HTPC M-ITX Build

[ganesh21]

1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
HTPC in the bedroom - need to be quiet and small (example zotac zbox) - will be running xbmc, netflix, hulu...etc.

2. Will you be overclocking?
No

3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Budget is around $400 including tax. Budget is flexible.

4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
NYC - mircocenter is only 2.5 miles away.

5. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
CPU, case, motherboard, wireless network card, psu.

6. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
Reusing the following parts - 2.5" ssd harddrive, 2.5" 1 tb for storage, desktop/laptop ram (i have all type and size), operating system. I will use a USB DVD Drive,

7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
Motherboard feature - (2) sata port, m-itx, HDMI output

8. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
Resolution 1080p - will be connected to 1 tv

9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Would like to build a m-itx htpc. Like to keep the size as small.

10. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I am comfortable with doing small modification. I have screwdrivlers, drill, dremel, soldering iron.

11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Noise level would need to near to low but does not have to be silent. It would only be on when watch a movie.

12. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
Will be carrying the system around.

13. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
I have OS from technet.

14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
I plan on building the pc immediately. Over the course of the next few days.

This is the system I plan on building but would like some opinion
cpu i3-3225 - http://www.microcenter.com/product/398006/Core_i3_3225_33GHz_LGA_1155_Boxed_Processor
mobo asrock -h77 - http://www.microcenter.com/product/392374/H77M-ITX_LGA1155_H77_mini_ITX_Intel_Motherboard
case - Antec ISK 110

Let me know if I miss any detail.

 

[Machupo]

If you're only going to use it for watching movies, I think the Intel cpu/mobo deals at Microcenter are much more along the lines of what you want than an a10 (i.e. the i3-3225 + asrock h77 mitx board for $175).

That case is fine, or if you wanted to go smaller, you could look into the M300/350 cases at mini-box.com and use a pico psu (would require a smaller aftermarket cpu cooler, though).

 

[ganesh21]

If you're only going to use it for watching movies, I think the Intel cpu/mobo deals at Microcenter are much more along the lines of what you want than an a10 (i.e. the i3-3225 + asrock h77 mitx board for $175).

That case is fine, or if you wanted to go smaller, you could look into the M300/350 cases at mini-box.com and use a pico psu (would require a smaller aftermarket cpu cooler, though).

I change the combo to i3-3225 and asrock mobo.

I will research the case.

 

[Zap]

How about the Antec ISK 110 VESA? It has the clearance for the stock cooler and can take two 2.5" drives just like the larger ISK 300-150. The ISK 110 is smaller and lighter, and does not have the unnecessary optical drive bay which the ISK 300 has.

The M350 lacks heatsink clearance, plus you have to buy the second drive tray separately (though really inexpensive). I think the ISK 110 may also have better ventilation, as while the M350 has vents all over, the spacing is pretty wide.

 

[ganesh21]

How about the Antec ISK 110 VESA? It has the clearance for the stock cooler and can take two 2.5" drives just like the larger ISK 300-150. The ISK 110 is smaller and lighter, and does not have the unnecessary optical drive bay which the ISK 300 has.

The M350 lacks heatsink clearance, plus you have to buy the second drive tray separately (though really inexpensive). I think the ISK 110 may also have better ventilation, as while the M350 has vents all over, the spacing is pretty wide.

I was looking at the Antic ISK 110 but was not sure if i could fit (2) 2.5" hard drive. Would i need to pickup a low power cpu cooler if i select the ISK 110. I just realize i can hook up the 110 behind my tv. That would be great for saving space.

 

[ganesh21]

I order the ante ask 110 case. I will pickup the cpu - i3-3225 and mobo at microcenter tonight.

I only need a recommendation on a usb wireless card.

 

[Machupo]

How far apart is the HTPC to your wireless router / do you have thick construction (i.e. brick, concrete, steel, etc) walls between the two? Do you have any external USB3 devices near either the router or the HTPC?

If they're relatively close and your house is of standard (framed wood) construction, and neither end has a USB3 HDD nearby, you can probably get away with a 802.11n nano adapter (i.e. it looks like a 1/2" plug that sticks out of the USB port).

Another thing to consider is that if you are going to use a 2.4GHz wireless keyboard/mouse to control this HTPC, the signal will interfere with the 2.4GHz wireless network signal (it won't completely block it, but you may get usage degradation in the keyboard/mouse).

 

[ganesh21]

How far apart is the HTPC to your wireless router / do you have thick construction (i.e. brick, concrete, steel, etc) walls between the two? Do you have any external USB3 devices near either the router or the HTPC?

If they're relatively close and your house is of standard (framed wood) construction, and neither end has a USB3 HDD nearby, you can probably get away with a 802.11n nano adapter (i.e. it looks like a 1/2" plug that sticks out of the USB port).

Another thing to consider is that if you are going to use a 2.4GHz wireless keyboard/mouse to control this HTPC, the signal will interfere with the 2.4GHz wireless network signal (it won't completely block it, but you may get usage degradation in the keyboard/mouse).

House is framed wood construction. I currently have another HTPC on wireless N network and it has not been a problem. The only difference is this is a pci-e network card. Would this work - http://www.microcenter.com/product/364641/DWA-121_Wireless_N_150_Pico_USB_Adapter

I am currently using the Logitech diNovo Edge Wireless Keyboard and do not have any problem.

 

[ganesh21]

Thank everyone for the help on this build. I will take some picture and let me everyone know how it turn out.