ERU’s ‘cheap’ Home Theatre PC (HTPC) build

[ERU]

With the demise of Blockbuster and advent of Netflix, it seems I need to move into the 21st century. I currently have an old CRT TV, a DVD player and donated Freeview box. I have started to use BlinkBox on my laptop and I like what I see. So, I’ve decided to buy a HTPC (possibly to use as a NAS/backup) and look at getting a better TV in the not so distant future.
I’m aware HTPCs can be a bit of a minefield and I’ll need to pay particular attention to heat/airflow and noise. Hence this post …

So far, after a lot of research, I have considered the following build:
Case: Still undecided… help!
CPU: AMD A-Series A4 4000 Trinity Socket FM2 3GHz 1MB L2 Cache [£37.99]
Mobo: Asus F2A55-M LK Socket FM2 VGA DVI 8 Channel Audio mATX [£40.99]
GFX: Integrated on mobo
TV tuner card: tbc (may not be needed)
Sound: Integrated, but I’d like get a dedicated ‘amp’ at some point
Speakers: I plan to use some old creative 5:1’s if I can find stands for them.
HDD: I got a 2 gig one already
DDR: Crucial 4GB DDR3 1333MHz
PSU: Integrated with the case or Antec VP 350W PSU

How am I doing? My main problem is the case. I want something sleek and futureproof, as I don’t intend on doing this again.

[wasabi]

Have you got a height restriction?

Most HTPCs these days seem to be going mini-itx but you're suspect going to struggle to get a cheap one for FM2. Trouble is you might pay a bit more for the case just to save on motherboard...

Having said that, matx gives you options that look like proper old skool hifi separates and can be quite classy.

These look quite nice for MATX in my opinion - Silverstone Milo ML04B USB 3.0 HPTC Black Case without PSU

If you don't go mad with peripherals/drives, you might want to consider a 150w pico-psu instead of a fullsize one? Completely silent.

[ERU]

I can fit a front end of 13cm x 50cm but would also consider a new TV stand/table if there was a good reason for it. The Silverstone Milo ML04B (and ML03) looks good tbh!

[jim]

What are you intending to use this for?

If it's just netflix and similar, you'd surely be better off with a Smart TV?

[ERU]

I'm not 100% how it will eventually be used tbh, as Netflix will only be the start. I'm thinking of NAS, DVD/Blueray player, audio centre and basically anything related to 'media' & home PC use (surfing, office, editing) in my home.

[DDY]

Have you considered how you're going to connect your proposed HTPC to your old CRT telly?

Just checking, because CRT TVs with VGA ports, let alone digital inputs are uncommon. Also, modern graphics cards and motherboards such as the FM2 platform lack composite or component outputs that are common on CRT TVs.

[ERU]

I got a video convertor from Ebay, but I intend to get a new telly tbh.

[ERU]

Ok, here is where I'm at - this time with realtime links to online retailers:

Case: Silverstone Milo ML04B USB 3.0 HPTC Black Case without PSU £67.82

PSU: Corsair CP-9020058-UK CXM Builder series 430W Power Supply £41.32

CPU: AMD A-Series A4 4000 Trinity Socket FM2 3GHz 1MB L2 Cache Retail Boxed Processor £29.49

Mobo: Asus F2A55-M LK Socket FM2 VGA DVI 8 Channel Audio mATX Motherboard £45.99

GFX: Integrated AMD Radeon HD 7000 Series Graphics in A-series APU

TV tuner card: tbc (may not be needed)

SFX: Integrated Realtek ALC887 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC

Speakers: I plan to use some old creative 5:1’s - if I can find stands for them ... I'd love to move onto an AMP/speaker setup at some point.

HDD: I got a green 2 gig one already, but might add a SSD.

DDR: Corsair Memory Desktop 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz CAS 11 Dual Channel Desktop £53.76

TOTAL: £238.38


I'd like to get this under the £200 mark. What components can I swap in/out, or shave off, comfortably? Or get cheaper else where?

[ERU]

Here's what I went for in the end - just in case anyone is trying a similar investment. I bought the following:

HP Microserver N54L £97.94 (after cashback)

Toshiba 40L1333 40" Full HD 1080P LED TV (Argos eBay refurb. with 12mth warranty) £229.99