Need Advice on HTPC Build

[iceman61]

I used to build systems but it’s been about 8 years since my last build & I need some advice on parts. Currently, I have all of my DVD’s, CD’s & business files on two MYBOOK World Ed. harddrives & would like to get away from these, and go to an internal raid array. Would love to put a Blueray drive in this baby.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Dec-Jan BUDGET RANGE: $1,000 not etched in stone

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Movie viewing, network file storage, DVR & TV viewing(Sat-tv) light gaming(future).

PARTS NOT REQUIRED:
keyboard, mouse, monitor, Speakers - currently picking up audio thru hdmi cable at TV & rerouting thru analog aux into home theater receiver

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: open
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES:
MOBO – 10/100/1000Mbps, SATA 3Gb/s – 6 to 8, SATA RAID - 0/1/5/10/JBOD
HDD – 2 HDDs(1- 1.5tb ea)
Optical Drive – DVD burner & would like the ability to go to Blueray if $ permit
GPU - currently running my pc monitor (1920x1200) & my HDTV(1080p) at the same time thru video card & would like to keep this arrangement with a new card.
PSU – I have no idea what wattage I will need for my complete plan with 8 HDD’s
Full tower case
OS – Windows 7

OVERCLOCKING: no SLI OR CROSSFIRE: no

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: My current Media Center PC coughs, spits & sputters & ticks me off. Is $1000 unrealistic for this new system? I am planning on future expansion on the HDD’s to 3-8 more, so this will be a work in progress. (beyond $1000 budget)

 

[BohleyK]

For what you need and what you want I had to go over your $1,000 mark. You should be very satisfied with it. Some people may find you a cheaper setup but I feel I gave you the best options for a few dollars more.

Total: $1,330.00

You can replace the optic to a Blu-Ray read only to shave $50 but I feel everything else you should consider.

CPU: Phenom II X3 720
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

Motherboard: Gigabyte 770-UD3P
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392

Video Card: Sapphire 5850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102857

RAM: OCZ Platinum 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227478

Power Supply: Corsair 750W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006

Hard Drives: 2x Samsung Spinpoint F3's 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

Optic: LG Blu-Ray Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136175

Case: HAF 932
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119160

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

 

[iceman61]

$1300 isnt too bad. I actually meant to put $1000 as a guide line instead of budget.

 

[iceman61]

I may get the video card last. I have a Radeon HD 4670 right now. That way I can either get better pricing on the Sapphire 5850, or get the latest if something better comes out in the next couple of months. I also already have a Seagate Barracuda 1.5tb sitting on my desk still in the shrink wrap. That's probably a null idea anyway since I'm planning on having 6-8 HHDs in an array at some later point.

When I added all the items you listed I came up with $1294, plus there was a combo discount of another $20 bringing it down to $1274 shipping not included. Minor detail I guess when you get over the 1k mark.

 

[MadAdmiral]

You don't need a 5850 for a media setup. A 5750 will work just fine and be $200 cheaper.

Here's some cheaper RAM that's just as good, and uses less power: G.Skill Eco DDR3 1333 mhz CL 7.

If you're a college student, or know one, you can get Windows for $30...

 

[iceman61]

You don't need a 5850 for a media setup. A 5750 will work just fine and be $200 cheaper.

Here's some cheaper RAM that's just as good, and uses less power: G.Skill Eco DDR3 1333 mhz CL 7.

If you're a college student, or know one, you can get Windows for $30...

While Im far from being a college student, I will check into the video card & ram you suggested. Thanks!

 

[MadAdmiral]

Well, you could always find one. It also works if you just have an academic email address (ends in .edu).

Another GPU option is the 5770, which is better than the 5750, but a little more expensive. It just depends on how close you want to be to the budget...