greyghost0 :
I was considering building a HTPC but I don't really have any idea which way to go about it. I've built PC's before and i'm assuming that it's generally the same but I wanted a few opinions beforehand. If i built the HTPC it would strictly be for playing 1080p/720p media files (probably .mkv), and probably web browsing.
So my questions are :
1. How much should a decent HTPC for my specified uses run.
2. What are some component suggestions, because i'm assuming you wouldn't need extreme processing power.
After i receive some general feedback i should be able to peice together some parts. Thanks in advance!
Since you said Only video files (HD) and some browsing, this is more than enohgh:
Intel Celeron E1400 Allendale 2.0GHz 512KB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116069
Cheapest dual core at 50$ with free shipping. I bought for my HTCP a 45W AMD dual core processor (2300-BE) for less, but it's not available anymore at newegg.
Foxconn G31MXP-K LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186167
43$+S&H.
GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125251
35$ - 15 rebate= 20$ and free shipping can't get better than this. I bought this one and got the rebate after around a month. It's a much better solution than onboard graphics, more support, and up to 8 channels of LPCM audio.
Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2/2GR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134797
26$ Free S&H
or
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBNT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231207
45$ Free shipping. 2GB is enough
Both ram run at 800 MHz, so even if you overclock 100% your CPU (2 GHz to 4 GHz at 10x multi) it'll still work. By the way I'm a fan of kingston in terms of reliability and durability, and you don't need the fancy RAM you proposed.
Any 500-640 GB HD you like for 50-70$ and Free Shipping (I have a 640 WD caviar green and love it (68$)).
you choice of DVD burner (28 + S&H) or the plextor (more reliable) at 50$ with free shipping
Any case with PSU from 30 (if you don't mind a big one) to 80$
I like this one at 50$:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098
That would be 250 plus some S&H minimum
but I would pay about 300 - 330$ (shipping included to get the plextor DVD burner and the rosewill case I recommend.
How you like it?