Cheap HTPC build around 12k ?

[Nero9]

Hi,

The hunt for the AVR and speakers over. thank you all

Now, i want to build HTPC around 12k budget for purely XBMC usage.

I'm thinking of the following:

Biostar NM70I-1037U Combo Motherboard
ADATA Premier DDR3 2 GB PC RAM (AD3U1333C2G9-R)
Mini-ITX Cabinet
Nvidia GT 210 1GB DDR3

the total cost coming around 12k.

Please suggest any changes.

 

[sam9s]

I would definitely go for GT 610 instead of 210 for like 7-800 bucks more. Much better card, infact if 3D ISO (or even just 3D rips 10GB+) is under your radar then definitely GT630 (or GT440 if you can find one)

Ans which mini ITX case you planning, that would fit these GPUs

 

[gigy]

I just assembled one with Biostar 681-350 Brazo Motherboard from Snapdeal for 3750/- + 2gb ram 1100/-.
Rest all components were lying around. Loaded openelec and its running good.

 

[ch@ts]

FYI - There are reports of Intel drivers having a problem with HDMi passthrough. Something to do with DRM not being enabled. Apparently the problem can be solved by using Linux instead of Windows.

If you do decide to go for an Intel solution you can get a fanless CPU and have a completely quiet PC.
Buy Online GIGABYTE GA-J1800N-D2H Mini-ITX Motherboard in India

 

[Nero9]

I would definitely go for GT 610 instead of 210 for like 7-800 bucks more. Much better card, infact if 3D ISO (or even just 3D rips 10GB+) is under your radar then definitely GT630 (or GT440 if you can find one)

Ans which mini ITX case you planning, that would fit these GPUs

thanks sam. i will consider it.

for the mini itx cabinet found this one.

Mini ITX Cabinet FOR HTPC Desktop Thin Client Compact PC DC DC 120W ATX PSU | eBay

 

[Nero9]

I just assembled one with Biostar 681-350 Brazo Motherboard from Snapdeal for 3750/- + 2gb ram 1100/-.
Rest all components were lying around. Loaded openelec and its running good.

that was an ok board. I saw more positive reviews for Intel celeron. thanks for the reply.

 

[Nero9]

FYI - There are reports of Intel drivers having a problem with HDMi passthrough. Something to do with DRM not being enabled. Apparently the problem can be solved by using Linux instead of Windows.

If you do decide to go for an Intel solution you can get a fanless CPU and have a completely quiet PC.
Buy Online GIGABYTE GA-J1800N-D2H Mini-ITX Motherboard in India

hey chats,

I want to run openelec mate.

that was a good board compared to the biostar? what's the main difference ? speed?

 

[ch@ts]

The celerons a faster processor with a weaker gpu and poorer graphic driver support. The amd is tried and tested. But the Intel is fanless and lower power. If you're comfortable with Linux and tinkering with drivers etc get the Intel. It's pretty powerful so you can install a regular os and use xbmc as a program instead of a single task machine.

 

[haisaikat]

@nero9, you are spending a ton on mini cabinet, is micro atx an option for you to consider? If yes then look out for cheaper miniature zebronics and iball cabinets which are more airy than this one and will support low profile GPUs too if you need to add gaming on future.

Also I would recommend spending 1K more and get a AMD A4-4000 processor and a compatible FM2+ motherboard whose graphics capability is better than this biostar + celeron combo and yet more importantly upgrade able.

 

[Nero9]

@nero9, you are spending a ton on mini cabinet, is micro atx an option for you to consider? If yes then look out for cheaper miniature zebronics and iball cabinets which are more airy than this one and will support low profile GPUs too if you need to add gaming on future.

Also I would recommend spending 1K more and get a AMD A4-4000 processor and a compatible FM2+ motherboard whose graphics capability is better than this biostar + celeron combo and yet more importantly upgrade able.

thanks for the reply mate. could you link the cabinets please.

Initially, i considered AMD A4-4000 only, but I'm thinking of heat it generates when we play 20gb files. :sad:

it seems i have to stretch the budget a bit more.

 

[Nero9]

Meanwhile,

I'm thinking of buying this monitor tomorrow, any better one's at this price range please.

Dell S2240L 21.5 inch LED Backlit LCD Monitor - Buy Dell S2240L 21.5 inch LED Backlit LCD Monitor Online at best price in India : Flipkart.com

 

[haisaikat]

@ Nero9

Here are the cabinet links
Cabinets - Slim - Zebronics - Always Ahead - Largest Range of Peripherals
Baby 315 | iBall
Cooler Master: Elite 361

Regarding heat, 20GB+ files will generate marginally higher heat as compared to 2 GB file if your APU / CPU is not doing transcoding or toiling to decode the codec which most of the time will be handled by the in built GPU (hardware acceleration). 20GB+ file will draw more power though which should not superheat your APU. If you have vertical clearance above the HTPC placement area then never worry about heat. It is true though that intel CPU (newer architecture 22 nm) do consume a lot lesser power than their AMD counterparts but then again they come at a higher price.

Also on your monitor, it looks fine, does it support 3D? Contrast ratio and viewing angles should be the top two areas to look out for in the monitor which is quite good on paper for the one you have listed. I have a old Dell 24 inch LCD monitor but that had poor viewing angles (purchased 4 years back but still going strong).

 

[Nero9]

thanks mate. i purchased the Dell A2240L monitor locally which was quit good and no it's not 3D monitor.

So, i will come up with all the suggested components and final price.

thanks to everyone