HTPC Media centre player build

[masty88]

Hi all

I want to build my own HTPC. I want it to be small & discrete. I will only use it for movies (MKV full bluray rips at 1080p & eventually 4k via a projector).

I currently have these components from a now unneeded system build and would like to use as much of it as possible to save on costs. I understand that if I want a small unit then I may need to replace the motherboard & psu.

Intel Core i3 4130 Dual Core CPU
Gigabyte GA-H81M-D2V Motherboard
Crucial BLS4G3D1609DS1S00CEU
Corsair Builder Series CXM 600W
Crucial BLS4G3D1609DS1S00CEU Sport 4GB, Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 RAM

Can anyone recommend a motherboard, case etc? I want it to be similar to a NUC.

Also would this CPU/RAM setup cope with 4k?

 

[i7Baby]

You won't build a NUC. But you can build a mitx build eg

mobo - ASRock H81M-ITX - http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-h81mitx

case -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA24G2NU4726
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811139052
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA25V31E4601

 

[masty88]

Thanks for your reply i7Baby

Sorry, I meant something that is as powerful & useable as a NUC (doesn't have to look like one)

 

[i7Baby]

Your build will be much more powerful.

 

[masty88]

How will the PSU that I currently have work in terms of power consumption/cost? Will it draw less power or will it be expensive to run these components as a media player? Thanks again

 

[i7Baby]

Its overkill without a graphics card. Corsair CX are not great quality.

 

[jsmithepa]

My ITX, very small, very cute HTPC is running on a G3220 (step down from I3) and a 80w (yes eighty) PSU, in a HD-Plex H1 case, not budget.

Actually small impose some penalty$, a mATX factor is your sweet spot for small (enough) to bang-4r-buck.