2011-12-08, 11:43
This will be the first computer I'm building so go easy on me. I'm looking to build a HTPC for Christmas since a few people still want gift ideas from me and I figure I can use computer parts.
I'd like it to be able to handle 1080p easily and be somewhat future proof because I don't want to build a new one in two years. I'm planning to use XBMC over a minimal Arch Linux install with a virtual box running XP to get Netflix to work. I'd like it to handle Netflix in HD as well but if it won't be that's not a huge issue if it isn't.
I have an external 2TB hard drive that will be used for media storage. I've been doing quite a bit of research and it seems like the i3 will be able to handle everything fine without a discrete video card. I'll also need some sort of case fan I haven't picked one out so I'm open to recommendations. The max I'd like to spend is around $400, but $350 would be preferable. Thanks for any help.
Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-GE Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: OCZ Onyx 32GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 380W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH22NS90B DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $361.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2011-12-08 04:38 EST-0500)
I'd like it to be able to handle 1080p easily and be somewhat future proof because I don't want to build a new one in two years. I'm planning to use XBMC over a minimal Arch Linux install with a virtual box running XP to get Netflix to work. I'd like it to handle Netflix in HD as well but if it won't be that's not a huge issue if it isn't.
I have an external 2TB hard drive that will be used for media storage. I've been doing quite a bit of research and it seems like the i3 will be able to handle everything fine without a discrete video card. I'll also need some sort of case fan I haven't picked one out so I'm open to recommendations. The max I'd like to spend is around $400, but $350 would be preferable. Thanks for any help.
Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock H61M-GE Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: OCZ Onyx 32GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 380W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH22NS90B DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $361.93
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2011-12-08 04:38 EST-0500)