HTPC Build

[Asad_A203]

Ok guys, I was looking at building a new HTPC but am currently a bit stuck between the two builds:

Build 1 - Budget Build:
Zotac Nvidia Ion - Dual core Intel Atom 330, nVidia 9400M, Wireless N built-in, HDMI output
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=39587&vpn=IONITX-D-E&manufacture=Zotac
$225 - Price matched to $180

Apex MI-008 MINI-ITX Case
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=32938&vpn=MI-008&manufacture=Apex%20Computer%20Technology
$60 - Price Matched to $48

Kingston 2GB DDR800
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35726&vpn=KVR800D2N5%2F2G&manufacture=Kingston
$40 - Price matched to $35

80GB Western Digital Caviar
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=18530&vpn=WD800JD&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD
$52 - Price matched to $40

Total: $303 + $10 GC (free shipping) - $10 GC (prior) * 1.05 = ~$320

Build 2 - True Multipurpose HTPC ;)
Zotak GF 9300 mini itx - Nvidia 9300, Wireless G, HDMI output
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=36236&vpn=GF9300-D-E&manufacture=Zotac
$165 - Price match to $127

Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 (2.5Ghz)
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=33181&vpn=BX80571E5200&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1008
$72 (NCIX)

Scythe Shuriken 3 Low Profile heatsink
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=38007&vpn=SCSK-1100&manufacture=Scythe
$36 - Price Match to $32


Kingston 2GB DDR800
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=35726&vpn=KVR800D2N5%2F2G&manufacture=Kingston
$40 - Price matched to $35

80GB Western Digital Caviar
http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=18530&vpn=WD800JD&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD
$52 - Price matched to $40

Apex MI-008 MINI-ITX Case
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=32938&vpn=MI-008&manufacture=Apex%20Computer%20Technology
$60 - Price Matched to $48

Total: $354 + $10 (gift card for free shipping) - $10 (prior GC) * 1.05 = ~$375

So given the $55 price difference between the two, which one would you guys choose and why?

My main purposes for this HTPC are for it to pull videos (720p and 1080p), MP3s, photos, and various other files off the file server and to display it on the various TVs throughout the house. As this will NOT be my file server, I do not care it has an 80GB Hard drive (ideally I could throw in a IDE and put more storage towards my file server). It will also be used to help assist my mom to learn how to use a PC (many years infront of a traditional computer setting have not worked and given this one will be easily accessible and in an area she frequents, I am hoping for a higher sucess rate, lol) and as such at a later point might be necessary to do very basic computer tasks (i.e. checking e-mail, word processing, etc.).

One of the other reasons I am hesistant to go with the Atom is the lack of upgradability versus the E5200 and how extremely limiting the CPU is. With the 2nd build, I can easily upgrade to a more powerful processor down the road as well as the graphics card to accomodate whatever might be necessary. I know the opposite argument is the HTPC is suppose to not accomplish such tasks which would call for anything more than an Atom but I keep believing at some point it might be required (and for only $55 to get the better performing machine is also appealing). The Atom has the edge in coming with Wireless N (streaming 1080p video wirelessly might/will not work well with G), cheaper, a better IGP, and producing less heat/consuming less power.

Any input is appreciated :cheesygri.

[willy]

80GB ... $40
500GB ... $56

You choose ...

[CalgaryRunner]

I agree with Willy that you should pick up a 500GB drive instead of the 80GB you listed. I have some of these Hitachi drives and really like them:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27146&vpn=0A35415&manufacture=Hitachi&promoid=1008

[B0000rt]

What will you upgrade the E5200 to? Intel's not going to release much that isn't already out on the 775...

What's your timeline? Can you wait for Clarkdale?

http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3648

[Jon Lai]

This is an HTPC. I don't see the need for the heatsink in build #2. Use stock HSF, and you've pulled the gap quite a bit closer. I think the answer is obvious then.

[B0000rt]

This is an HTPC. I don't see the need for the heatsink in build #2. Use stock HSF, and you've pulled the gap quite a bit closer. I think the answer is obvious then.

I'm sure the OP wants low noise... Stock HSF isn't too quiet...

[Jon Lai]

I'm sure the OP wants low noise... Stock HSF isn't too quiet...

Is the stock Intel HSF really that loud? The AMD HSF that came with my 5050E is incredibly quiet. The hard drive seeking noise is louder than the fans.

[Mistro]

The ninja mini is also a decent heatsink for an HTPC build. I just left it as passive cooling since my case fan was right next to it.

Also, since it's an HTPC, noise is probably LESS of a concern than with a normal pc. Aslong as you don't have any fans that whine (as compared to whoosh) you should be fine. The reason being that your HTPC will probably be a good distance away from you and also most of the noise will be covered up by the noise of whatever you're watching anyways ;)

[Asad_A203]

80GB ... $40
500GB ... $56

You choose ...

I guess I will go with the 500GB lol, but I really do not even want to buy a new HD given I have 4 80GB IDEs lying around here. There is a $28 connector on NCIX for SATA to IDE (wierd eh, lol) but wondering if I can pick one up for even cheaper. I just hate to throw storage into the HTPC and never need to use it.

[Asad_A203]

I'm sure the OP wants low noise... Stock HSF isn't too quiet...

The stock height of the E5200 cooler is too large as well to clear it in the case without any airflow or hitting the power supply.

[Asad_A203]

What will you upgrade the E5200 to? Intel's not going to release much that isn't already out on the 775...

What's your timeline? Can you wait for Clarkdale?

http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3648

To a more powerful 775, something like a E8400 or putting in a Q600 and transforming that into a form factor PC :cheesygri. To be honest though, I just like the idea rather than seeing it as purpose as I already have way too many PCs in this house.


