My first HTPC build

[Lalji]

Sorry, I can't quote anyone.

Yes, I believe I will go mATX since I do have space for it and it will be a bit easier to build.

[Lalji]

Thanks Concinnity.

I think I want a more square case, I just think they look better for an HTPC. I know that is a stupid reason, but whatever.

I like the rest of your specs. I do however need a sound card and I do not need a HDD since I have a media server.

Thank you everyone so far!

[dandelioneater]

Theres's also the Silverstone SG09 case. Maybe not as clean looking as the Fractal mini, but it is very compact.

[Lalji]

Dandelioneater, I really like the look of that case...

Now my biggest dilemma seems to be a case. There are so many great choices out there.

[concinnity]

No worries. We all have our preferences.

[Lalji]

Hello All,

So, I've decided on most of my parts except for the mobo and sound card. Help would be appreciated with pricing and the last two items I'm missing.

Here is the list:

1) Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge

2) Intel 520 Series Cherryville

3) Patriot Intel Extreme Master

4) EVGA 01G-P4-2650-KR GeForce GTX 650 1GB

5) SilverStone Sugo Series SG02B-F

6) SeaSonic SSR-450RM 450W ATX12V / EPS12V

7) LG Black 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal 12X Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29

8) Maybe a Sound Blaster Z?

9) Maybe a Asus Gene V?

[concinnity]

Looking pretty good I must say. Not a fan of the case though..
A Gene V is a good choice if you're not going to use a sound card. The onboard audio is loads better than Realtek ALC junk. However, if you intend on using a sound card, which I think you will, you can save a bit and spend it on a card instead of a board. This might be better (and it's blue) That saves you a mighty big wad of cash to spend on a sound card. Personally, I have a severe distaste (mostly unfounded, might I add) towards Creative, I much prefer Auzentech or Asus. Here are a couple that cost about what you would save on the cheaper motherboard (or a bit more).
$87 Newegg.ca - ASUS Xonar DX 7.1 Channels PCI Express x1 Interface Sound Card
$190 Newegg.ca - ASUS Xonar Essence STX Virtual 7.1 Channels 24-bit 192KHz PCI Express x1 Interface 124 dB SNR / Headphone AMP Card
$70 AuzenTech Bravura PCI-E 7.1 Sound Card X-FI EAX DTS Neo DTS Interactive Headphone AMP

[BryceBooth]

If you are planning to use HDMI-out to a receiver, a soundcard will be completely useless as the receiver will do all the processing unless you use analog.

[Lalji]

concinnity - For some reason the link for that mobo won't show up. The reason I was going SB, is because of that included mic, which I was going to use for voice commands. However, what you linked should work with any mic I buy and saves me money, so thank you.

BryceBooth - I guess I will use a receiver that it is capable of splitting the video to the tv and audio to my speakers. In that case I'll probably just go with the no sound card option since the receiver is so darn expensive.

I'll connect a cheap mic directly to the mobo for voice commands.

Thanks all!

[concinnity]

There's also an Auzen card called the HomeTheaterHD. It takes the DVI signal from the GPU, and runs it to the sound card. The audio is scaled up and is sent out in the form of HDMI. Maybe this link will work:
Newegg.com - MSI Z77MA-G45 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS