Need help with HTPC build
So I've decided to build an HTPC and I need some help with which parts to use. I've gone through and read some threads in this forum regarding htpc builds but I'm still not sure what would be best for me. I'm hoping you knowledgeable people can help me out.
First and foremost I'm not looking to spend a lot on it. Around $400-500 after tax if possible. I need it to be able to play 1080p .mkv's flawlessly as well as remaining cool and being as close to silent as possible.
I'm not sure whether I should go AMD or Intel, but from what I've been reading AMD might be better for a cheaper htpc build.
GIGABYTE GA-785GMT m-atx motherboard - This might be overkill at $99? I want to go with m-atx and I like the option of having USB 3.0 support. Is the integrated audio and video good enough? and is it wise to go that route or should I get a dedicated GPU?
AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz - I really have no idea what Processor to go with, and if this one will even work with the motherboard I posted above?
nMEDIAPC Black HTPC 5000B Micro ATX Media Center - I like the look of this case, I'm not sure how quiet it would be though? Reviews seem decent.
I think 2GB of RAM should be enough, but I'm not sure what type to go with, if anyone has any suggestions? I'm also thinking of going with a 500GB HDD since I just recently purchased a 2TB drive for my media collection. Would a Western Digital Green drive be good enough to run the OS as well as stay cool and quiet?
I realize I'm asking a lot of questions, and I tried to do the research on my own but I would like to get input from people who are more intelligent on the subject than I am. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
First and foremost I'm not looking to spend a lot on it. Around $400-500 after tax if possible. I need it to be able to play 1080p .mkv's flawlessly as well as remaining cool and being as close to silent as possible.
I'm not sure whether I should go AMD or Intel, but from what I've been reading AMD might be better for a cheaper htpc build.
GIGABYTE GA-785GMT m-atx motherboard - This might be overkill at $99? I want to go with m-atx and I like the option of having USB 3.0 support. Is the integrated audio and video good enough? and is it wise to go that route or should I get a dedicated GPU?
AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz - I really have no idea what Processor to go with, and if this one will even work with the motherboard I posted above?
nMEDIAPC Black HTPC 5000B Micro ATX Media Center - I like the look of this case, I'm not sure how quiet it would be though? Reviews seem decent.
I think 2GB of RAM should be enough, but I'm not sure what type to go with, if anyone has any suggestions? I'm also thinking of going with a 500GB HDD since I just recently purchased a 2TB drive for my media collection. Would a Western Digital Green drive be good enough to run the OS as well as stay cool and quiet?
I realize I'm asking a lot of questions, and I tried to do the research on my own but I would like to get input from people who are more intelligent on the subject than I am. Any help would be greatly appreciated!