Low-cost HTPC

Donny5

Hi guys, I've been lurking here for a while and have seen the breadth of knowledge in this forum, and now I'm hoping that you guys will help me build a HTPC.

What I need is a PC to serve 1080p over HDMI, running Ubuntu and XMBC, and I need gigabit ethernet. It will be taking over from a WD TV Live Hub and an old Ubuntu server with an AMD Geode 500Mhz chipset. What I have to begin with is a PCI-E ATI HD 5450 with full and low profile brackets, and 3 SATA 2 HDDs. My two priorities are low cost and low power draw.

I was thinking a Celeron 530, 2 GB of generic RAM, and an mATX mobo and case. I've space to hide a normal tower, so I'm not restricted to a traditional HTPC chassis. I don't need an optical drive.

If anyone has experience or suggestions for such a build, I've love to hear them. Thanks.

deconduo

Donny5 wrote: »

Hi guys, I've been lurking here for a while and have seen the breadth of knowledge in this forum, and now I'm hoping that you guys will help me build a HTPC.

What I need is a PC to serve 1080p over HDMI, running Ubuntu and XMBC, and I need gigabit ethernet. It will be taking over from a WD TV Live Hub and an old Ubuntu server with an AMD Geode 500Mhz chipset. What I have to begin with is a PCI-E ATI HD 5450 with full and low profile brackets, and 3 SATA 2 HDDs. My two priorities are low cost and low power draw.

I was thinking a Celeron 530, 2 GB of generic RAM, and an mATX mobo and case. I've space to hide a normal tower, so I'm not restricted to a traditional HTPC chassis. I don't need an optical drive.

If anyone has experience or suggestions for such a build, I've love to hear them. Thanks.

Item|Price
Total build cost: €233.76 + €30 shipping
Intel Celeron G530 Box, LGA1155|€36.94
ASRock H61M-ITX, Sockel 1155, ITX|€64.25
Thermaltake Element Q, mini-ITX, 200W-Netzteil|€52.01
OCZ Vertex Plus 60GB SSD SATA 6,4cm (2,5")|€62.31
4GB Patriot AMD Entertainment Edition PC3-12800 1600MHz|€18.25


Throw in an optical drive and/or larger hard drive if needed.

If you need more space:

Item|Price
Total build cost: €225.68 + €30 shipping
Intel Celeron G530 Box, LGA1155|€36.94
ASRock H61M-HVS (B3), Sockel 1155, mATX|€41.81
OCZ Vertex Plus 60GB SSD SATA 6,4cm (2,5")|€62.31
FRACTAL DESIGN Gehäuse Core 1000 black|€33.07
Antec BasiQ VP350|€33.30
4GB Patriot AMD Entertainment Edition PC3-12800 1600MHz|€18.25

Donny5

Wow, that's service, Deconduo! Six minutes for an answer, stellar. I think your second build fits the bill.