- Apr 18, 2014
- 4
- 0
- 4,510
After experiencing issues with my AVR and then Microsoft hitting me up for $ for another year of XBL, I've hit the tipping point of deciding to build a HTPC to accommodate my media and gaming ambitions. This would be my first build, needless to say the research has required quite a few hours of reading to feel prepared to post this message. Any help would be HIGHLY appreciated.
My target budget is $800-1200, though I'll go up to $1500 if that ensures the desired features. Here are my general considerations...
Streaming full HD content (Currently using projector at 720 resolution. Will upgrade following this build to 1080p or greater, with consideration toward 4K and 3D)
- Playing games such as Titanfall or Skyrim at higher qualities. I'm out of date on gaming, cut me some slack haha
- Support for online video services such as Netflix, HBOGo, or YouTube, with excellent HD playback
- Support for two windows. One projector, one pc monitor
- (Optional) Support for three windows. One projector, two pc monitors
- (Optional) Blu-ray capability
- (Optional) TV tuner and ability to DVR. Currently don't subscribe to cable tv, so I'm unsure of the value of this. Might be a good future upgrade.
Intuitive User Interface (Thinking of the GF or guests trying to stream movies or music)
- Quick boot time
- Remote control via tablet or smartphone. Slight preference of android, but OS is a minor concern
- Ease of use with web browsing and standard MS Office activities
- (Optional) Ability to pull content remotely --my own server/cloud. I don't currently have an abundance of music/movies
****Proposed Build****
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3uaDQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3uaDQ/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3uaDQ/benchmarks/
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Enermax Liqtech 120X 111.0 CFM Ball Bearing Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth Z87 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($229.29 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: A-Data XPG SX900 512GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($259.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($119.67 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Node 605 HTPC Case ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG BT30N Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($89.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $1393.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-18 19:15 EDT-0400)
Thoughts & Questions on the Build
- This build has two compatibility issues that I've been unsure how to resolve.
- Is this build overkill? I'm still learning the value vs performance for components
- I have no brand preferences. Just looking for compatibility of build, good customer support, and decent warranty
- Didn't include a sound-card. I'm assuming an AVR is required to manage the desired 6.1 audio?
- I can obtain Windows 8 for ~$10 through work, so I left that cost out
- Stuck with a HTPC case that is ATX, I'm unfamiliar with the nuances of using a smaller case. Would consider a "small" tower
- Quieter system is preferred. Will this meet both cooling and noise considerations?
- Power consumption is a lower priority. I travel for work & fun, so the rig would get maybe a few hours of use per week.
- Is one powerful video card better than two average cards?
THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP! I'm eager to get this together
- Zack
My target budget is $800-1200, though I'll go up to $1500 if that ensures the desired features. Here are my general considerations...
Streaming full HD content (Currently using projector at 720 resolution. Will upgrade following this build to 1080p or greater, with consideration toward 4K and 3D)
- Playing games such as Titanfall or Skyrim at higher qualities. I'm out of date on gaming, cut me some slack haha
- Support for online video services such as Netflix, HBOGo, or YouTube, with excellent HD playback
- Support for two windows. One projector, one pc monitor
- (Optional) Support for three windows. One projector, two pc monitors
- (Optional) Blu-ray capability
- (Optional) TV tuner and ability to DVR. Currently don't subscribe to cable tv, so I'm unsure of the value of this. Might be a good future upgrade.
Intuitive User Interface (Thinking of the GF or guests trying to stream movies or music)
- Quick boot time
- Remote control via tablet or smartphone. Slight preference of android, but OS is a minor concern
- Ease of use with web browsing and standard MS Office activities
- (Optional) Ability to pull content remotely --my own server/cloud. I don't currently have an abundance of music/movies
****Proposed Build****
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3uaDQ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3uaDQ/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3uaDQ/benchmarks/
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($214.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Enermax Liqtech 120X 111.0 CFM Ball Bearing Liquid CPU Cooler ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth Z87 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($229.29 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: A-Data XPG SX900 512GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($259.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Seagate 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($119.67 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 260X 2GB Video Card ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Node 605 HTPC Case ($149.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG BT30N Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($89.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $1393.87
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-18 19:15 EDT-0400)
Thoughts & Questions on the Build
- This build has two compatibility issues that I've been unsure how to resolve.
- Is this build overkill? I'm still learning the value vs performance for components
- I have no brand preferences. Just looking for compatibility of build, good customer support, and decent warranty
- Didn't include a sound-card. I'm assuming an AVR is required to manage the desired 6.1 audio?
- I can obtain Windows 8 for ~$10 through work, so I left that cost out
- Stuck with a HTPC case that is ATX, I'm unfamiliar with the nuances of using a smaller case. Would consider a "small" tower
- Quieter system is preferred. Will this meet both cooling and noise considerations?
- Power consumption is a lower priority. I travel for work & fun, so the rig would get maybe a few hours of use per week.
- Is one powerful video card better than two average cards?
THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP! I'm eager to get this together
- Zack
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