Please discuss & help me with my first HTPC (parts list)

[mgftp]

Hey guys I have invested hours upon hours researching my first HTPC build. As a guy with very little computer knowledge it has been needed. I have learned a lot and I am ready for some input/advice on this build.

Main uses: Watch 1080p rips, TV tuner with PVR features to replace my TimeWarner PVR using WMC most likely, browse internet, use Win7 applications, backup and storage for laptops/tablets/phones.

OS: Win7
Processor: i3-2125 (already ordered)
Motherboard: Asus P8B75-M LE or Gigabyte GA-Z77-DH3
HD1: Crucial 64GB SSD (os + programs)
HD2: 2-4TB HD (media storage + backup)
Mem: 8GB - 2x 4GB DDR3
Powersupply: ???
TV Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV 4
Case: nmediapc 1080p or nmedia pc 2000b
Control: Currently have a Logitech 880 I am hoping to use seemlessly with this so I guess I will need a USB IR dongle - I also plan to purchase a wireless keyboard with track ball or pad for non-media use.

For the motherboard, even after looking into it, I am not 100% sure of what I am looking for, just a couple specs I know I need, so please feel free to critique/suggest. I narrowed it down to two my vendor offers based upon what I learned, wondering if the Z77 Gigabyte is worth the 30% more than the Asus B75? Seems to offer much more, I am just not sure I'd use it. Or if I should be looking elsewhere altogether?

Please let me know if there are any compatibility issues here or if for some reason one component would be better than what I have listed. Or if I will need anything a non-computer guy might not be thinking of, such as a cable, fan etc.

Thanks!

 

[dankev]

That looks pretty much perfect. For a power supply, this would be very nice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

For mobos, since you're not overclocking with that chip, either z75 or h77 will be just fine. No need for a z77.

That remote is great. I have an 890, which I believe is identical, apart from the RF (that I don't use). It's wonderful for HTPC.

As far as compatibility goes, just make sure if you get the micro atx case, you get a micro mobo. If you get the atx case, you can get a micro or full atx mobo.

 

[mgftp]

That looks pretty much perfect. For a power supply, this would be very nice: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

For mobos, since you're not overclocking with that chip, either z75 or h77 will be just fine. No need for a z77.

That remote is great. I have an 890, which I believe is identical, apart from the RF (that I don't use). It's wonderful for HTPC.

As far as compatibility goes, just make sure if you get the micro atx case, you get a micro mobo. If you get the atx case, you can get a micro or full atx mobo.

Thanks for the reply.... I am torn of the motherboard not just because of the chipset offerings but because it seems the Gigabyte is a much better seller and much better rated. Not sure if I am maybe just looking into it too much, but I don't mind spending a little extra for a better product.

What IR device to you use to control your HTPC with your Harmony remote?

 

[dankev]

I (and many others) use this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-HP-MCE-IR-Wireless-Receiver-Windows-7-Vista-/220760293556?pt=US_Remote_Controls_Pointers&hash=item336656c0b4#ht_1748wt_1037 It works perfectly.

Don't stress too much about the motherboard. You won't go wrong with a board from Asrock, Asus or Gigabyte.