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#1
Hey guys,
Could I get some opinions on this build before I get started. Not sure about the RAM, I hope its compatible. All opinions welcome either positive or negative, Thanks!


RAM:
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820145278

CPU:
Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819115056

MOBO:
ZOTAC GF9300-D-E
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813500022

GPU:
ZOTAC Nvidia GeForce GT 520
http://www.amazon.com/Nvidia-GeForce-64-...86&sr=8-12

Case + PSU:
Raidmax ITX-0907-BP ITX
http://www.frys.com/product/6145869
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#2
For video card, why not this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Asus-GeForce-Silen...=pd_cp_e_1

As long as your case has enough ventilation and air-flow, this card would net you one less small fan that could cause noise.
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#3
first of all,
have a look at my HTPC guide which shows you different miniITX builds,,,

second of all, its up to you but,
an HTPC thats housed inside a regular desktop tower i mean, i dunno,,,,

Third of all, your CPU is the price of an i3-2100!!

Fourth of all, windows + htpc works perfectly on 2GB of ram....

~hope this helps~
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#4
eskro Wrote:first of all,
have a look at my HTPC guide which shows you different miniITX builds,,,

second of all, its up to you but,
an HTPC thats housed inside a regular desktop tower i mean, i dunno,,,,

Third of all, your CPU is the price of an i3-2100!!

Fourth of all, windows + htpc works perfectly on 2GB of ram....

~hope this helps~

To your points:

1. I have looked at your builds but I wanted to sort of create my own
2. I choose this case to ensure proper ventilation and room enough for processor.
3. Why the i3-2100 over the one I choose, the processsor speeds are comparable no?
4. Based on your build recommendations, 4gb is optimal
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#5
Sweet! new builds are fun. Get the i3 is newer.... good luck on your build post some pics up.
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#6
OKay... NOOB mistake with the processor I C, looks like the majority of opinions lean toward the i3 2100. I will research but would the i3 be compatible with the Zotac MOBO(775 Socket)? Also, i'm really anxious to get going so... if I were to try out the E75 so I could compare, would that void the return policy? Lots on my mind tonight!
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#7
CpTHOOK Wrote:would the i3 be compatible with the Zotac MOBO(775 Socket)? !


no... it needs a socket 1155
just like in my suggestion here...
http://forum.xbmc.org/showpost.php?p=842075&postcount=1
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#8
CpTHOOK Wrote:1. I have looked at your builds but I wanted to sort of create my own
Great, that is what most people do. However, his thread is a great place to start and it saves re-posting a bunch of information in many many threads. Nod Plus, we are all too happy to give feedback. We can shop vicariously through others Rofl
CpTHOOK Wrote:2. I choose this case to ensure proper ventilation and room enough for processor.
It looks like this case can be flat lying or upright tower. If you are happy with the look - go for it. As to ventilation...I see plenty of intake vents but what size are the case fans? Hard to tell by the picture but they look a bit tiny to me.
Just something to consider. Also, if you replace them with "silent" fans they will tend to run at lower rpm. Thus even less air movement.
CpTHOOK Wrote:3. Why the i3-2100 over the one I choose, the processsor speeds are comparable no?
Whoa!! you are paying WAY TOO MUCH FOR IT when this is all you need. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819116399 Makes no sense to pay DOUBLE for older technology when you can get newer for similar or even lower prices.
Other things to consider:
You will get a greater performance boost with the G620 and an SSD than you will with the i3 and a standard hard drive.
The newer (socket 1155 builds) will be more power and heat efficient. They throttle back when idle, etc. They also have more up to date options than previous generation boards.
CpTHOOK Wrote:4. Based on your build recommendations, 4gb is optimal
Ram is so cheap now days that IMO it makes sense to spend the few extra bucks for 4GB. However eskro is correct. Once again, if you choose to, you can put the extra few dollars to an SSD for better performance...

Lastly, you can find suggestions on some necessary extras via the link in my sig. (remotes, receivers, drives...)
My first HTPC build
My UnRaid Server
Kingston rebates and ASUS warranties are WORTHLESS FRAUDS
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#9
Okay guys I'll admit it, the first build did not work out. Either I had a bad PSU or the Zotac 9300-MOBO was fried. I spent all day Saturday getting intermittent power to the system board and gave up!

So.. I'm fresh from fry's with a new build:

Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811163149.. $99(Fry's)

MOBO:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...%20H67-ITX.. $109(Fry's, after mail in rebate)

GPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6814500208

CPU(Per Aggressive Recommendations):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819115078

RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820145328

Will get a slim BLU-RAY ROM soon, recommendations welcome!

Put this together and was ready to boot within 90min... Will keep you posted!!
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#10
Well I to have the i3 and is does just fine without the extra videocard.
Read/follow the forum rules.
For troubleshooting and bug reporting, read this first
Interested in seeing some YouTube videos about Kodi? Go here and subscribe
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#11
Which Bluray Reader do I recommend?
[BD-R] Samsung SH-B123L ($58 + $0)
[BD-R] LG UH12LS28K ($69 + $0)

Which Bluray Writer do I recommend?
[BD-RW] Pioneer BDR-206DBK ($100 + $0)
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#12
Machine-Sanctum Wrote:Well I to have the i3 and is does just fine without the extra videocard.

Yes... the i3 does produce pretty snappy results when navigating through XBMC but I got the extra card to for use with HD audio files. I was going to go with a custom #5 build, but the GPU card was pretty reasonable(Zotac GT-520).
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#13
Guys.... so I'm up and running, I will post pics really soon but I still have one major issue:

It looks like the NVIDIA driver for my GT-520 GPU card will not produce sound to all 8 channels on my AVR but only L,R HDMI stereo sound. SO... I uninstalled the Nvidia HD Audio driver and let the Microsoft HD Audio driver install(Default), then I get 8 channel PCM(NO DTSHD/DDHD audio codecs tho') to my AVR.

Am I doing something wrong or did I forget something? I have been searching the net but have yet to find a solution for this....any suggestions? Other than this...a seemless build with little problems at all!
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#14
eskro Wrote:Which Bluray Reader do I recommend?
[BD-R] Samsung SH-B123L ($58 + $0)
[BD-R] LG UH12LS28K ($69 + $0)

Which Bluray Writer do I recommend?
[BD-RW] Pioneer BDR-206DBK ($100 + $0)

Thanks boss, but this case will only take a "Slim" optical drive. I could put a 5.25" optical on top but that would look pretty ugly!No
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#15
Raidmax ITX-0907-BP ITX Computer Case takes only slim drives?
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