Budget 0-20k Building a HTPC

Rockfella

Rockfella

Playing BFV
ex-Mod
What is your budget?
25k max.

Q: What is your existing hardware configuration (component name - component brand and model)
None.
Q: Which hardware will you be keeping (component name - component brand and model)
NA
Q: Which hardware component are you looking to buy (component name). If you have already decided on a configuration then please mention the (component brand and model) as well, this will help us in fine tuning your requirement.

CPU – Intel G630
Motherboard – Any gigabyte mobo with onboard HDMI and USB3
RAM – Corsair Value Select 4GB DDR3
HDD: 500GB or 1TB depending on price and preferably WD.
DVD Writer - Samsung
PSU : Corsair VS450
Cabinet: HTPC cabinet... i can't think of anything except coolermaster Elite 361. Was wondering if there are any options other than this one without breaking the bank.
Q: Is this going to be your final configuration or you would be adding/upgrading a component in near future. If yes then please mention when and which component.
I’ll buy a TV tuner card which will work with HD set-top box.

Q: Where will you buy this hardware? (Online/City/TE Dealer)
Delhi (Offline mostly)
Open to online purchase
Yes but only if totally needed.
Q: Would you consider buying second hand hardware from the TE market
No

Q: What is your intended use for this PC/hardware
HTPC, basic home usage, browsing, and desktop Processing

Q: Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them and the reason for your preference/dislike.
Yes already mentioned.

Q: If you will be playing games then which type of games will you be playing?
None whatsoever.

Q: What is your preferred monitor resolution for gaming and normal usage
Panasonic 32” LCD (720P) already in use.
Q: Are you looking to overclock?
No

Q: Which operating system do you intend to use with this configuration?
Windows 7What is your budget?
25k max.

Q: What is your existing hardware configuration (component name - component brand and model)
None.
Q: Which hardware will you be keeping (component name - component brand and model)

NA
Q: Which hardware component are you looking to buy (component name). If you have already decided on a configuration then please mention the (component brand and model) as well, this will help us in fine tuning your requirement.

CPU – Intel G630
Motherboard – Any gigabyte mobo with onboard HDMI and USB3
RAM – Corsair Value Select 4GB DDR3

DVD Writer - Samsung

Q: Is this going to be your final configuration or you would be adding/upgrading a component in near future. If yes then please mention when and which component.
I’ll buy a TV tuner card which will work with HD set-top box.

Q: Where will you buy this hardware? (Online/City/TE Dealer)
Delhi (Offline mostly)
Open to online purchase
Yes but only if totally needed.
Q: Would you consider buying second hand hardware from the TE market
No

Q: What is your intended use for this PC/hardware
HTPC, basic home usage, browsing, and desktop Processing

Q: Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them and the reason for your preference/dislike.
Yes already mentioned.

Q: If you will be playing games then which type of games will you be playing?
None whatsoever.

Q: What is your preferred monitor resolution for gaming and normal usage
Panasonic Veira 32” LCD (720P)
Q: Are you looking to overclock?
No

Q: Which operating system do you intend to use with this configuration?
Windows 7.

Notes : A HTPC cabinet is a must, the only one i can find is the coolermaster Elite 361 but it doesnot have USB 3 so was wondering if there is workaround for it as the hardware will be fully USB3.

Thanks.
 
@Rockfella Go for this-
Intel Pentium G630-3.5k OR i3 3220-7k
GIGABYTE-B75M-D3H -4.5k
Corsair 4GB x1 ValueRAM-1.2k
Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 1TB -4.5k
Cooler Master elite 361-2.3k
Corsair CX430V2-2.7k
APC BR600VA-IN-2k[For 15min power backup]
For PSU you'd avoid Corsair VS450 and get CX430V2,The VS450 isn't up to the mark in built quality and performance wise as CX430V2.
The USB 3.0 Mini ATX are very expensive so it's better if you stick to USB 2.0 supported case.
Hope this helps.:)
 
Jakob said:
@Rockfella Go for this-
Intel Pentium G630-3.5k OR i3 3220-7k
GIGABYTE-B75M-D3H -4.5k
Corsair 4GB x1 ValueRAM-1.2k
Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 1TB -4.5k
Cooler Master elite 361-2.3k
Corsair CX430V2-2.7k
APC BR600VA-IN-2k[For 15min power backup]
For PSU you'd avoid Corsair VS450 and get CX430V2,The VS450 isn't up to the mark in built quality and performance wise as CX430V2.
The USB 3.0 Mini ATX are very expensive so it's better if you stick to USB 2.0 supported case.
Hope this helps.:)
Click to expand...

