[Radec]

Hi,

I am using the post of Eskro to build my HTPC and trying to see what i can improve.

My goal :
- choose xbmc because almost the only one (even with box like Dune HD media player) to be controled with a remote control on android. So i can watch my list of film and music from my android device (tablet or mobile) and mostly launch mp3, playlist AND internet radio without being obliged to turn on the TV.
- I want a fast boot so i think i will try the linux version first (except if you tell me windows 7 can boot totally under 10-15sec. (so need hardware compatible with Linux and Windows)
- I need a case to put :
- a ssd (32GB)
- 1 blue ray drive (buyed later)
- 2 HD of 2TO

- I want something not to tight so i won't have any lag even with HD well compressed.
- If possible power consumption not to high.
- HDMI and if possible USB3 (needed for reading HD content from a HD connected in USB?)

So to be able to install on Linux i can forget A6 and A8 if i understand well.
I need Micro-ATX and not Mini to get enough space for all the drive and for prevent heating problems.

I was thinking of this harware based on your i3 config (celeron seems nt very good) :
- MOBO : ASUS P8H61-M LX (REV 3.0) LGA-1155 UEFI μATX at 46€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1603
- CPU : Intel Core I3-2105 at 117€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1617
- CPU cooler : needed to change it?
- PSU : (350W is it enough?)
- the one proposed but in 380Watt : Seasonic S12II-380 Bronze, 380 Watt at 52€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1626
- or Xilence Power 350 Watt at 26€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1626
- or Thermaltake Smart Power 430W at 40€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1627
- or be quiet! Pure Power 350 Watt / BQT L7 at 37€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1626

- GPU : may be replace the GT210 by the GT430 but i see different version. All they all good?
- i see this one : Sparkle PCI-E GT430 2048MB DDR3 HDMI/DVI/CRT LP retail at 60€ is it low profile? (but 2GB useful?) : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1156
- Sparkle PCI-E GT430 1024MB Passive DDR3 HDMI/DVI at 65€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...0&agid=707
- Gainward GeForce GT 430 passiv, 1GB DDR3 at 50€ but linux not listed in the spec?? : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...8&agid=707

- RAM : 4GB : 4GB Corsair XMS3 DDR3-1333 CL9 at 19€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1192
8GB will help for the price?

- SSD : OCZ Vertex Plus 30GB SSD SATA 6,4cm (2,5") at 43€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1145
or Intel SSD 320 Series 40GB, 6,4cm (2.5"), SATA II, retail at 78€ (worth 35€more?) : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1145
or OCZ Petrol 64GB SSD SATA 6Gb's at 67€ : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1145

- HDD : 2x Western Digital Caviar GreenPower 2TB SATA II a 113€ each : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1284

- case : this one seems cool from the list : Antec NSK2480 380W M-ATX Desktop Case (Black/Silver) +/- 105€ : http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name...480&show=p#
so no need to get a PSU if i take this case? and i suppose all here will fit in it?


So to resume, if i take this case, no need to take a PSU and additional fans? No need to change the fan of the CPU?
Would choose the GPU Gainward GeForce GT 430 passiv, 1GB DDR3 (linux compatible?), the ssd OCZ Vertex Plus 30GB SSD SATA 6,4cm.

So final cost would be :
105 (case) + 2X113 (2HDD) + 43 (SSD) + 50 (GPU) + 117 (CPU) + 46 (MOBO) + 38€ (8GB RAM) = 625€ for all except blue ray drive or 399€without hard drive.


Could you tell me if all is correct and will fit my need? And if all is well compatible? Or if you see better for less or just a little more?
As it's a little expensive i want to be sure before purchasing.

Maybe if i was sure windows 7 is taking less then then 15sec to boot (bios included) with ssd and the A8 3850 i could forget linux and take it so i can win +/- 100€ with almost the same power?

Thanks in advance!

[eskro]

i need to create a phone line support OLO

[Radec]

:-)

[Dougie Fresh]

My thoughts:

- If the Seasonic 380W fits in your budget, it's the best choice of the lot (unless you're getting the NSK2480 case -- see below).

- Try the HD3000 GPU that comes with the i3-2105. You can always upgrade later. GT430 would be better for HTPC than GT210.

- Antec NSK2480 is a very nice case and will fit all your components. Just know it's just a bit wider than 17" because the fan grilles stick out on the side (it's 17.5"). The included EA-380D PSU is a great PSU. Antec also make a HTPC case based on the NSK2480 called the Antec Fusion Remote. I don't believe it comes with the PSU however but it does have an LCD and fancy knob if you're into that.

- At the prices, I would not go less than 64GB on the SSD however the OCZ Petrol gets horrible reviews so beware.

[Radec]

Thanks for your reply Dougie Fresh.

Yes i think this case (so PSU include) for the price it seems a great one and Antec has a good reputation.

Didn't see it has a GPU in i3 but i suppose it's not very good one but as you say if i want i can take GT430 after a test without it.
I suppose for the GT430, they are almost all the same even if it's not the same trade (Gainward, sparkle...), they share the same drivers? so linux will work on it

For SSD, i can maybe take the intel one or the Corsair Force3A 60GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5") SATA : http://www2.hardwareversand.de/articlede...id=1145&lb at 75€ should be better than OCZ patrol.

Nice case you proposed but it's 50% more without PSU so twice the price maybe too much for me. I suppose the LCD will not interact with Xbmc, only with the soft IMEDIAN HD of Antec.

Thanks again

[eskro]

avoid SandForced SSD's....

stick to CRUCIAL M4 or PATRIOT TORQX2 or any INTEL

[Radec]

ok thanks.
The Intel i proposed ssems a little slow, seems this one is better : Crucial M4 64GB SSD 6,4cm (2,5") : http://www1.hardwareversand.de/articlede...&agid=1145

[eskro]

cant go wrong with Crucial M4

[Radec]

thanks i will go for this one so

before i choose definitivly this config, nobody can tell me the complete boot time (with bios) of the config proposed by eskro with the 'A8 3850' AND a SSD?

[eskro]

i say ­­­­~23 seconds...

[Radec]

ok thank you, i will still stay on a config that allow linux and windows as the boot time is important for me

[eskro]

good choice

[Radec]

a little expensive but nice case and i hope this will be good materiel for the next 5-10 years

thanks you two for your help

[eskro]

no problem, you can always give +rep points if u want

[Radec]

how do we do that?

last question why avoid sandforce ssd? (i see on google some problem with blue screen but fixed with firmware now) i suppose they all have firmware for linux