Please consider constructing an HTPC
Please consider constructing an HTPC
I intend to construct an HTPC. I'm a film enthusiast and a casual computer user. I've assembled several computers before, but it's been over two decades since my last build. I'm certain I'll choose either an ASUS or MSI motherboard. I plan to go with AMD. Could you suggest the components? Please note this HTPC will be placed near my home theater stereo and should blend in seamlessly, enhancing the overall appearance of the living room. As an older individual, your advice is appreciated.
And some specifics. Are you thinking about adding a big storage space inside? No need for intense gaming.
I still rely on an HTPC, but a fast wireless or wired link works well, and having a separate NAS elsewhere is straightforward. Then the HTPC can stay as a compact device. You can store a lot of hard drives in another part of the house for your collection.
Right now, building it yourself is expensive because memory and storage costs are rising quickly.
The main difficulty lies in the thickness of the HTPC parts. Some advice on available room would be useful.
When looking from the outside, a case I've used for an HTPC is the Silverstone Grandia GD11:
https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/produc...ssis/GD11/
Examine its depth—it accommodates three HDDs for storage. I previously used SDDs and now m.2 drives, so I didn’t install HDDs. The case is tall enough to fit a Noctua NH-D12L cooler; I added an additional fan at the front to enable quieter operation. You can cool the case using up to five 120mm fans; I prefer Noctua for their lower speed and quiet performance.
With modern AMD CPUs that include GPUs, you won’t need a dedicated video card taking up space. For motherboards, I’ve been using ASUS for over ten years. The latest models support up to five m.2 drives, totaling nearly 40TB of storage (excluding the OS). I’ve also relied on Seasonic power supplies because they are both dependable and compact.
Another case I employ is the Lian-Li O11 AIR MINI, though it has glass on the left side, which isn’t a major issue for me since I don’t notice that area much:
O11 AIR MINI - LIAN LI is a Leading Provider of PC Cases | Computer Cases
EXTREME AIRFLOW QUALITY MATERIAL MODULAR BACK PLATE UP TO 6 SSD OR 3 HDD + 2 SSD ATX PSU COMPATIBLE DUAL CHAMBER DESIGN VERTICAL GPU BACK PANEL (OPTIONAL) GERMAN ENGINEERED https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvaRGVPWlh0
EXTREME AIRFLOW SUPER FINE MESH FRONT, TOP AND SIDE PANELS The mesh design on...
lian-li.com
It’s taller, so it doesn’t match other equipment well. Its key advantage is providing ample space for a Noctua NH-D15 G2 cooler and accommodating up to nine fans for quiet low-speed cooling.