Hmm timing is not too critical at all as I have my Xbox 360 purposing as my make shift HTPC. Thanks for the link, will check it out (might be worth it to wait for the Clarkdale).

[mr_raider]

What will you upgrade the E5200 to? Intel's not going to release much that isn't already out on the 775...

What's your timeline? Can you wait for Clarkdale?

http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3648

What's he going to upgrade the Ion to?

To the OP, if all you want is 720p, the Atom dual core is fine, although a bit slow. The 5200 though will give you far more options, at a lsight premium in terms of power consumption. If GPU acceleration fails, which can happen for several types of encodes, you will be happy to have a decent CPU.

I would only get Atom build if your PC is going to be on 24/7.

BTW, 1080p will also have issues streaming over wireless N. If you are serious about streaming HD, start drilling holes in your walls.

[ppl4golf]

Aftermarket heatsink fan is a big waste of money for budget builds. All newer half decent mobos will have good fan control. Noise, and cooling for that matter, is non-issue.

Like Jon said, HDD clicks is there along with stressed PSU fan noise when. All the rest is easy to manage.

I won't look at ION either unless I must need a chic really small box.

[Asad_A203]

What's he going to upgrade the Ion to?

To the OP, if all you want is 720p, the Atom dual core is fine, although a bit slow. The 5200 though will give you far more options, at a lsight premium in terms of power consumption. If GPU acceleration fails, which can happen for several types of encodes, you will be happy to have a decent CPU.

I would only get Atom build if your PC is going to be on 24/7.

BTW, 1080p will also have issues streaming over wireless N. If you are serious about streaming HD, start drilling holes in your walls.

Yeah I have both areas wired with ethernet cable just incase the wireless N thing doesn't work out. That being said, I guess N is pretty much scratched out then... I feel the same way about the CPU, a great GPU can only get a mediocre CPU so far...


Aftermarket heatsink fan is a big waste of money for budget builds. All newer half decent mobos will have good fan control. Noise, and cooling for that matter, is non-issue.

Like Jon said, HDD clicks is there along with stressed PSU fan noise when. All the rest is easy to manage.

I won't look at ION either unless I must need a chic really small box.

I don't really mind using the stock HSF if it would fit in the box. My box is too small to hold the E5200 stock HSF while not hitting the powersupply unit. Does anyone have any suggestions on boxes that will clear that (I guess I can add the $30 to the case price)?

Did this thread also get moved (wasn't aware there was an HTPC section now, haha)?

[B0000rt]

What's he going to upgrade the Ion to?

To the OP, if all you want is 720p, the Atom dual core is fine, although a bit slow. The 5200 though will give you far more options, at a lsight premium in terms of power consumption. If GPU acceleration fails, which can happen for several types of encodes, you will be happy to have a decent CPU.

I would only get Atom build if your PC is going to be on 24/7.

BTW, 1080p will also have issues streaming over wireless N. If you are serious about streaming HD, start drilling holes in your walls.
That's true..

1080p x264 over 802.11n should be perfectly fine... It's fine over unsecured 802.11g....

[ppl4golf]

Yeah I have both areas wired with ethernet cable just incase the wireless N thing doesn't work out. That being said, I guess N is pretty much scratched out then... I feel the same way about the CPU, a great GPU can only get a mediocre CPU so far...



I don't really mind using the stock HSF if it would fit in the box. My box is too small to hold the E5200 stock HSF while not hitting the powersupply unit. Does anyone have any suggestions on boxes that will clear that (I guess I can add the $30 to the case price)?

Did this thread also get moved (wasn't aware there was an HTPC section now, haha)?

That surprised me.

I got an APEX 317 mATX LP SFF case, dirt cheap but fit and finish was good and the small, proprietary PSU is surprisingly cool and quiet.

A case that doesn't take stock HSF is just not acceptable.

[Asad_A203]

That surprised me.

I got an APEX 317 mATX LP SFF case, dirt cheap but fit and finish was good and the small, proprietary PSU is surprisingly cool and quiet.

A case that doesn't take stock HSF is just not acceptable.

mITX cases are actually quite a bit smaller than the mATX and meant really for Atom based boards, especially if the power supply is inside. I can go for the PSU built onto the board (or outside) and have no issue but then I run into issues if the PS dies (replacing) or powering my E5200 effectively >:(. I found one guy modding his E5200 HSF so it runs fanless but he said temperatures were at the limit right after some short heavy usage (same case):

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dvoh8vDwVMI/SpCMu_DdChI/AAAAAAAAEvU/27D6alTIiaA/s800/4.jpg

Silverstone boxes seem to fit the E5200 but I hate spending $100+ on a case when that is 1/3 of the PC costs, lol. We will see though.

I'll keep looking and keep you guys posted.

[ppl4golf]

mITX cases are actually quite a bit smaller than the mATX and meant really for Atom based boards, especially if the power supply is inside. I can go for the PSU built onto the board (or outside) and have no issue but then I run into issues if the PS dies (replacing) or powering my E5200 effectively >:(. I found one guy modding his E5200 HSF so it runs fanless but he said temperatures were at the limit right after some short heavy usage (same case):

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_dvoh8vDwVMI/SpCMu_DdChI/AAAAAAAAEvU/27D6alTIiaA/s800/4.jpg

Silverstone boxes seem to fit the E5200 but I hate spending $100+ on a case when that is 1/3 of the PC costs, lol. We will see though.

I'll keep looking and keep you guys posted.

SFF does come in a high price tag:)