2013-02-03, 14:22
Hello all,
I decided to build my own HTPC because my Popcorn Hour C-200 died recently. I've been reading a lot around here and on other websites last couple of days, but got sort of lost.
The idea is to install OpenElec, or just Ubuntu with XBMC (like a have on my laptop right now). The HTPC should be able to play 1080p and 3D content on my Panasonic plasma TV. Regarding audio: I can live with sound going to my TV via HDMI, but if there is a way of hooking up the HTPC with my old Harman/Kardon receiver (AVR 4500), that would be fine too (although I think that would only be possible through an optical cable).
I prefer to spend a bit more money and have a system that just runs smoothly, rather than try to save a few bucks and have stuttering menu's or 3D content. I won't be playing any games on it. It would be nice if the system can do some downloading and processing whilst playing HD content, but that's not a must.
So, the idea is to get the following:
Intel Core i3-3225 3.3GHz 3MB LGA1155
ASRock H77M-ITX - Socket 1155 - Mini-ITX
Kingston HyperX blu - 4GB 1600MHz PC3-12800
Cooler Master - GX-Lite - 500 Watt (I know this is way too havy, but I'v read that it's pretty stable due to having only one 12V rail)
I suppose I don't need a dedicated graphics card here, do I?
And an HDD of course, but I already got that a few weeks ago (just before the Popcorn passed away). Most of my content is on a NAS anyway.
So my question is, is this configuration going to work?
Or should I rather go for:
AMD A series A8-5500 - 3.2 GHz - 4MB
Asrock FM2A75M-ITX - Socket FM2 - mini-ITX
Thanks all!
I decided to build my own HTPC because my Popcorn Hour C-200 died recently. I've been reading a lot around here and on other websites last couple of days, but got sort of lost.
The idea is to install OpenElec, or just Ubuntu with XBMC (like a have on my laptop right now). The HTPC should be able to play 1080p and 3D content on my Panasonic plasma TV. Regarding audio: I can live with sound going to my TV via HDMI, but if there is a way of hooking up the HTPC with my old Harman/Kardon receiver (AVR 4500), that would be fine too (although I think that would only be possible through an optical cable).
I prefer to spend a bit more money and have a system that just runs smoothly, rather than try to save a few bucks and have stuttering menu's or 3D content. I won't be playing any games on it. It would be nice if the system can do some downloading and processing whilst playing HD content, but that's not a must.
So, the idea is to get the following:
Intel Core i3-3225 3.3GHz 3MB LGA1155
ASRock H77M-ITX - Socket 1155 - Mini-ITX
Kingston HyperX blu - 4GB 1600MHz PC3-12800
Cooler Master - GX-Lite - 500 Watt (I know this is way too havy, but I'v read that it's pretty stable due to having only one 12V rail)
I suppose I don't need a dedicated graphics card here, do I?
And an HDD of course, but I already got that a few weeks ago (just before the Popcorn passed away). Most of my content is on a NAS anyway.
So my question is, is this configuration going to work?
Or should I rather go for:
AMD A series A8-5500 - 3.2 GHz - 4MB
Asrock FM2A75M-ITX - Socket FM2 - mini-ITX
Thanks all!