Ivy Bridge HTPC Build (first-timer!)
#1
So, I've had a nice file server for a while, 36TB worth of media, to be precise. I've used a Pivos Aios and a Patriot Box Office and while the file list is an extremely convenient way of playing my media, I'm looking for something more suitable for my behemoth file server, and so I decided to go with XBMCbuntu. I am only streaming media, no gaming or anything special. This is a dedicated media box.

This is all theoretical and I haven't pulled the trigger. Looking for last minute suggestions on my build. I'd like to not spend anymore than what is already presented, but I'm open to suggestions, of course.

Case & PSU:
Antec ISK300-150
Image
Read good things about it. I like the aesthetics and I have had great support from Antec in the past; I trust their products. The price point is also quite appealing, $69 CDN before taxes. Not too bad for a case and a 150W PSU.

Motherboard:
ASUS P8H77-I mITX
Image
Not many options when it comes to 1155 socket, HDMI out, motherboards, so this is the one that I picked.. hopefully it will suffice for what I'm trying to accomplish.

CPU:
Intel Core i3 3225 3.3GHZ
Image
Went with this as a lot of people recommended getting the Intel 4000 graphics. Nice power consumption (55W), price of $139 CDN before taxes, runs cool, and is powerful. Looking for alternative opinions here, but I feel strongly about my choice and I would need to be persuaded quite convincingly to sway from it.

RAM:
Kingston 4GB (2x2) HyperX Blu 1333MHZ DDR3
Image
Pretty simple choice here. I don't think I need anything more on a Linux build (do I?). Solid, fast RAM, but I'm definitely open to suggestions here.

SSD:
Crucial M4 C400 64GB
Image
I will be storing the database LOCALLY. I hope 64GB is enough, but tell me if I'm wrong. Having no experience with XBMC, I'm unsure of how big databases can get, I'd really like to ensure that I don't even come close to reaching the limit of this drive.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

As it stands, I don't have a receiver, so I'll be plugging this into (via HDMI) directly into my Panasonic U50; however, I plan on getting a mid-tier receiver with a 2.1 system in the near future, so warn me if there's something I should know moving forward.

Thanks for any input, all! Big Grin

EDIT: Total, before taxes, is $400.
Reply
#2
Any input? :S
REVISED:
I'm opting to go with this RAM, instead of the one in the OP. Only an $8 difference, and double the RAM. Might as well, right?

RAM:
Kingston KHX1600C9D3B1K2/8GX 8GB Kit 2X4GB 1600MHz DDR3 240PIN DIMM Unbuff Hmp HyperX CL9
Image
8GB RAM for $33... is this compatible with XBMCbuntu and the rest of my build? This is low profile RAM, just like the one in the OP. The only thing I worry about is that this RAM runs at 1.65v, will this be a problem at all?
Reply
#3
All your choices look fine.... you will have a nice HTPC... love the case. Smile



Reply
#4
Yes, these days with RAM prices you might as well go with 8GB. Seems the same for 64GB SSD vs. 128GB SSD -- sometimes only $20 more for double the space.
Reply
#5
(2012-10-09, 17:55)Dougie Fresh Wrote: Yes, these days with RAM prices you might as well go with 8GB. Seems the same for 64GB SSD vs. 128GB SSD -- sometimes only $20 more for double the space.

+1 on both counts

Nothing against Kingston, but there's always very solid deals on Crucial RAM as well. IMHO the best going.
Reply
#6
(2012-10-09, 18:08)onizuka Wrote:
(2012-10-09, 17:55)Dougie Fresh Wrote: Yes, these days with RAM prices you might as well go with 8GB. Seems the same for 64GB SSD vs. 128GB SSD -- sometimes only $20 more for double the space.

+1 on both counts

Nothing against Kingston, but there's always very solid deals on Crucial RAM as well. IMHO the best going.


I love crucial RAM.... Wink
Reply
#7
I live in Canada, so your deals probably aren't the same as mine! That goes for the $20 to upgrade to 128GB SSD as well.
Reply
#8
(2012-10-09, 22:07)roach9 Wrote: I live in Canada, so your deals probably aren't the same as mine! That goes for the $20 to upgrade to 128GB SSD as well.
I feel sorry for you there. Most of everything there cost more than U.S, and I sent a lot of stuffs to my relatives in Canada. With the shipping and custom charges, it's still cheaper than buying it in Canada. I was there for two weeks last year……

Stuffs in your list should be great for HTPC......
>Alienware X51- do it all HTPC
>Simplify XBMC configurations
>HOW-TO Bitstreaming using XBMC
I refused to watch movie without bitstreaming HD audio!
Reply
#9
(2012-10-08, 22:51)roach9 Wrote: So, I've had a nice file server for a while, 36TB worth of media, to be precise. I've used a Pivos Aios and a Patriot Box Office and while the file list is an extremely convenient way of playing my media, I'm looking for something more suitable for my behemoth file server, and so I decided to go with XBMCbuntu. I am only streaming media, no gaming or anything special. This is a dedicated media box.
It wont make much of a change but why not try OpenElec instead of XBMCbuntu. You will get a faster boot time and it is designed to be a dedicated media box
Guide to building an all in one Ubuntu Server - TV(vdr),File,Music,Web

Server Fractal Designs Define XL, Asus P5QL/EPU, Dual Core E5200, 4gb, L4M-Twin S2 v6.2, Supermicro AOC-USAS-L8I, 1*SSD & 13*HDD drives (24TB total) - Ubuntu Server
XBMC 1 ASRock Z77E-ITX, G850, 8GB RAM, SSD, BD - Ubuntu / OpenElec frodo
XBMC 2 Revo 3700 - OpenElec frodo
XBMC 3 Raspb Pi
Reply
#10
I never considered that, but I will look into it. Thanks.

In terms of upgradability, is there a difference between OpenElec & XBMCbuntu?

EDIT: And add-ons... how are they in OpenElec? is it FULL functionality within XBMC?
Reply
#11
Ok. I'm going with OpenElec, definitely seems more suitable for me.

Thanks a lot for that suggestion! Big Grin
Reply
#12
(2012-10-09, 21:45)Beer40oz Wrote:
(2012-10-09, 18:08)onizuka Wrote:
(2012-10-09, 17:55)Dougie Fresh Wrote: Yes, these days with RAM prices you might as well go with 8GB. Seems the same for 64GB SSD vs. 128GB SSD -- sometimes only $20 more for double the space.

+1 on both counts

Nothing against Kingston, but there's always very solid deals on Crucial RAM as well. IMHO the best going.


I love crucial RAM.... Wink

I like Kingston, Crucial and G-Skill.

Lately I've been almost 100% Kingston for desktop and Crucial for laptop memory with G-Skill Ripjaws for higher-end office/gaming rigs.
Reply
#13
I had G-Skill Ram go bad on me... so for me it's down on the list.... maybe they have gotten better and I was unlucky. I had two different models go bad.
Reply
#14
Knock on wood I've never had a bad stick of RAM. Motherboards and power supplies on the other hand ...
Reply
#15
Just stay away from cheap Kingston and Samsung ram, acer uses those and they are the most common source of system failures. I personally prefer critical, OCZ and Corsair Smile
The rest of the system looks fine.
Reply

Logout Mark Read Team Forum Stats Members Help
Ivy Bridge HTPC Build (first-timer!)1