[Mini-ITX] Zacate 2x1.6Ghz + HD6310 ($213)

Quote: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.

Quote:which OS will u install??

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

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

Quote: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

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

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

Thanks again for you help Eskro.

http://forum.xbmc.org/showpost.php?p=739...stcount=14

eskro Wrote: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!!!

Are you sure about this? I have a 60gb OCZ Vertex 2 and after loading up Win7 64 bit and XBMC I have about 27gb of space left. This is why I went with a 60gb ssd instead.

windows fits perfectly on a 30GB SSD...

Windows fits on a 30GB as long as its just Windows and XBMC. You want Office, games, etc, go bigger...

windows tales ~16GB....
so on a 30GB SSD, you got plenty of space XBMC + APPLICATIONS

However, i agree that, if your a heavy duty gamer,
you'll have to go 60GB SSD...

if not, a 30GB is for you