New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
I'd be very grateful for any constructive comments on the following (prices are mostly 'Today Only' prices):
Case: Silverstone Sugo SG06BB-450 (Am getting hopefully in this forum for £60, if all works out). Review.
Mobo: MSI H61I-E35 (B3) £51, Info.
CPU: Pentium G620 £50. Review.
HDD: 320GB Samsung Spinpoint M8 £30. Review.
RAM: 2 x 2GB Corsair DDR3 £22.
Optical: Samsung 'laptop' type £17.
Total so far = £230
The purpose of the machine is a media player (1080p output over HDMI to my TV), to replace my Western Digital TV Live. It will stream media from my NAS, over wired ethernet (Ethernet over Power actually, which is currently in place and works perfectly).
As such, I would plan on using XBMC Live as the Operating System, i think (no experience yet although am generally comfortable with Ubuntu distros).
I guess I need to factor in a remote control also (i have no experience of PC remotes, so am willing to be advised if this OrigenAE is ok under £20).
My objectives are:
Cheap (under £250 and i feel I have a bargain)
Quiet
Power Efficient
Quick to boot (ie dont want it to perform like a PC, but as a set-top box).
Playback of wide variety of media without stuttering.
Comments most welcome!!
Edit: I would also add that DDY's thread about his SG06 build has been most interesting!
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
I would get a motherboard will a full length PCI-E slot if you are getting the SG06. This means you have a chance to use a discrete card in the future.
One of these motherboards should do the job:
http://www.ebuyer.com/274142-biostar...o-itx-th61-itx
http://www.ebuyer.com/262904-asus-p8...ni-itx-p8h61-i
Have you considered going for a smaller case though??
If you went for a 35W G620T you could get the following case:
http://www.scan.co.uk/products/antec...m-optical-bays
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
It may well be worth while getting a full-sized PCI-E slot for another £10, I was just trying overall to avoid the whole "an extra £10 here can get ... and an extra £10 there...." keeping to my very specific (but quite arbitrary) budget of under £250.
As for the case, it seems like a serious bargain from snootyjim, am just awaiting his decision.
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
Cant see any problems. A nice cheap build. 450w is overkill though wuthout gfx card. Understand its a bargain though.
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
If you're using it as an HTPC, why not an SSD? Doesn't have to be much more expensive.
You don't need any storage beyond OS and XBMC, anything else can be streamed over the network - on that basis a tiny SSD will do the trick. That's what I did with my old HTPC (different mini-itx build).
As for slimline optical, don't forget you'll need a mini-SATA adapter because it doesn't use normal SATA connectors.
Just realised you could've bought a slimline drive off me (only found it yesterday), but that's just a facepalm moment! If you're interested, let me know, I could post it for £10 with the adapter and save you a few more bob. Info in an old FS thread here.
As for the remote, best place to look is on the forums for the software you're using. Some HTPC software supports different remotes better than others - getting a good combination is more important than getting a good remote.
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
Right, i've done some changes... and darn the lot of you for making me spend more money :)
Case & PSU: Bought a Silverstone SG06, black Mini ITX case, with 450W PSU. £50.
Mobo: Biostar TH61 ITX £62.70 (I am now convinced that having a 1 x 16 PCI-E 2.0 slot is probably worth the futureproofing).
CPU: Pentium G620 £50.39 (I have ruled out the 35W version and the i3 ULV, as the standard chip just seems to be so efficient anyway according to xbitlabs)
SSD: OCZ Onyx 2.5" 32GB £44.99. I'm swayed by snootyjim's argument.
RAM: 1 x 4GB Corsair DDR3. 1333 £17.40. Can't see the point in 2 x 2GB, as i wont be pushing the processing, plus it leaves a slot free, plus 1 stick is cheaper.
Optical: Samsung Slot loader £27.82 (i thought overall this is better for a HTPC, as laptop-type trays can feel give the whole project a 'cheap' feel.
Cable: SATA+Molex to Mini SATA Power & Data £2.87. Thanks again, I must admit I wouldn't have known about this 'till I saw it.
Right, so through judicious use of both Scan's 'Today Only' and also Ebuyer, the new total is £256.17 (inc VAT and delivery).
I still need to add OS and remote control, but to begin with I think i'll try using my iphone and most likely XBMC, although i also keep considering Boxee on top of Ubuntu... Hmmmm
Re: New build - Does this MiniITX build look ok?
Probably a bit late, but you might want to look at
www.linitx.co.uk
and www.itxwarehouse.co.uk