Micro Sized ITX HTPC Build

[kingnubian]

Time has come again for another HTPC build for myself. I have built a number of these systems both for myself and clients but wanted some views & suggestions about my latest upcoming build.

As with any HTPC build raw cpu power isn't the primary concern, my longest running personal HTPC runs an E5200 S775! GPU capability is the focus here but for this build being so time any, add-on graphics cards will not be possible. On-board graphics have come a very long way so this will not be an issue. Another major concern is that the system be as silent as possible as it will be going into a bedroom most likely. Price should be kept reasonably low.

Both Intel & AMD (FM1) based setups will be considered. These are the two cases I am considering.

Mini-Box M350
MINI-BOX M350 Universal MINI-ITX Computer Case Black 1X2.5INT Works With Pico PSU - Black - Mini-Box - M350

Antec ISK-300-150
Antec ISK-300-150 MINI-ITX Computer Case 1X5.25IN Slim 2X2.5IN W/ 150W Internal Power Supply - Antec - ISK300-150

CPU:
Intel Pentium G620 or 840
AMD A6-3500

Motherboard:
Intel: Gigabyte GA-H67N-USB3-B3
ASRock Z68M-ITX/HT

AMD: Asus F1A75-I DELUXE

Memory: G.Skill, Kingston, ect 2x4GB ddr3

Hard Drive: Cheap reliable 30GB-40GB ssd??? (All the media will stream off of my NAS so HD storage is really only for the OS & XBMC and Boxee)

Comments & Suggestions??

[Arinoth]

If you want to keep costs down, there is a nice little device called the PIOS AVIOS. It's a 100$ HTPC that can play literally all types of video and audio playback without any issues. I've been able to put this thing through its paces and still haven't seen it give a hick up (1080p movies over network). The only downside is it currently has no graphics library for you to see your movies/tv shows streamed over the network, only if the media is stored locally.

[kingnubian]

Originally Posted by Arinoth

If you want to keep costs down, there is a nice little device called the PIOS AVIOS. It's a 100$ HTPC that can play literally all types of video and audio playback without any issues. I've been able to put this thing through its paces and still haven't seen it give a hick up (1080p movies over network). The only downside is it currently has no graphics library for you to see your movies/tv shows streamed over the network, only if the media is stored locally.

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't heard of this device before.

I should have added that I do want a "General Purpose" pc for occasional surfing & general pc stuff from my bed.

[Arinoth]

I haven't used it, however it is suppose to have a web browser based on HTML5 which could fill your general needs. Though if you want to be able to do word processing, watch flash (it has a youtube plugin), you'd be better off with your own device running a standard os.

[jibz]

I have something along the lines of Arinoth. A appleTV refurbished from apples store for roughly $100 jail broken with XBMC on it. For browsing in bed I still just use my good old droid.

[bonanza2000]

holy crap those are small cases. I would feel a little helpless without a optical drive in there somewhere so I like the second case better. I suppose you could get a USB DVD drive but they are cheap enough that I would most likely just put one in the case. sorry not much help but I would love to see a few pics of your build when you do it.

[yamawho]

Here is one I just built ...

[Zer0]

The Minibox is a great little case. I built a pfSense router with it.

https://www.dropbox.com/gallery/9284...Sense?h=a2a260

For something a little bigger but still be able to put a midrange graphics card in it check out the Silverstone SG05. The newer black version has a 450W PSU. The one I built a year ago has 300W but that's still more than enough to power a 5770.

https://www.dropbox.com/gallery/9284282/1/HTPC?h=422492

[CMetaphor]

Ill toss a vote in for the Antec ISK case, I have one and its excellent for the size. Good 150w PSU, space for half-height card, 2x 80mm fan slots, 2x 2.5 hdd and a slim odd all in a Dam small case, heh.

[bonanza2000]

I built 2 little office computers with the SG06 case and it is small but I like it. Only downside was that it requires a slimline DVD but that was acceptible for me.
Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SG06-B Black Aluminum/SECC Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case SFX 300W with 80 PLUS certification Power Supply
Here's the thread on my build
Simple Office PC - Small form factor