HTPC build critique

[karu]

So never built one before, but i really want to now. i visited pcalchemy(awesome site btw) and started pointing out some parts....so heres what i was thinking, i picked something that was like small and efficient(or attempted it) but not sure of its compatability or maybe it won't fit.

http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=casedemour6.jpg

- Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 HDS721010KLA330 - 1 terabyte - $359.00
- Panasonic Blu-ray UJ-215 Slimline Slot Load - $1,000
- GMC AVC-S7 HTPC Case w/VFD and Remote, Black
Included CPU Cooler Kit for AMD 754/939/940/AM2 and Intel LGA775 - $229.00
- Athena 400W MicroATX PSU, AP-MP4ATX40 - $32.00
- Abit AN-M2HD GeForce 7050 AMD AM2 HDMI MATX - $99.95
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4600+ (2.4GHz), AM2, ADA4600CUBOX - Retail - $129.00
- OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 model - OCZ2RPR800C44GK - $229.99
- Vista 64bit

i saw a slim slot regular dvd-rw for like 89 bucks which i might do since i have a ps3, but figured, i'll ask for your guys input on these.

 

[w1retap]

You could always go with a slightly larger case that has room for a 5.25'' drive, then put a regular HD DVD or BR or combo drive in it. That would save your over $700.

 

[sabregen]

i envy your abilities to blow money (w1retap, you are NOT excluded in that statement!). w1retap's right though, there's plenty of other HTPC cases that have at least 1x 5.25" drive bay in the front that aren't requiring slim line drives. If you're going to be an early adopter, I'm all for it. save yourself some $ though. there's a lot of options that you could have in the box for the additional cost of that slim line drive. Hell, if you go for an HTPC case with 2x52.25" drive bays in the front, not only can you have a BD-R reader, but you can get a burner too.

 

[CrimandEvil]

1.) Why are you wasting money on 4 gigs of memory? Drop it to two gigs, thats all you need.

2.) Along with the ram comment, drop Vista 64. You simply don't need it or the headaches it brings. Go with Vsita 32 Home Premium.

3.) If you absolutely must have a tiny case wait for the Omaura TF8. I haven't seen a better designed low profile case yet (lets you use half height cards, a full size PSU and a 5.25 drive).

4.) You'll want to pick up a CPU cooler too cause the stock cooler is absolute garbage for HTPC work. I'd suggest picking up a cheap Zalman 7000/7700 series cooler instead.

 

[Vriess]

1,000 dollars for the blu ray drive? i guess its cuz of the size or whatever but jeez, is it really worth an extra 500-600 bux for that. You could get a dual hd/br combo that burns blu ray for less than half that.

 

[karu]

its funny its sold out the 1k slim, lol
crimand you sold me on that case i'll have to do more research, yea 1k on that slim blue ray was insane too, it was just something i saw...but with that new case i'll have to rework some stuff but yea thanks for the input

 

[Acidzerocool]

Looks like a decent platform but......

I would go with a case that can use a full size PSU also 5.25 bay.

Shop around you can do better on your prices

 

[NeilFarted]

So never built one before, but i really want to now. i visited pcalchemy(awesome site btw) and started pointing out some parts....so heres what i was thinking, i picked something that was like small and efficient(or attempted it) but not sure of its compatability or maybe it won't fit.

http://img145.imageshack.us/my.php?image=casedemour6.jpg

- Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000 HDS721010KLA330 - 1 terabyte - $359.00
- Panasonic Blu-ray UJ-215 Slimline Slot Load - $1,000
- GMC AVC-S7 HTPC Case w/VFD and Remote, Black
Included CPU Cooler Kit for AMD 754/939/940/AM2 and Intel LGA775 - $229.00
- Athena 400W MicroATX PSU, AP-MP4ATX40 - $32.00
- Abit AN-M2HD GeForce 7050 AMD AM2 HDMI MATX - $99.95
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4600+ (2.4GHz), AM2, ADA4600CUBOX - Retail - $129.00
- OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 model - OCZ2RPR800C44GK - $229.99
- Vista 64bit

i saw a slim slot regular dvd-rw for like 89 bucks which i might do since i have a ps3, but figured, i'll ask for your guys input on these.

the only advice i can give you is shop newegg instead. they have almost everything for cheaper.