My first HTPC build
 

***EDIT*** = Check page 2 for my parts list please.

Hello,

I'm looking to build a new HTPC for my Panasonic TC-P55VT50. My details are below and any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

What YOUR PC will be used for

I will mainly use this PC to stream movies @ 1080p with proper surround sound to my TV and speakers respectively. I will also use this PC to surf the web and play music. I want the movies to play without any lag whatsoever and I want the PC to be fast, quiet and small.

What YOUR budget is

For my budget, I'm looking to spend roughly $800. I do have some spare parts laying around that I will try to use (such as an old PSU), but I'm not sure they work, so I have not listed them here. For the most part, let's try to get everything new (just in case).

What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from

The best country in the World :p... Canada of course.

IF YOU have a brand preference

I prefer an Intel CPU. Other than that, I don't have any preferences. If there is good arguments for AMD, I'd go with that.

If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are

Let's say I need everything, including a nice wireless kb/mouse combo.

IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads

I have read a few, but it seems those systems are about $1,000 - $1,500 and is that really necessary for an HTPC?

IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds

I do not plan to OC, since it is just my HTPC.

WHEN do you plan to build it

I plan to buy and build during the holidays.

What resolution and settings do you use

The PC must support 1080p without a hitch with 3D and proper surround sound.

Are there any specific technologies you want

- Fast
- Quiet
- SSD as the main drive
- Bluray player
- Support proper surround sound (Dolby, DTS, Etc...)
- Support 1080p 3D

Thank you in advance. Sorry if this is in the wrong section.

Nvidia 3DTV doesn't support your TV so you won't get 3D support, so a cheap AMD APU system would be fine.

Oh really? I thought it did support it and that is why I am going to order that TV. Here is the link I looked at:

3D HD Technology From Panasonic

If it does not support that, I'd have to rethink things. Can you show me how you know it does not support nVidia 3D?

Processor: i3 3220 $120 [i used to have phenom x2 560, and it would play bluray rips of 16 to 18gigs fine]
motherboard: P8Z77-I DELUXE $180 or any1 from these Roundup: Eight Mini-ITX Mainboards for LGA1155 Processors - X-bit labs
GPU: not needed i guess
Sound Card: 7.1 Surround Sound Card around $80 [any1 from Asus/Creative][only if you are connecting speakers to your PC]
RAM: Gskill Ripjawx 8GB $50 [4x2]
Blu ray Player: LG BH10LS30 Blu-ray Drive $75
SSD: any Samsung/Corsair 240GB/120GB SSD $220/$130 respectively [can go for 60GB $90 as well, if you are not going to be installing any big softwares/games]
Logitech Keyboard/Mouse Combo $40
Case: Am not good in this, so if any1 can fill in here
PSU: 350W - 450W 80+ bronze/gold [if planning to do cable management, than a modular PSU, a little costly, will do the thing]
Seasonic SS-350TGM 350W PFC 80PLUS Gold $75
am i missing anything?
Prices are listed using amazon.com, tried to enter an average amount of the items
Total goes to around $750[considering 120GB SSD], you can use the remaining $50 for the case I guess

Ohh, and also, if you dont want to get a sound card, you can use the HDMI from the motherboard, and get the speaker output from the tv itself

or for best quality, an AV receiver should give you a blasting entertainment

The onboard video for the 3220 can't play 1080P.

I believe the TV does support nVidia 3DTV, so I would like to get an nVidia card.

Thank you, this is VERY close to what I was looking at myself. Good to know someone else is also suggesting the i3.

I've been trying to post a reply and it keeps saying something along the lines of "Your post will show up after an admin approves it" :(

Dunno why everyone insists on ITX for HTPC's. I use a mATX since I have a 650Ti, and Auzen HometheaterHD Sound Card. ITX is just too small for me.

My Lineup
 

Case: Fractal Design Define Mini ~$100
CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 ~$130
Motherboard: MSI H77MA-G43 ~$85
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB ~$40
GPU: Gigabyte GTX 650 2GB ~$140
PSU: SeaSonic SSR-360GP 360W ~$60
ODD: Generic LG BluRay Reader ~$35
SSD: Crucial M4 128GB ~$110
HDD: Western Digital 1TB Green ~$80

Dunno if you need the HDD, 80 bucks buys a nice sound card

GRAND TOTAL: $780