[xz316]

Hi all, my first post, please be gentle...

Need to build a new HTPC have been running OPENELEC on my HP Probook 4530s. The laptops fan i driving me crazy, sounds like a hoover craft. It has run fine and i love XBMC so now im ready to build a new unit.

I have a GA-H61N-USB3 M/B and will be putting it into a Streacom F7C EVO and will be using PICOPSU for power. So far thats it, any recommendations on CPU, RAM, SSD or HDD (would like OPENELEC installed onto a SSD). I saw a Sandisk SSD (SDSSDP-064G-G25) for £44 on amazon, any good.

Any help from the wealth of experience of you all would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.

[xz316]

Sorry to Self BUMP, but nobody has anything...

[Dougie Fresh]

If you're able, check the BIOS version and then look at the Gigabyte website to see if the Ivy Bridge processors are compatible with your GA-H61N-USB3. If so, a G1610 or G2120 for if you don't need 3D and a i3-2120T or i3-3225 if you do want full 3D capabilities.

For RAM, the GA-H61N-USB3 can use up to DDR3-1333 according to the specs. Kingston, G-Skill and Crucial are what I usually use but lately with prices I try to look for a highly-rated bargain.

For SSD for OpenELEC, I'd usually say 32GB SSD but looking at the prices, the 32GB is £38 and the 64GB is £44 so you might as well go for the 64GB since you can always use a 64GB SSD for Windows if you decide later to go that route whereas a 32GB SSD is really too small or Windows.

Also, unless you go with a 'T' processor, you might need a low-profile CPU cooler for that case unless you take out the ODD/HDD bracket -- I am not quite sure.

Here's a review: http://www.avsforum.com/t/1437652/streacom-f7c-reviewed

[noggin]

One thing to be aware of - if you own the motherboard already - is that you might need to upgrade the BIOS for your motherboard if you want to use an Ivy Bridge CPU (which is definitely a good call from Dougie). However to do this you will need to have a CPU that IS supported by its current BIOS to be installed to get to the BIOS to update it I believe. Annoying Catch 22 situation you can end up in...

[xz316]

Thanks Dougie Fresh & noggin for replying.

Great info cheers, will check out that review for the case. Not sure on the BIOS rev. yet, i got the M/B off Ebay & still waiting for delivery. I have seen the G2120 mentioned on here / other forums, i have no need for 3D so you recommend the G1610 or G2120. I take it that the G2120 is better than the G1610, what GPU do they have? On the SSD front i have seen a 64Gb Crucial M4 for a good price is that a good drive, is it better than the Sandisk one.

Thanks Again.