[SavellM]

So im thinking of building a new HTPC.
These are the parts so far.

Motherboard
Asus P8P67-M PRO
Ram
Kingston LoVo HyperX 1.35v KHX1600C9D3LK2/4GX
PSU
Silent Pro M2 420W RS-420-SPM2
Blu-Ray
LiteOn Blu-ray Reader iHBS112-115
Case
Moneual 312
CPU
Intel 2.6GHz 35w i3-2120T
HDD
Kingston SSD Now 8gb
GPU
Asus ENGT220

I already have the SSD, and GPU.
This will be going in a shelf, so I want it so be low power and low heat.
Hence the 2120T processor, and the Kingston ram, as it can run at 1.25v (1333MHz)

So I have a few questions, I know Linux does not support Blu-Ray playback, but I do know OpenELEC has Libaacs built in.
Is it hard to get it to work? Not asking for a guide just a difficulty rating...

I will be using the Optical Out on this Mobo into my AMP (doesnt have HDMI) will this be an issue with the GPU?

And I noticed this case has a built in IR receiver, and a power on feature thing, that goes into the 24pin mobo power connector.
Will this boot it from an off state?

Also will this CPU be powerful enough, considering I have a dedicated GPU?

Will these parts be supported by XBMC, and OpenELEC?

Also what is a good quiet cooler that will fit in the Moneual 312 case?

Thanks guys.

[SavellM]

Found this:
Scythe Shuriken SCSK-1100
Apparently this should fit with the short BD drive.

But Other questions still stand

[hick]

Why do you want to use the GPU over integrated?

[bluray]

@save-

PSU- You don't need 500W PSU for a very low power consumption CPU, and this one "SeaSonic SS-300ET Bronze 300W" is more than enough. PSU is more efficient when operate at 50-70% of its spec.

CPU- Intel i3-2120T might all you need for OpenElec. You'll have better air flow without Asus ENGT220 GPU in the case too.....

BD-ROM- I preferred this "LG Super Multi Blu-ray Disc" over LiteOn brand....

[thrak76]

BD-ROM- I preferred this "LG Super Multi Blu-ray Disc" over LiteOn brand....

I have that BD drive. I bought it several years ago because of the HD-DVD support. While it does work just fine, I do grow weary of the 6X BD read speed on it. I'm about ready to upgrade to a drive with 12X or 16X BD read speed.
So if you plan on ripping a bunch of blu-rays, and don't have an HD-DVD collection - I'd skip this drive.

[SavellM]

Thanks guys.

@hick, I have the GT220 already, so im not buying it. So I may as well use it.
I also prefer this, so that at some point in the future, when HDMI 1.5 or 1.6 comes out, I can just upgrade my gpu and bobs your uncle.

@bluray I liked the 500w one, as its quiet and its modular.
Airflow will suffer a bit with the GT220, but I will put some 40mm extraction fans in the case, so hopefully that will be cool.
Thanks for the other Blu-Ray drive.

And thrak76 thanks for the advice.

[SavellM]

I have dropped the psu down to a 420w.

Silent Pro M2 420W RS-420-SPM2

[bluray]

I have dropped the psu down to a 420w.

Silent Pro M2 420W RS-420-SPM2

What I'm trying to say is this- PSU operates more efficient at 50-70% of it spec. For your HTPC, you are probably operates at only 12-20% of 420W.......it's not going to harm your HTPC, but you might have to spend a little more on electric bill.....just a thought!

[SavellM]

Ah I see...
I like that one as its modular, and in the Moneual 312 case, space is of the essence.
So I would rather spend a bit more, and use this one.

Unless there is a good quiet, lower power modular PSU?

[bluray]

Unfortunately, there is not much choice for low wattage modular PSU in ATX size.....

[SavellM]

Ye thats my issue.

[SavellM]

I've gone way overboard!
I got this Mobo:
Asus ROG Maximus V GENE
For a few reasons.
1) HDMI 1.4a
2) Good soundcard, so that will help with my surround sound setup
3) I can use a OCZ mSATA SSD
4) Looks awesome

Dont be a hater, as I said I know this is way OVERKILL, but I wanted to be future-proofed and happy.

[bluray]

@Save----

With HTPC, it's always better to be on the overkill side of thing.......

You'll enjoy it!

[nimrod77]

@save,
Did you end up using Openelec?
Cheers!

[SavellM]

Yup using OpenELEC for the last 2 years or so.
And using it on this build.

Going well