Finalized Build List...please critique

[jca08]

I've updated my build list a bit...still using NewEgg. I've looked around a lot for lower prices but I feel like I would have to order from a few different places thus negating the money saved with increased shipping. Shipping for my entire list from NewEgg is $13.
To reiterate/update my needs:
1. Primarily Blu-ray/streaming/archived HD video playback
2. Local server for small (somewhat expandable) movie collection and music streaming (Squeezebox) and some files
3. Potential for some gaming...preferably with current components but if needed I could throw in a graphics card and/or upgrade RAM and CPU

I'm pretty set on this case, unfortunately...I know it's very expensive. I like how small it is and that it still has all the ports/card ports on the front plus I can fit 3-4 3.5" drives. (More considering I'm getting the 2.5" SSD and I have a spare 100GB 2.5" HD I'm going to throw in there in the same 3.5" bay) I still welcome other case suggestions because obviously I could save a ton of money if somebody knows of a case with the same features and build quality for a less insane price.

So here's my updated build list. The price has gone up but that is with the OS and a slim CPU fan so it should actually be everything needed for this machine...and with some price drops I have been able to upgrade some components while maintaining the same price.

Case: Moneual MonCaso 312B Micro ATX HTPC - 239.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811280014

PSU: SeaSonic S12II 330W Bronze ATX12V - 46.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151073

MoBo: Gigabyte GA-785GMT-USB3 AM3 AMD 785G Micro ATX - 74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128432

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz AM3 65W - 64.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103681

RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2x2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel - 109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231193

HD: Intel X25-V 2.5" 40GB SATA II SSD - 114.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167025

Optical: Lite-On Black 4x Blu-Ray - 64.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106326

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116754

SilverStone 3.5" to 2.5" bay converter - 8.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817997007

Scythe SCSK-1100 100mm Shuriken Rev. B CPU Cooler - 24.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835185097

TOTAL = 850.90

Please let me know if you see anywhere I can save money or get better quality components for a similar price. As always, thanks PCMech for all that you do.

-J

P.S. I know the SSD is a little bit over the top as well but I would like to try out the technology and I like the idea of 10-15 second boot-ups and near-instant OS operation.

[Khalil]

I would avoid Gigabyte and get an Asus motherboard. You won't be able to do much gaming without a video card. AMD run very cool stock, that cooler is a waste of $25.
Stick to Windows 7 32 bit for better compatibilty with Blu-ray software and other types of playback.

[jca08]

Khalil, have you had trouble with Gigabyte boards? This one and it's predecessor (minus the USB 3.0) have excellent reviews with the same features for slightly cheaper.

The CPU cooler was specific to the case which put the extended Blu-ray drive very close to the CPU cooler from what I've read. However, Khalil, your comment got me thinking of how to get rid of the fan and extra cost so I just picked up a VidaBox vCase3 Slimline Chassis (http://www.vidabox.com/store/index.p...roducts_id=118) for $180.02 including shipping which moves the Blu-ray drive over to the side thus making the slim CPU cooler pointless and saving $85 in the process.

With that savings, I'm considering getting the Sapphire 100293DP Radeon HD 5570 1GB 128-bit PCI Express 2.1 x16 Low-Profile graphics card (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102875) for $89.99. Would this card be worth it in this machine? Would I see significant enough results in games to make it worth it? I really don't need/want a dedicated gaming machine so would this be a viable option for the times when I want to play games on this thing?

Lastly, can I get Windows 7 64 bit to work playing Blu-ray? My main reason for going 64 is so this machine can last as long as possible. I'm willing to put up with a little bit of hassle in the hopes that 64 really is going to gain support and primacy in the OS market.

Thanks for the help, Khalil.

-J

[Khalil]

Khalil, have you had trouble with Gigabyte boards? This one and it's predecessor (minus the USB 3.0) have excellent reviews with the same features for slightly cheaper.

Yes a lot of trouble so I quit using them. Their support and RMA is below par. Newegg reviews are mostly by first time builders and folks who buy one board at a time, I buy boards 50 or more at a time.
http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=207564

Sapphire are great cards however if one fails after the first 30 days you are on your own, newegg won't take it back and sapphire offers no direct consumer support. http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=207566

I tried 64 bit a couple of times with BD and it did not work so I am not aware of any playback software that gives stable playback in Blu-ray.
I use Cyberlink Power DVD Ultra with windows 7 32 bit on my home media center.
Someone else on this forum might know of another software that works with 64 bit os or you can try googling it.

[jca08]

Thanks for the input, Khalil. You've got me checking out boards and OS forums again. I would still like to stick with 64-bit but I'm reading about a lot of the same issues you talked about. We'll see.

I have another question that popped up now that I've switched to a case without an included remote and IR Port...how do you recommend I control this thing? I'm looking at both a keyboard and remote control. The caveat is that I would really prefer not to have a separate IR dongle hanging out somewhere. Would you guys recommend putting an internal Bluetooth or RF dongle in there? Are there any solid but cheap keyboards/remotes out there?

As always, thanks...
-J

[glc]

If you are getting a video card you will need more than a 330w power supply.