Thanks. I can opt for ATX with usb3 & HDMI if it is a bit cheaper.
EDIT : I think you meant the cabinet? I can drop USB 3 cabinet. Mobo looks good however it has 2 PCI Express slots. Is there a model with only one express slot?
Many thanks.
EDIT2: I need the small express (whatever the name is :p) to maybe install ASUS Xonar later :p
 
Well if that's the case the go with Intel DH67BL-6k you'll get the PCI slot for the sound card and USB 3.0 support,So you're good to go.The other option Gigabyte H61M DS2 USB 3.0 mobo is ridiculously hard to find,You can give a try finding it locally but i don't think you'll find it.You'll get the intel board easily so stick to it,Don't worry about the A.S.S,The built quality of intel mobo is good enough to run for 2-3 years.Many people here have the mobo and they're running it without problems.
Rockfella said:
Thanks. I can opt for ATX with usb3 & HDMI if it is a bit cheaper.
EDIT : I think you meant the cabinet? I can drop USB 3 cabinet. Mobo looks good however it has 2 PCI Express slots. Is there a model with only one express slot?
Many thanks.
EDIT2: I need the small express (whatever the name is :p) to maybe install ASUS Xonar later :p
Click to expand...
 
I'm just after USB3 to make sure the new PC is a bit future proof. Am i worrying too much? I think in today's time buying a new PC without USB3 is foolish. What say?
Jakob said:
Well if that's the case the go with Intel DH67BL-6k you'll get the PCI slot for the sound card and USB 3.0 support,So you're good to go.The other option Gigabyte H61M DS2 USB 3.0 mobo is ridiculously hard to find,You can give a try finding it locally but i don't think you'll find it.You'll get the intel board easily so stick to it,Don't worry about the A.S.S,The built quality of intel mobo is good enough to run for 2-3 years.Many people here have the mobo and they're running it without problems.
Click to expand...
 
You're getting USB 3.0 with suggested mobo so no need to worry,If you're making complete overhaul it makes sense to go for USB 3.0 since it's widely available in many sections.Hope this clears things.
Rockfella said:
I'm just after USB3 to make sure the new PC is a bit future proof. Am i worrying too much? I think in today's time buying a new PC without USB3 is foolish. What say?
Click to expand...
 
Jakob said:
You're getting USB 3.0 with suggested mobo so no need to worry,If you're making complete overhaul it makes sense to go for USB 3.0 since it's widely available in many sections. Hope this clears things.
Click to expand...
OPTION: Get the giga mobo without USB3 OR Intel mobo with USB3 hence i was wondering....
 
Rockfella said:
Any other options in MSI OR any other except ASUS? In hope for better ASS.
Click to expand...

GIGABYTE-B75M-D3H ~4500/- OR Intel DH77-KC ~7000/- are your only options if you want to avoid ASUS motherboards. But Jakob has not mentioned any ASUS boards in the build.

Also ASUS RMA is set for a revamp thanks to DigiCare solutions being also roped in (same guys who support GIGABYTE). So good days ahead me-thinks.
 
He needs PCI slot so B75M not the option,Intel DH67BL is cheap and does the work,H77KC will also work.
ALPHA17 said:
GIGABYTE-B75M-D3H ~4500/- OR Intel DH77-KC ~7000/- are your only options if you want to avoid ASUS motherboards. But Jakob has not mentioned any ASUS boards in the build.
Click to expand...
 
ALPHA17 said:
GIGABYTE-B75M-D3H ~4500/- OR Intel DH77-KC ~7000/- are your only options if you want to avoid ASUS motherboards. But Jakob has not mentioned any ASUS boards in the build.

Also ASUS RMA is set for a revamp thanks to DigiCare solutions being also roped in (same guys who support GIGABYTE). So good days ahead me-thinks.
Click to expand...
This mobo is almost perfect, has all what i need, HDMI and USB3 but what if i want to use my ASUS Xonar? Mobo has 2 express slots (i won't use one!) and no port for DX. Hence JAcob gave more options and i stated i only want giga not asus so he didnot mention ASUS. Was wondering is there is one in MSI if MSI has good ASS.
 
