HTPC Build

[jp3]

Hi guys

Looking to put together a HTPC in a couple months now that summer is winding down. It will be primarily used for watching my library of movies and tv shows and some light internet use (downloading, email, etc). For reference, I will be hooking this up to a large LCD TV.

I'm not 100% sold on putting in a blu-ray drive, as I already do my own rips on my other computer and would have a PS3 sitting next to it anyway.

I'm also a bit late to the HTPC party, so forgive me if I'm crazy out of touch here... not exactly sure what a typical setup looks like. I'd like to do this as inexpensively as possible for quality stuff. I do have several extras sitting around that I'd like to make use of too (Logitech MK700, fresh copy of Win 7 Pro x64).

I don't know what is preferable for a build (Intel/AMD?). I've gone ahead and listed an AMD and an Intel build since I have zero idea. Can I stick to onboard graphics on my mobo to save money? I didn't add a video card on purpose as I wasn't sure about the previous question... and I wouldn't have a clue as to what would be a good fit for the system.

My prospective builds are below:

Intel Build

Rendition by Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory x 2 (4GB) Thermaltake TR2 RX W0146RU 450W ATX12V Ver2.2 Modular Passive PFC PFC Power Supply nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 6000B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM Western Digital Caviar Green WD8000AARS 800GB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ASUS P5G41C-M LGA 775 Intel G41 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard Intel Pentium Dual-Core E6500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80571E6500

AMD Build

Rendition by Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory x 2 (4GB) Thermaltake TR2 RX W0146RU 450W ATX12V Ver2.2 Modular Passive PFC PFC Power Supply nMEDIAPC Black Aluminum / Acrylic / Steel HTPC 6000B ATX Media Center / HTPC Case ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM Western Digital Caviar Green WD8000AARS 800GB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard AMD Phenom II X2 550 Callisto 3.1GHz Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor HDX550WFGMBOX

Both ballpark at around $400, with the Intel setup a hair over... but I'm in no rush to buy and build yet, so I can afford to cherrypick for good prices.

Helpful comments and insight would be appreciated. Thanks much!

[Khalil]

Personal preference! We do not do AMD/Intel Comparisons on this forum because it causes ugly arguments as both Intel and AMD have hard core fans.
With this sort of a build the performance is going to be about the same either way you go!

[jdeb]

You may want to consider looking into the i3 or i5 series cpu's. The integrated graphics cpu coupled with the windows 7 media center are very attractive for a HTPC setup. Lower power, quiet, stunning 1080p graphics and video playback. If you are on a tight budget, the i3-530 would serve you well.

ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX
Newegg.com - ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

i3 / i5 Clarkdale cores
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,CPUs / Processors,Processors - Desktops,LGA 1156,Clarkdale,Yes