For the last couple years I've been using an old Dell Inspiron 531S as my HTPC and it finally died. I could probably fix it, but this is a good excuse to build a new computers, so why not? This is my second build, so I'm not completely green. I've done a lot of research, but you guys helped me with my last build so I thought I'd run this one past the forum and get some feedback. I just wanted to see if you guys think it's solid, or if there is something I'm forgetting or if something doesn't make sense.
I use it for recording TV (Windows Media Center), Plex Media server, ripping my Blurays/DVDs, streaming stuff from the Internet...that kind of stuff. I don't play games on this box and I'm not overclocking, so that's why I went with an H81 motherboard vs H87/Z87, plus it was much cheaper.
I'd like to put the box inside my entertainment center, but it has doors and I'm concerned with overheating. I can store it outside if I need to. I'm not completely sure if I need the CPU cooler or not...and if I do, I don't know which one to get. The Cooler Master seemed popular so that's why I picked it.
I chose the i3-4130 for future proofing and so I wouldn't need a video card. I considered the Pentium G3220 and the i3-4130T. I didn't get the G3220 because I wanted the better graphics. I didn't get the i3-4130T because the specs were better on the non T version. I realize the 4130T uses less wattage which makes it run cooler and more quite, but that's not a huge concern. I'd rather it be faster I guess...is that correct thinking or am I making the wrong assumptions?
I went with 1 stick of RAM so I can upgrade in the future. I read that I'll lose about 5% of speed since I'm not taking advantage of the dual channels, but I'm thinking that's not a big deal. Thoughts?
The only things I'm buying new are the i3-4130, maybe CPU cooler, motherboard, memory, SSD, case, and power supply. Everything else is being repurposed from my old Dell. I'm not concerned about overall price, but I don't want to waste money on something I don't need.
I appreciate everyone's feedback!
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.11 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Silverstone ML04B HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer
Hauppauge TV Tuner - WinTV-HVR-2250
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)
I use it for recording TV (Windows Media Center), Plex Media server, ripping my Blurays/DVDs, streaming stuff from the Internet...that kind of stuff. I don't play games on this box and I'm not overclocking, so that's why I went with an H81 motherboard vs H87/Z87, plus it was much cheaper.
I'd like to put the box inside my entertainment center, but it has doors and I'm concerned with overheating. I can store it outside if I need to. I'm not completely sure if I need the CPU cooler or not...and if I do, I don't know which one to get. The Cooler Master seemed popular so that's why I picked it.
I chose the i3-4130 for future proofing and so I wouldn't need a video card. I considered the Pentium G3220 and the i3-4130T. I didn't get the G3220 because I wanted the better graphics. I didn't get the i3-4130T because the specs were better on the non T version. I realize the 4130T uses less wattage which makes it run cooler and more quite, but that's not a huge concern. I'd rather it be faster I guess...is that correct thinking or am I making the wrong assumptions?
I went with 1 stick of RAM so I can upgrade in the future. I read that I'll lose about 5% of speed since I'm not taking advantage of the dual channels, but I'm thinking that's not a big deal. Thoughts?
The only things I'm buying new are the i3-4130, maybe CPU cooler, motherboard, memory, SSD, case, and power supply. Everything else is being repurposed from my old Dell. I'm not concerned about overall price, but I don't want to waste money on something I don't need.
I appreciate everyone's feedback!
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.49 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.11 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Silverstone ML04B HTPC Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CSM 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer
Hauppauge TV Tuner - WinTV-HVR-2250
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)