Thread: Ready to build modern HTPC

Just finished building a second.  This time, I used a smaller graphics card and chose a different CPU heatsink.  The top lid fits on properly and the different video card HDMI placement resolves an issue with the particular case I use and HDMI at the very top (decorative metal gets in the way).  But, I have left all case fans unplugged and things have been running great for several hours.  I do feel the top...

ZOTAC IONITX-A-U = $189 (CPU, motherboard, Video card, HDMI with sound, WiFi n, Gigabit Ethernet, CUDA, included 90W power adapter, many other things) OCZ Blade Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) = $49.99 ($39.99 after MIR; cheapest I could find, it's an HTPC, nor a frag-fest machine) The case I listed above = $39.95 (if you find something better (read smaller), please do tell! ) Total so far = $278.94 (plus shipping) If you don't add any...

if your mobo has PATA ports, look at the prices for DOM (disk on module) storage.  Plugs right into the PATA port.  Might be useful for your purposes.  Or not.

When I had my Uneed X11 case for a few years I constantly ran into headaches with fanless cards and heatsinks. I actually left the top off the case as it fit very tightly in my rack anyway; not the best solution. I'd look into the mini-ITX solutions. So much less power and you can still pop in a Phenom if you like (although I like the 45w AMD dual-core). Open case again due to the location and heatsink.

I found that trying to stuff everything into a HTPC type case only lead to tears- 1. Not enough space inside. Most of these only let you use low-profile or stock coolers, which inevitable have nasty little fans. 2. Not enough slots on a MATX board. These are the cards I've got installed- * DVB-S satellite tuner * DVB-T freeview/ analogue twin-tuner (Mostly used for analogue input) * Audio card * Graphics card (Takes up two slots with...

Wish ya the best of luck.  I don't believe it can be done for $500.  I just ordered parts for a new box this morning.  I know I overkilled in a couple of spots but, spent $955. 

Thanks for the recommendations GQ.. I cant find the case for sale in the US but it does sound like what I want... I will go for a 650W power supply and have selected this one based on reviews.. CoolerMaster Real Power Pro 650W ATX 12V / EPS 12V Computer Power Supply RS-650-ACAA-A1, Active PFC, SLI Ready. This will be the first system that I have built myself in many years,  So I appreciate all the good advice from my friends...

Seems I'm a little late to the game, but I'd suggest always checking the latest HTPC Guide over on AVS Forum.  Sep 09 update: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14239742#post14239742 -John

I went for one of the Shuttle Form Factor Barebones as they are quite, the same height as my Reciever (good for side by side but not very wide so no good for stacking), it's also black and does not have a lot of "bling".  If I was doing it again, I'd get one sans Video (eg SX58H7), add a Fanless ATI 4550 HDMI card, Win7/Vista, a 2.5" Laptop Sata HDD, Sweet Spot CPU, 4GB of RAM, the MCE...