2012-03-02, 20:35
Hi guys,
I have received a wealth of info from this site and decided to give a little back. I finally went out and started buying all the piece/parts for my own HTPC rig.
I am using Frys, as I was sure something wouldn't fit, or I would forget something, and buying locally is easier for that. Plus, they had almost everything I think I needed, and they match Internet site prices. The additional cost is sales tax, but I consider that a good trade off to be able to deal locally.
What I bought yesterday (prices do not include tax):
AMD A6-3500, $74.99
Gigabyte GA-75M-D2H FM1 MB, $89.99
Raidmax ATX626B MicroATX Slim Case, 350W PSU INCL, $59.99
Crucial Vengence Lo profile DDR3 1600MH, 2X2GB, $29.99
CityNet 80X80X2 Case Fan, $4.99
SMK-Link UltraTouch Mini KB w/Touchpad, $69.99
Subtotal, $329.94
This is in line with many builds I see discussed here in the forum. I wanted DDR3 1333, for about $5 cheaper, but they were out.
Got it all home and started playing/assembling. Got the APU on the MB easily, and the cooling fan attached as well. Dropped in the RAM just as easily.
Now, the first problem. The case box states that it is a mATX case, but the MB and the included power supply occupied the same space. No way to get the MB to bolt in without removing the PSU. Bummer. So, the case is going back tomorrow. This is why I prefer to buy locally. Would Amazon take it back and send another? Sure, but tack on another week to the build.
Before going out to shop, I had decided on the Silverstone GD05 case, which Frys carries, but it was just so BIG when I eyeballed it in person. Doesn't seem that big when viewing it online. Plus it has no PSU and $90 + PSU seemed like too much.
But I an going to bite the bullet and get it. That retails for $89.99 and has no PSU, so this will add at least $100 to the build. If anyone can suggest the perfect, inexpensive PSU, that Frys might carry, I would appreciate it.
I have a WD Blue 500GB 2.5" drive from my recently deceased laptop I am going to use, so I save a little there until I can afford a SSD. I have all my media on a Seagate Black Armor NAS, so not much storage will be required in the HTPC.
My drive was already the boot drive for the laptop, so I am hoping it will boot in the new system without much problem, Win7 Ultimate. The only problem is that it is 32bit. Can I install it this way, then upgrade to 64bit, or does that require a complete reinstall? I am guessing it will require a complete reinstall. But if it operates okay on the 32 bit, I may forgo the upgrade.
A couple questions for when I finally get this assembled.
First, will the HDMi output work on initial boot? This is my HTPC and a 55" Samsung plasma is the monitor. Is it just plug and play, or do I need a regular monitor for install?
This wireless keyboard/ touchpad. Same question. Will it be recognized at boot, or do I need a standard, plugin KB and mouse?
Any other suggestions are much appreciated. Will add more as I go.
Thanks
Michael
I have received a wealth of info from this site and decided to give a little back. I finally went out and started buying all the piece/parts for my own HTPC rig.
I am using Frys, as I was sure something wouldn't fit, or I would forget something, and buying locally is easier for that. Plus, they had almost everything I think I needed, and they match Internet site prices. The additional cost is sales tax, but I consider that a good trade off to be able to deal locally.
What I bought yesterday (prices do not include tax):
AMD A6-3500, $74.99
Gigabyte GA-75M-D2H FM1 MB, $89.99
Raidmax ATX626B MicroATX Slim Case, 350W PSU INCL, $59.99
Crucial Vengence Lo profile DDR3 1600MH, 2X2GB, $29.99
CityNet 80X80X2 Case Fan, $4.99
SMK-Link UltraTouch Mini KB w/Touchpad, $69.99
Subtotal, $329.94
This is in line with many builds I see discussed here in the forum. I wanted DDR3 1333, for about $5 cheaper, but they were out.
Got it all home and started playing/assembling. Got the APU on the MB easily, and the cooling fan attached as well. Dropped in the RAM just as easily.
Now, the first problem. The case box states that it is a mATX case, but the MB and the included power supply occupied the same space. No way to get the MB to bolt in without removing the PSU. Bummer. So, the case is going back tomorrow. This is why I prefer to buy locally. Would Amazon take it back and send another? Sure, but tack on another week to the build.
Before going out to shop, I had decided on the Silverstone GD05 case, which Frys carries, but it was just so BIG when I eyeballed it in person. Doesn't seem that big when viewing it online. Plus it has no PSU and $90 + PSU seemed like too much.
But I an going to bite the bullet and get it. That retails for $89.99 and has no PSU, so this will add at least $100 to the build. If anyone can suggest the perfect, inexpensive PSU, that Frys might carry, I would appreciate it.
I have a WD Blue 500GB 2.5" drive from my recently deceased laptop I am going to use, so I save a little there until I can afford a SSD. I have all my media on a Seagate Black Armor NAS, so not much storage will be required in the HTPC.
My drive was already the boot drive for the laptop, so I am hoping it will boot in the new system without much problem, Win7 Ultimate. The only problem is that it is 32bit. Can I install it this way, then upgrade to 64bit, or does that require a complete reinstall? I am guessing it will require a complete reinstall. But if it operates okay on the 32 bit, I may forgo the upgrade.
A couple questions for when I finally get this assembled.
First, will the HDMi output work on initial boot? This is my HTPC and a 55" Samsung plasma is the monitor. Is it just plug and play, or do I need a regular monitor for install?
This wireless keyboard/ touchpad. Same question. Will it be recognized at boot, or do I need a standard, plugin KB and mouse?
Any other suggestions are much appreciated. Will add more as I go.
Thanks
Michael