First Time HTPC Build for Watching Movies and Emulation (mostly N64), Need Some Advice

[Ryan S]

Hello! I am looking to build an HTPC for around $400 - $550. I would be using it for watching movies & for emulation. I would like to take advantage of any black friday or cyber monday deals. Here is my current plan for my setup: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rZLJRB

Any suggestions for changes? Also, do I need to add a video card?

 

[20salmon]

You need a CPU with integrated graphics (APU), if you get that then you don't need a video card. Get an AMD A4, A6 or A8 processor (whichever one you can get a good deal on).

I would also recommend getting a small SSD (like 60gb) that is dedicated to windows, then use the HDD for movies, music and files. (It's a good idea to keep Windows on a separate harddrive because the more shit you save on the C drive, the slower your system gets.

You should also get a low-profile CPU cooler that fits the case. I recommend http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

Edit: Disregard the cooler I recommended, it is for Intel sockets. eHere is the AMD equivalent: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9a

 

[Ryan S]

Thanks for the tips, I was thinking about adding an SSD. Are there any issues to be aware of when using an SSD and an HDD together (amount of physical space taken up in case, connecting both to motherboard, ect.)?

Here is the updated build with your suggestions added: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/4Wtgpg

You need a CPU with integrated graphics (APU), if you get that then you don't need a video card. Get an AMD A4, A6 or A8 processor (whichever one you can get a good deal on).

I would also recommend getting a small SSD (like 60gb) that is dedicated to windows, then use the HDD for movies, music and files. (It's a good idea to keep Windows on a separate harddrive because the more shit you save on the C drive, the slower your system gets.

You should also get a low-profile CPU cooler that fits the case. I recommend http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9i

Edit: Disregard the cooler I recommended, it is for Intel sockets. eHere is the AMD equivalent: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhl9a

 

[20salmon]

No there are no complications with using an SSD and a HDD together. It's wise to look in the manual of your motherboard and figure out how the SATA plugs are numbered (these are the plugs you connect the SSD, the HD and the dvd player to. The SSD should go in the SATA plug with the lowest number (either 00 or 01 depending on board), then the HD, and then the DVD.

I just did some research on your case and it doesn't look like there is room for both a HDD and an SSD (unless you improvise and simply ducktape the SSD to the side (not a problem). However, if you have room for it in your room I would try finding a slightly larger case because you will get better airflow and you won't need to improvise in order to fit both the SSD and the HDD.

An alternative to this would be to skip the DVD drive, get a mounting bay that allows you to fit a HDD in the 5.25" drive where the DVD would go (this can make the PC quieter as well because a good bay can eliminate the vibrations of the HDD). You could get an external DVD player instead of having it in the case. If you do it this way you might also need a similar bay to fit the SSD in the 3.25" bay where the HDD would have gone.

If you do decide to go for this case, I recommend getting an additional fan. This test of the case found that the additional fan has a big impact on noise and temps. Any slim 120mm fan should do. However, in light of everything above, I think you would be better off with a different case.

 

[20salmon]

Would just like to add that I was in your shoes about 2 years ago. I built a minimalistic HTPC which would be used for streaming movies and tv shows, but quickly decided that it was silly to have both a HTPC and a console for playing games when I could have had both in one box. I ended up upgrading after a few months and a lot of the original parts I had bought became obsolete.

If you suspect you may want to upgrade the capabilities of your PC in the future (it's not unlikely as building a PC is both fun and addictive), I would go for a larger case that you can add to in the future. Bitfenix Prodigy is a good choice.