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I'm a "cord-cutter" and have a mini-tower setup right now which is big and loud and ugly in my living room. I'd like to build something newer, low wattage,quieter, and with no video card (use built in AMD or Intel graphics as long as it's got plently of oomph for watching both compressed and uncompressed Blu-Ray rips with power to spare and video streaming). Think glorified Roku box with a Blu-Ray drive and storage. Thanks for all your help guys!
1. What will you be doing with this PC?
I want to use this as an "always on" combination file server and HTPC.
-The "server" aspect is super simple, it will merely have a single 3.5'' 3TB storage drive with a file share to which all of my ripped Blu-rays/DVDs and documents, etc. will be available on the network. Because this will be always on, I'd like it as low-wattage as possible. I only require 1x 3TB drive as I will have other systems that this machine will periodically backup to automatically. No RAID or multiple large storage drives needed here. I will also be using a single 2.5'' SSD as the boot drive.
-For the HTPC aspect, I will be running either Win7 or 8 with XBMC for all of my ripped Blu-ray/DVD movie watching needs. I will also do internet browsing/YouTube/Netflix/Hulu watching, etc. I use MakeMKV to make digital/streamable copies of my Blu-Rays/DVDs so a Blu-Ray drive is a MUST. Afterwards, I use HandBrake to transcode my videos. This will NOT be a gaming PC in any regard.
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 flexible. I'll pay more for a good setup that fits all of my needs. If I have to buy pieces at a time before a build, so be it. I'd say the ceiling is probably $1000.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
-Tucson, AZ. There is a Best Buy here and a cool little place called SWS computers (shopsws.com) which is like a "mini-Fry's" but that's really it.
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.
-The biggest issue for me I think is the chassis. Must fit a good, preferably modular PSU and support full size Blu-Ray drive.
-I do NOT have midget hands and get frustrated easily with building PCs in small spaces so a larger case is OK as long as it fits in the entertainment center, see item #9 below.
-Will need a Micro or mini ITX mobo with support for a current gen or next gen AMD or Intel (preferred) low wattage CPU, but I do not need a bunch of bells and whistles.
-Any old DDR3 RAM should do, and I've already explained the drives.
-No dedicated graphics needed. I think current/next-gen built in AMD/Intel graphics should be sufficient as this will not be used for gaming.
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.
-I'll assume that I won't be reusing any parts except for my existing ASUS Blu-Ray combo drive (full size).
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.
-Low, low wattage. Mini or Micro ATX. Current or next gen AMD or Intel (preferrably Intel).
-Needs to run cool and quiet and look nice in a living room but not overly so.
-USB 3.0 I would like, but probably not required.
-RAID NOT needed, as mentioned before I need only 1x 2.5'' boot SSD and 1x 3.5'' 3TB storage drive.
8. What resolution output do you need?
-1080p video and audio output via HDMI to my Sony receiver. I do not require multi-monitor support.
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive?
Because I have a Blu-Ray drive, things get tricky for me when it comes to cases. I cannot use the cases that have no optical drive support or a case that only has a slim-line optical drive bay since my drive is a regular full size drive. I haven't been able to find a decent (or any for that matter) slim BD-ROM. I'd prefer to NOT use an external BD-ROM as it's ugly and extra stuff to look at, more power plugs, etc., and I will have this build in my living room on the entertainment center so aesthetics are important. The entertainment center space I have is 18.5'' deep, 14.5'' tall, and 28.5'' wide so I need a case that fits that with ample room for the air to circulate.
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...)?
-No, no, and no.
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
-The quieter the better, but doesn't need to be absolutely silent or anything. I obviously don't want high pitch whines or a leaf blower. As mentioned before, this will be always on as a "server" as well so it should stay as quiet as possible so as to not be noticeable during the day.
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?
-I'll never move this thing except to clean it out once in a while.
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
-Yes, I'll either use my existing retail Win7 x64 or will upgrade to Win8 x64.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
-I'd say around 3 months or so, give or a take a little. Which may be enough time for some newer low wattage stuff to come out maybe?
1. What will you be doing with this PC?
I want to use this as an "always on" combination file server and HTPC.
-The "server" aspect is super simple, it will merely have a single 3.5'' 3TB storage drive with a file share to which all of my ripped Blu-rays/DVDs and documents, etc. will be available on the network. Because this will be always on, I'd like it as low-wattage as possible. I only require 1x 3TB drive as I will have other systems that this machine will periodically backup to automatically. No RAID or multiple large storage drives needed here. I will also be using a single 2.5'' SSD as the boot drive.
-For the HTPC aspect, I will be running either Win7 or 8 with XBMC for all of my ripped Blu-ray/DVD movie watching needs. I will also do internet browsing/YouTube/Netflix/Hulu watching, etc. I use MakeMKV to make digital/streamable copies of my Blu-Rays/DVDs so a Blu-Ray drive is a MUST. Afterwards, I use HandBrake to transcode my videos. This will NOT be a gaming PC in any regard.
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 flexible. I'll pay more for a good setup that fits all of my needs. If I have to buy pieces at a time before a build, so be it. I'd say the ceiling is probably $1000.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
-Tucson, AZ. There is a Best Buy here and a cool little place called SWS computers (shopsws.com) which is like a "mini-Fry's" but that's really it.
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.
-The biggest issue for me I think is the chassis. Must fit a good, preferably modular PSU and support full size Blu-Ray drive.
-I do NOT have midget hands and get frustrated easily with building PCs in small spaces so a larger case is OK as long as it fits in the entertainment center, see item #9 below.
-Will need a Micro or mini ITX mobo with support for a current gen or next gen AMD or Intel (preferred) low wattage CPU, but I do not need a bunch of bells and whistles.
-Any old DDR3 RAM should do, and I've already explained the drives.
-No dedicated graphics needed. I think current/next-gen built in AMD/Intel graphics should be sufficient as this will not be used for gaming.
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.
-I'll assume that I won't be reusing any parts except for my existing ASUS Blu-Ray combo drive (full size).
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.
-Low, low wattage. Mini or Micro ATX. Current or next gen AMD or Intel (preferrably Intel).
-Needs to run cool and quiet and look nice in a living room but not overly so.
-USB 3.0 I would like, but probably not required.
-RAID NOT needed, as mentioned before I need only 1x 2.5'' boot SSD and 1x 3.5'' 3TB storage drive.
8. What resolution output do you need?
-1080p video and audio output via HDMI to my Sony receiver. I do not require multi-monitor support.
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive?
Because I have a Blu-Ray drive, things get tricky for me when it comes to cases. I cannot use the cases that have no optical drive support or a case that only has a slim-line optical drive bay since my drive is a regular full size drive. I haven't been able to find a decent (or any for that matter) slim BD-ROM. I'd prefer to NOT use an external BD-ROM as it's ugly and extra stuff to look at, more power plugs, etc., and I will have this build in my living room on the entertainment center so aesthetics are important. The entertainment center space I have is 18.5'' deep, 14.5'' tall, and 28.5'' wide so I need a case that fits that with ample room for the air to circulate.
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...)?
-No, no, and no.
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
-The quieter the better, but doesn't need to be absolutely silent or anything. I obviously don't want high pitch whines or a leaf blower. As mentioned before, this will be always on as a "server" as well so it should stay as quiet as possible so as to not be noticeable during the day.
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?
-I'll never move this thing except to clean it out once in a while.
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
-Yes, I'll either use my existing retail Win7 x64 or will upgrade to Win8 x64.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
-I'd say around 3 months or so, give or a take a little. Which may be enough time for some newer low wattage stuff to come out maybe?
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