - FOCUS Plus Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $771.70

Base Total:$749.83
Shipping:$21.87

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-22 15:58 EDT-0400

Basic 1080p gaming with a 1gb ssd storage. All in a flashy center piece attraction Raven ARGB HTPC case.
 
Last edited:
Media Center PC

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($124.89)
Motherboard: MSI - B450M PRO-M2 Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($64.99)
Memory: Corsair - Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($72.99)
Storage: Kingston - A400 240 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($29.99)
Storage: Toshiba - X300 8 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($187.99)
Case: Inwin - CE685.FH300TB3 MicroATX Slim Case w/300 W Power Supply ($89.26)
Power Supply: SeaSonic - 300 W 80+ Bronze Certified TFX Power Supply ($74.00)
Optical Drive: LG - WH16NS60 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($99.99)
Total: $744.10
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-22 15:21 EDT-0400


Using the r5-2400 and a B450 case, this is ready for 4K TV use.

a small SSD for OS and playback/encoding software, a gigantic 8TB storage drive for storing movies and audio This will even game at 720P, if you want, though its not designed for it.

The Micro ATX case saves some money on the motherboard versus an itx board, and the microATX slim case is shorter than most ITX cases, making it a better fit in a living room entertainment center. The Blu Ray burner is capable of playing and burning 4K movies.
 
Jul 21, 2019
2
0
10
The Gamers Choice
(Rejoice, cause death has no sting )
PCPartPicker Part List
Decent, cheap and quite a performer
CPU: Intel Core i3-9100F 3.6 GHz Quad-Core ($101.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard:MSI B360M PRO-VH Micro ATX LGA1151 ($71.97 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2666($63.99 @ Amazon)
Storage:Hitachi Ultrastar 7K3000 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM ($46.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Intel 660p Series 1.02 TB M.2-2280 ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 1660 6 GB GAMING ($219.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill FBM-05 MicroATX Mini Tower ($28.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX ($64.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $693.81
pcpartpicker says that Intel Core i3-9100F 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor does not include a stock CPU cooler but it is not true 0:34
 
Last edited:
Jul 21, 2019
4
1
15
Slimzilla

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450M DS3H Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($72.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($81.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 7K3000 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.95 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB OC Low Profile Video Card ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($97.75 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Smart 500 W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($38.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($47.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $749.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-28 19:31 EDT-0400
 
Last edited:

g-unit1111

Titan
Moderator
"HTPC Command Center"

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2400G 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($124.09 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3000 Memory ($70.38 @ Amazon)
Storage: Intel 660p Series 512 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 4 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone RVZ02B HTPC Case ($91.13 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair SF 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GUB0N DVD/CD Writer ($45.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $747.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-26 16:37 EDT-0400
 
"Saloon"

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: https://www.amazon.com/AMD-Ryzen-3400G-8-Thread-Processor/dp/B07SXNDKNM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=AMD+Ryzen+5+3400G&qid=1564306340&s=gateway&sr=8-1]AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor[/url] ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: https://www.amazon.com/ASROCK-X470-Chip-Motherboard-Fatal1ty-X470-Gaming/dp/B07CJP25WY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MSY58MW33DR1&keywords=asrock+-+fatal1ty+x470+gaming-itx%2Fac+mini+itx+am4+motherboard&qid=1564306433&s=gateway&sprefix=asrock-fatal1ty-x470+mini%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1]ASRock Fatal1ty X470 Gaming-ITX/ac Mini ITX AM4 Motherboard[/url] ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-3200MHz-Desktop-Memory/dp/B0143UM4TC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TA0AF2NBSV40&keywords=ddr4+2x16gb+3200mhz&qid=1564307395&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011%2Cp_36%3A1253505011&rnid=386442011&rps=1&s=electronics&sprefix=ddr4+2x16gb+%2Celectronics%2C216&sr=1-1] Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 DRAM 3200MHz C16 Desktop Memory Kit - Black (CMK16GX4M2B3200C16) [/url] ($81.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: https://www.amazon.com/Intel-660p-1-0TB-80mm-978350/dp/B07GCLLKDC/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=Intel%2B660p%2BSeries%2B2.048%2BTB%2BM.2-2280%2BSolid%2BState%2BDriv&qid=1564307098&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1&th=1]Intel 660p Series 2.048 TB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive[/url] ($181.99 @ Amazon)
Case: https://www.amazon.com/Fractal-Design-FD-CA-NODE-202-BK-Case/dp/B015MKDOPU/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Fractal+Design+Node+202+HTPC+Case&qid=1564307172&s=gateway&sr=8-1]Fractal Design Node 202 HTPC Case[/url] ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-SF450-Certified-Modular-Supply/dp/B01CGGOXWQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Corsair+SF+450+W+80%2B+Gold+Certified+Fully+Modular+SFX+Power+Supply&qid=1564307242&s=gateway&sr=8-1]Corsair SF 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply[/url] ($97.16 @ Amazon)
Total: $731,11
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
"HTPC Delicious"

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 3.4 GHz 6-Core Processor ($133.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B450M Pro4-F Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($71.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Gigabyte 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-2666 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial BX500 120 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($19.95 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 7K3000 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($46.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 7K3000 3 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($46.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB OC Low Profile Video Card ($169.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($97.75 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12III 450 W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($43.00 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($47.90 @ Amazon)
Total: $741.56
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-29 14:35 EDT-0400
 
Jul 29, 2019
2
0
10
El sweetspot 2060

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 2600X 3.6 GHz 6-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B450-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($81.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: TCSunBow X3 480 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($45.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB XC BLACK GAMING Video Card ($299.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 100R ATX Mid Tower Case ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Thermaltake Smart 500 W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($38.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $749.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-07-29 17:08 EDT-0400

The Gpu should be https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P11QHZG/ref=twister_B07QX9FKKV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 ($289.99 Amazon) the link is not on pcpartpicker, but it saves $10, with those $10 you can get a better Case or a different SSD.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.