Advice on my future HTPC and Server builds

Hey guys was wondering if i could get some feedback on two builds im considering doing.

First is my HTPC I've decided to go with

Case: Silverstone ML03 Black Slim HTPC Case
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Motherboard
Power Supply: Antec VP450P 450W Power Supply
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3
Processor: Intel Celeron G540
HDD: Intel 330 Series 60GB SSD
Optical Drive: LG CH12LS28 12X BD-R Blu-ray DVD Combo Drive

Total Cost + Delivery: $472

I want this to be able to

1. Play back all my 1080 ripped media (Movie's and TV Show's)
2. Launch Emulators (Like PS1, Wii, Atari ECT)
4. Playback Blu-ray with ease
5. Connect to my receiver

Now here is the list for my server

Case: BitFenix Prodigy Mini-ITX Case White
Power Supply: Thermaltake Litepower 500W
Processor: Intel Celeron G540
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H61MA-D3V Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3
Add-On Card: Sunix 4 Port Internal SATA Connector PCI Card
HDD: Western Digital WD Red 3TB WD30EFRX
Server Software: unRaid Server + 4GB USB Preconfigured

Total Cost + Delivery: $725

I want this to feed all my media to the 3 planned media centres im building + my 3 laptops and possible

Any thing im looking at that wont work together? and suggestions where i could save some money? Any help is really appreciated.

I'm thinking about going down to an i3 2120T saves me about $50 but is it worth sticking with the i5

No the i3 will do nicely

I've taken your advice on board but thinking for the extra $50 getting an i5 will future proof me a bit.

(2012-08-11 13:45)AaronG85 Wrote:  I've taken your advice on board but thinking for the extra $50 getting an i5 will future proof me a bit.

An i3 will be more than you need for what you described.
You won't be future-proofing actually. Save yourself the $50 and get a nice remote.

I don't like the term future proofing when it comes to HTPCs.
It's like saying I'll buy a Mercedes to drive to work instead of a Ford Escort so I'm future proofed.
I know that may be a ridiculous example,...but in some ways it's true.

---

But, that's only my opinion.

Gort i guess you have a point, and knowing me ill probably rebuild it in a year or two. So ive decided on the Intel Core i3 2120T is there anything else in the rig i should look at?

Is there any specific add-on software/scripts I should be looking for with 'unRaid'

(2012-08-11 16:42)AaronG85 Wrote:  Gort i guess you have a point, and knowing me ill probably rebuild it in a year or two. So ive decided on the Intel Core i3 2120T is there anything else in the rig i should look at?

Save a bit more cash and get an i3 2120, the T option won't actually make any difference for htpc use.

You could also look at the ASrock H77M motherboard, you will not benefit from the Z77 chip set and definately not from the Extreme model. In fact from your list of parts even the B75M motherboard would suffice.

One other area to look at is the psu, 550 watts is way too much. This setup will likely use less than 100 watts.

David

The i3 is a heck of a CPU. As strong as the i5 CPUs from the first generation.

The new Ivy Bridge CPUs will have about a 10% boost in performance. They come out in 2 weeks.

Hey DavidT99 thanks for the feedback there is only $19 difference between the T and no T processors so i think ill stick with the T but have taken your advice and changed the motherboard.

Assissin are you saying wait to get a newer i3 or not? sorry bit confused on your response.