I built another HTPC in June 2013, but I had forgotten to write down the process. So here’s my late build:
- Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced – Mini-ITX Computer Case with USB 3.0
- MSI Z77IA-E53 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
- Intel Core i3-3220T Dual-Core Processor 2.8 Ghz 3MB Cache LGA 1155
- Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Profile
- OCZ Vertex Plus R2-VTX 120GB SSD
In addition, I had a spare 1.5TB Seagate 7200RPM hard disk to store OTA live TV recording (via Windows 7’s Media Center).
All output is driven thru HDMI, with the built-in graphics support from the Motherboard+CPU. The whole thing runs around 33 Watts when idle, and about 40 Watts while viewing a 1080p video. While it’s probably possible to cut that power usage in half by using a PicoPSU (as suggested by Jeff Atwood), I decided to use a spare regular PSU that I had one lying around. I didn’t want to waste it. Besides, I don’t constantly keep it running. I have Windows shutdown if idle for 1 hour, and Media Center will wake up automatically if it has to record a TV show.
The setup works well with playing Blu-Ray discs, too! It’s just too bad there isn’t a cheap software player available. So far, the best I’ve used is a trial version of WinDVD Pro. But still, the experience wasn’t as straight forward as a standalone Blu-Ray player. I doubt I’ll be using the HTPC to watch discs. I may just get a Sony Playstation for that!
Building IT
Jot It Down