Jakob said:
He needs PCI slot so B75M not the option,Intel DH67BL is cheap and does the work,H77KC will also work.
Click to expand...

@Rockfella if you going for an Ivy-Bridge build go for the Intel DH77-KC (for full Ivy-Bridge feature-set support) and if you are going for Sandy-Bridge based build then the Intel DH67-BL is good. Try to keep the motherboards in sync with the processor family. Cheerio!

Rockfella said:
This mobo is almost perfect, has all what i need, HDMI and USB3 but what if i want to use my ASUS Xonar? Mobo has 2 express slots (i won't use one!) and no port for DX. Hence JAcob gave more options and i stated i only want giga not asus so he didnot mention ASUS. Was wondering is there is one in MSI if MSI has good ASS.
Click to expand...

Best is you go for the Intel boards the H67 was a great suggestion before the Ivy-Bridge family showed up and the B75M-D3H came along. Intel's got a good after sales network too.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ALPHA17 said:
Rockfella if you going for an Ivy-Bridge build go for the Intel DH77-KC (for full Ivy-Bridge feature-set support) and if you are going for Sandy-Bridge based build then the Intel DH67-BL is good. Try to keep the motherboards in sync with the processor family. Cheerio!
Best is you go for the Intel boards the H67 was a great suggestion before the Ivy-Bridge family showed up and the B75M-D3H came along. Intel's got a good after sales network too.
Click to expand...
Since the PC will ONLY be used as a HTPC i won't buy anything more than the G630. I know Intel boards are very stable but i've heard their ASS is crap. They take more than 30 days or even 45 days to give a new/repaired mobo. I've had first hand expericene with giga, they gave me a new (refurbished though) even when my mobo was out of warranty ... hence the inclination towards giga.

- - - Updated - - -

Is this model available in Delhi?

GA-H61M-USB3-B3

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4020#ov

YESSS IT IS:

http://compareindia.in.com/specification/motherboards/gigabyte-gah61musb3b3/225632

:)
 
Rockfella said:
Since the PC will ONLY be used as a HTPC i won't buy anything more than the G630. I know Intel boards are very stable but i've heard their ASS is crap. They take more than 30 days or even 45 days to give a new/repaired mobo. I've had first hand expericene with giga, they gave me a new (refurbished though) even when my mobo was out of warranty ... hence the inclination towards giga.
Click to expand...

Cannot find anything save the Intel offering that still has the PCI on, almost all other companies have moved onto the PCIe x1.0 slot.

Well congrats, Sire. Pricing is atrocious, cough up ~800/- quid more and you will land a H77 based motherboard http://hardwire.in/motherboards-/487-gigabyte-h77m-d3h-intel-motherboard.html.

Another option to your liking --> http://hardwire.in/672-msi-b75ma-e33-motherboard.html.

Hope this helps, Cheerio!
 
ALPHA17 said:
Cannot find anything save the Intel offering that still has the PCI on, almost all other companies have moved onto the PCIe x1.0 slot.
Click to expand...

Err i meant the PCI X1.0 slot, its the small one .. about an inch in length. Xonar and many other sound cards fit on that port. Although companies have moved on from PCI slots there are many TV tuners that still work on PCI. It;s not that i'll buy a sound card and TV tuner just after buying the PC but just want to make sure if i ever buy one i should run out of ports on my mobo :)
 
Rockfella said:
Err i meant the PCI X1.0 slot, its the small one .. about an inch in length. Xonar and many other sound cards fit on that port. Although companies have moved on from PCI slots there are many TV tuners that still work on PCI. It;s not that i'll buy a sound card and TV tuner just after buying the PC but just want to make sure if i ever buy one i should run out of ports on my mobo :)
Click to expand...

You can look at these --
Well congrats, Sire. Pricing is atrocious, cough up ~800/- quid more and you will land a H77 based motherboard Gigabyte H77M D3H Intel Motherboard - Hardwire.in.

Another option to your liking --> Buy MSI B75MA-E33 Motherboard Online | India.
Click to expand...
 
Rockfella said:
Notes : A HTPC cabinet is a must, the only one i can find is the coolermaster Elite 361 but it doesnot have USB 3 so was wondering if there is workaround for it as the hardware will be fully USB3.
Click to expand...

Where would you place this? Is it with other AV stuff?? If so, take care of the dimensions. Pure HTPC cabinets cost a bomb!
 
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