Home Theater Personal Computer $700

#1 04 Nov 2010 @ 11:56
First of all, I will only be building this if I can keep the price as low as possible.
I need some help finding some parts for a htpc. I want to build a good multimedia computer that i can rip all of my dvds and music to. It would have to have HDMI output to watch on a 42 inch flat screen.
I guess I will list the components that I've decided on, and y'all can help me fill in the gaps or maybe help me get a better system.

The hardware:
Processor- intel core i3 530 $116.99
Motherboard- GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3 $109.99
RAM- CORSAIR XMS3 4GB $89.99
Video card- SAPPHIRE 100252HDMI Radeon HD 4550 $55.99
Case- nmediapc black htpc 5000b $69.99
Hard drive- samsung spinpoint f3 1 terabyte $74.99
Blu Ray drive- ASUS BR 04B2T $59.99
Power supply- Corsair CMPSU-430CX $44.99
The software
Operating system- windows 7 home premium 64bit $99.99
Media system software- XBMC free:)

Am I leaving anything out? Oh, and I'm a first time builder also.

-all the prices are from newegg.com-

Total Price: $722.91

Can anyone help me cut down the price without sacrificing the quality??

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 08 Nov 2010 @ 19:26

Toshiba Satellite a665 16.5" laptop - Intel i3 - 4gb RAM - 500 gb HDD
PS3 Slim 320GB HDD 3.41 OFW
PS2 Slim SCPH-70012 - Free McBoot 1.8 - 128MB Memory Card
PSP 3001 Silver - Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-C - 8GB Sony Memory Stick
iPod Touch 2g - 8gb - MC version - Jailbroken
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#2 04 Nov 2010 @ 20:34
congratulations on taking the plunge into your ist build. i myself did the same 2 months back so im no expert, but hopefully i can share what i know until sammorris and killerbug see this (they are 2 members who really know there builds and love to help). 1st for the biggest questions:
motherboard- many people here say that brands like asus have lost some quality over the years and recommend gigabyte. i bought a gigabyte for my 1st build and would absolutely recommend them to anyone.
RAM- corsair is a solid brand and 4 gigs seems to be standard these days.looks like the i3 uses 1066/1333 so these would be decent link
power supply- again, i have limited build experience but i know corsair is very solid here too.for that build you can get away with a 450w supply but many recommend going a bit bigger if you can afford it to future-proof your psu (also go modular if you can afford it).
video card- the i3 has onboard video but if you dont plan on gaming, any 40-50 dollar card with hdmi should suit you fine.
#3 05 Nov 2010 @ 8:16
Thank you for replying. The RAM you suggested has a lot of good reviews and I'll add it to my list. And for the motherboard, I'm looking at gigabytes right now.

Toshiba Satellite a665 16.5" laptop - Intel i3 - 4gb RAM - 500 gb HDD
PS3 Slim 320GB HDD 3.41 OFW
PS2 Slim SCPH-70012 - Free McBoot 1.8 - 128MB Memory Card
PSP 3001 Silver - Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-C - 8GB Sony Memory Stick
iPod Touch 2g - 8gb - MC version - Jailbroken
#4 05 Nov 2010 @ 13:55
I think I've decided on a good mobo. It's made by gigabyte, the GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3. Has anyone used this before?

Toshiba Satellite a665 16.5" laptop - Intel i3 - 4gb RAM - 500 gb HDD
PS3 Slim 320GB HDD 3.41 OFW
PS2 Slim SCPH-70012 - Free McBoot 1.8 - 128MB Memory Card
PSP 3001 Silver - Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-C - 8GB Sony Memory Stick
iPod Touch 2g - 8gb - MC version - Jailbroken
#5 05 Nov 2010 @ 23:08
Everything looks good here, I'd recommend the Corsair CX power supply with the system. 400W if you're in Europe, 430W if you're in the US.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/5036
updated 25-May-11
#6 06 Nov 2010 @ 13:30
Thanks for the help, guys. I have completed my parts list now. Once I get it built, I will let y'all know how it went.

Toshiba Satellite a665 16.5" laptop - Intel i3 - 4gb RAM - 500 gb HDD
PS3 Slim 320GB HDD 3.41 OFW
PS2 Slim SCPH-70012 - Free McBoot 1.8 - 128MB Memory Card
PSP 3001 Silver - Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-C - 8GB Sony Memory Stick
iPod Touch 2g - 8gb - MC version - Jailbroken
#7 06 Nov 2010 @ 13:54
$802.87:(

Toshiba Satellite a665 16.5" laptop - Intel i3 - 4gb RAM - 500 gb HDD
PS3 Slim 320GB HDD 3.41 OFW
PS2 Slim SCPH-70012 - Free McBoot 1.8 - 128MB Memory Card
PSP 3001 Silver - Custom Firmware 5.03 GEN-C - 8GB Sony Memory Stick
iPod Touch 2g - 8gb - MC version - Jailbroken
#8 07 Nov 2010 @ 11:19
The case is an absolute fortune, have a browse through and find something cheaper you can live with.



Afterdawn Addict // Silent PC enthusiast // PC Build advisor // LANGamer Alias:Ratmanscoop
PC Specs page -- http://my.afterdawn.com/sammorris/blog_entry.cfm/5036
updated 25-May-11
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