WIP New HTPC Build

[NightRain]

Hey guys, so I just moved into a new house and have setup my first projector setup for my HT. I've been using my laptop (Alienware m11x) to display online streams and stuff for my watching needs but decided on getting a dedicated HTPC instead. I started with a $500 budget when I was looking at things like the Dell Zino HD 410 or a Nettop PC (like eeePC) but decided they didn't offer what I wanted. I order my stuff yesterday and will update when I get the build going. For now here is a picture of my current setup (my laptop using sits where the yellow cables are located.



I plan on setting up this HTPC and sitting it on top of my audio rack next to my PS3/360/Wii but I may move the Wii so it won't be cramped.

Here is what I've got going.

Case: Lian Li PC-V354B



Motherboard: Asus P8H67-M Evo B3



CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K



RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw X DDR3 1333MHz 4GB



Power Supply: OCZ ModXSteam Pro 700W



HDD: WD 1000GB Black SATA



DVD-RW: Samsung SH-S223C



Bluetooth: Asus BT211



I will also be using Windows 7 Professional x64, an existing USB IR receiver for remote control support, existing Xbox 360 wireless controller and usb adapter, existing BT Apple wireless keyboard (looking for replacement, likely Logitech K340), existing Logitech Performance MX mouse. At first I will be using the Intel HD 3000 graphics chipset but when I upgrade my video cards in my gaming rig (Two ASUS Dark Knight Radeon 4870 1GB in CrossFire) I'll install them in this HTPC for some gaming too.

Looking forward to building this machine and posting pictures. Let me know what you think.

[Supergrover]

Looking like a nice build NR, I love that Lilly case for HTPC's.

[NightRain]

A bunch of stuff arrived today. Still waiting on my case and BT adapter. Here is a start. I just realized the OCZ 700W only included two PCI-E plugs, a 6 pin and a 6+2 pin. I don't remember reading that before. Now I'm sorta wishing I spent the extra $50 on a Corsair HW650W instead. Oh well, it'll work fine I'm sure. I'll just have to use a molex modular cable and adapter to power my second video card when I install the two Asus 4870's from my main rig.

Let me know what you think.















More when I get my case.

[Rison]

I have the same PSU in my main workstation right now. It's all you need for a single card video card setup. Unless of course the GPU needs dual 8 pin.. then you'll have to use an adapter.

[Dead Things]

That RAM and mobo look abfab together!

[NightRain]

Originally Posted by Rison

I have the same PSU in my main workstation right now. It's all you need for a single card video card setup. Unless of course the GPU needs dual 8 pin.. then you'll have to use an adapter.

I plan on running dual 4870's once I upgrade to a single 6970 in my main rig. The 4870's I have require two 6-pin connections. They each shipped with a molex to 6-pin adpaters, I just need to find them. I'll run one card off the PCI-E connections included and another off molex connections. I think I'll be fine. I'm only running a 95W CPU and single HDD and DVD-RW anyway so 700W shouldn't be an issue my main rig has a lot more than that and doesn't go past a 650W draw at 100% load.

[NightRain]

Originally Posted by Dead Things

That RAM and mobo look abfab together!

I know, I was originally going to buy the 1600Mhz version which is in red, but since this Blue looked like a close match and was 1333Mhz which is all I can really use with Sandy Bridge I decided to go for it, the cost was the same. The blue is exactly the same as the heatsinks on the motherboard, pretty awesome.

[_dangtx_]

looking good. matx boards and smaller are kikarse!

[Reyzac]

The new blue Corsair Vengeance kits match the ASUS boards well too.
Build should be good, dude.

[NightRain]

Another small update. I'm still waiting on my case, but my Enermax TB Silence 120mm fans arrived today. Decided I'd test all the stuff out and install Windows 7 while I wait for my case.









Getting close.