2013-01-07, 21:41
I am trying to decide which build to do:
I already own my drives - SSD and 2 TB WD Green
i3-3225 for both builds - $120
Corsair XMS3 Series 8GB DDR3-1600 - $30
Wesena Build:
Wesena ITX7 - $96 (includes built-in IR receiver)
ASRock H77M-ITX - $55 (Microcenter combo deal)
I also already own a 65W Pico. Not sure if this would be enough, but I have to imagine a 55W TDP CPU and two drives should be ok on an ITX board. Anyone know for sure?
Advantages here are IMO the best looking HTPC case money can buy and SFF. Disadvantages are lack of room for expansion and the possibility of needing a better Pico and a new low profile CPU fan (not sure with the i3).
TOTAL: $301
Silverstone ML03 Build:
Silverstone ML03 - $60 (already have IR receiver and remote since this does not have a built in receiver)
Biostar H77MU3 - $20 (Microcenter combo deal)
Power Supply - $25
Total: $255
Advantages here are slightly less cost with more expand-ability. However, I do not like the case and size as much. It would be nice to be able to throw in a few more HDDs and maybe have an ODD at some point (for the hard to get media).
Anybody have experience with either of these cases? Pros? Cons?
I already own my drives - SSD and 2 TB WD Green
i3-3225 for both builds - $120
Corsair XMS3 Series 8GB DDR3-1600 - $30
Wesena Build:
Wesena ITX7 - $96 (includes built-in IR receiver)
ASRock H77M-ITX - $55 (Microcenter combo deal)
I also already own a 65W Pico. Not sure if this would be enough, but I have to imagine a 55W TDP CPU and two drives should be ok on an ITX board. Anyone know for sure?
Advantages here are IMO the best looking HTPC case money can buy and SFF. Disadvantages are lack of room for expansion and the possibility of needing a better Pico and a new low profile CPU fan (not sure with the i3).
TOTAL: $301
Silverstone ML03 Build:
Silverstone ML03 - $60 (already have IR receiver and remote since this does not have a built in receiver)
Biostar H77MU3 - $20 (Microcenter combo deal)
Power Supply - $25
Total: $255
Advantages here are slightly less cost with more expand-ability. However, I do not like the case and size as much. It would be nice to be able to throw in a few more HDDs and maybe have an ODD at some point (for the hard to get media).
Anybody have experience with either of these cases? Pros? Cons?