[eskro]

[MOBO+CPU+GPU] ASRock E350M1 Zacate Dual-Core 1.6Ghz HD6310 SATA-III mITX ($100 + $0)
[CASE+PSU] Apex MI-100 Black mITX 250W ($55 + $0)
[FAN] Scythe SY1225SL12L 120mm 800RPM 40.17CFM 10.70dBA ($14 + $0)
TOTAL: ($169)

RAM and Hard Drives aren't included...
Those are left-out purposely so you can choose them yourself according to your needs!

This new build is now part of my HTPC Startup Guide!!
If you haven't read it yet, please do!

Also, please don't miss out on Poofyhairguy's HTPC Recommendation Thread!!

[faheem5]

I was trying to decide between this option you posted and the other.. which was for 237 (Atom 330 with Asus HD5450)

I read your guide.. and my box will mainly be booting from XBMC Live (usb) and 80% for watching 1080p m2ts movies (bitstreaming HD audio to reciever) and 20% streaming internet/music

they both work.. but wondering is it better to get the PC with a seperate GPU? also, is it possible to use a wife card in any of these 2 pcs?

in regards to the remote control.. i have a Harmony 1100 wondering if this will work with XBMC or do i have to buy any addtional accessories?

[spartan711]

you can't bitstream hd audio with with linux. Please do some more research. This zacate platform has the equivalent of an HD 5450.

It is possible to have a wifi usb dongle - check about linux support. It is possible to have a card, but you must have an available slot.

You need an IR receiver for your comp. Get the HP one, check the forums for more info.

[eskro]

faheem5, i suggest you read my HTPC Startup Guide...

i clearly say in the Q&A section:
Q. Which one of these can I use with XBMC Live (Linux)?
A. All of them but i don't recommend the $183 Mini-ITX build for now!!

[soundbyte]

Did you/anyone else actually build this system? I'm curious about the fit of the components (including a regular HDD) inside the case.

[eskro]

http://hardforum.com/showpost.php?p=1033...ostcount=8

[yite]

How does the GIGABYTE GA-E350N-USB3 compare to the Asrock Zacate?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

I haven't been able to find out if the Gigabyte will bitstream HD audio through the HDMI port.

[eskro]

ZACATE E-350 + Realtek ALC892 = BitStream HD Audio

[yite]

Thank's for the very quick response.

Do you have any major concerns about the Gigabyte as opposed to the Asrock. Newegg is currently out of the Asrock and I've been pretty loyal to Gigabyte motherboards, even if for no technical reason.

The build I'm looking at is pretty much your recommendation with a few tweeks:

Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811154091 ($39.99)
HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6822136075 ($35.99)
Mobo + APU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813128468 ($149.99)
Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820231179 ($42.99)
Fan http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835185004 ($14.99 for buying 3)

Total $283.95

Not including the bd drive or burner.

[eskro]

Gigabyte motherboards are pretty much top of the line right now!
I actually just received my microATX Gigabyte mobo today!

But dont get me wrong, ASROCK is sweet too!!

Now i would buy these FANS here:
[FAN 120mm] Scythe Slipstream 120mm 800RPM 40.17CFM 10.70dBA ($13 + $0) http://ow.ly/1s12Lu

And 4GB of ram is alot
for 'just' using your PC for playing 1080P + NetSurfing...
i would go with these:
[RAM] G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1066Mhz CL7 ($28 + $1) http://ow.ly/1s0jjU

and, any reasons not to buy an SSD as OS drive?

which OS will u install??

[yite]

and, any reasons not to buy an SSD as OS drive?

Mainly cost. I considered this SSD for $43 more:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820233122

SSD benefits are faster boot up speeds and reduced noise, correct? Not major concerns to me. Unless there is something else I'm unaware of.

which OS will u install??

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. That's why I chose the 4GB of ram. Still overkill?

[eskro]

ok... 4gb is still alot... i would go with 2gb...

for win7, you need at least a 30gb ssd... so thats at least $70...
still worth it to me!!!

Kingston SSDNow V Series 30GB 2.5" 30GB http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820139162 $56

[yite]

for win7, you need at least a 30gb ssd... so thats at least $70...
still worth it to me!!!

I'm still weighing the option.
Nice find on the Kingston SSD. I guess I can swing $20.

Eskro - I want to thank you for you contribution to this forum in helping newbs like myself grasp this process. If it weren't for you and PoofyHairGuy I'd be watching lower quality videos through the Xbox.

I'd like to provide an experience in an attempt to contribute to the cause. It's a little embarrassing but I originally bought the Asrock Core 100ht-BD mini PC.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...re%20100ht ($619.99)

It did not bitstream HD audio like I thought it was supposed to. It might be capable of it but I didn't pursue it. I saw it as a waste of money and it also deprived me of the enjoyment of building something. So luckily, Newegg refunded me store credit. With the store credit I am able to buy an HTPC AND the start of my Unraid system. The unraid obviously based off other builds from this forum. Observe:

Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811129069 ($34.99)
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103698 ($37.99)
Mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813130559 ($54.99)
RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820145252 ($29.99)
PSU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817139017 ($19.99 after $20 rebate [Great Deal])
USB Flash http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820171510 ($8.99)
HDD 2x http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6822136514 ($159.98 ($79.99 each))

Total $346.92
Added to the HTPC build without any changes ($283.95)

Totals $630.87

This does not include a blu ray player (or burner), the potential SSD, and the reduced memory.

Sorry for the list of links but I can't get my Newegg account to show my public wishlist.

One last question this one on the Unraid. Is it okay to use the Green 2TB HDD as the parity? I was also looking at the Black but it got bad reviews.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...-_-Product

[eskro]

honestly, best advice is to register the unraid forum and ask there..
thats what i did, and guys are great overthere

i know now that that msi mobo is to avoid...
better with the asrock 880-le if i recall good...

that psu is very good btw..

the rest looks fine to me

[yite]

Will do. I actually think I stumbled across the answer already.

Thanks again for you help Eskro.