U300 HTPC Budget ITX build

[imthewalrus]

I call this build the U300 because it is designed to cost less than 300 dollars. This build was designed to stream 1080p videos, and be reliable. Some of the parts I have used for the build might not make sense, you can push the budget a lot lower than I did, but I happened to have some of this parts from previous builds. This would be my fifth build, and my first build log, so I hope you enjoy!

 

Parts: (please note that links change with time, and so do the prices. They do include shipping, most of them had free shipping thanks to newegg super saver.)

 

- CPU: Intel celeron g530  - $48.98

      For choosing this CPU I was trying to look for the cheaper processor that could do 1080p streaming using an integrated graphics solution, the g530 and the g540 come in with very reasonable prices and performance for an HTPC. 

- Motherboard: AsRock H61 ITX motherboard - $49.99

      It is cheap, and it has really good reviews.

- RAM: G. Skill NS 2 GB 1333 (2x1) - $25.99

      I have never used this ram before, but G. Skill is a very reputable brand, that is the reason why I chose it.

- CASE: Bitfenix Prodigy White Artic ITX case - $79.99

      I happened to have this case from a previous build. If I was doing a budget build I would opt for a cheaper case like those from silverstone or cooler master. 

- STORAGE: Seagate Barracuda 1 TB 7200 RPM HDD (refurbished) - $54.99

      I have used a lot of seagate refurbished drives before. I can reassure that they are okay for everyday use.  However the one I use for the actual build is only 300 GB and it is a laptop drive.

- PSU: 350W Enyle ATX  - $25.99

     I discovered this PSU about a year ago when my brothers power supply died. I took a chance and I can say that I am impressed by how quiet and long it has lasted. However I would not push this thing too far, it could always you know...

 

TOTAL PRICE: $285.93 (no peripherals, or OS included)

 

 

Build Process: 

 

The first set of pictures include what I salvaged from another build, the case, HDD, PSU and I also included a Stock Hyper 212 fan that I had laying around. Some of the pictures look yellow as I am using a really old camera and I took these late at night. 

 

 

 

A screw just because.

 

 

Aerial view, the plastic circle is from an SP 120

 

 

I removed the hard drive cages and installed the hard drive in the bottom SSD mount.

 

 

So much danger in one picture.

 

 

I removed the fan grill to explore the CAPs inside the PSU, however I did not go as far as removing the fan. It will also help for better airflow into the PSU as the case already has a dedicated filter. 

 

 

 

 

 

I will be uploading more pictures later this week when I receive the rest of the parts. 

[Paralectic]

Looks promising and cool.

 

Good luck

[Izaya Orihara]

Dem rainbows tho. 

[imthewalrus]

Dem rainbows tho. 

 

 

There is no PSU without rainbows that provide less than 400 watts to be efficient (remember I will use the integrated GPU)! Any ideas on how to make it less rainbow-ish? No sleeving, it isnt worth it for this.

[WyvernAbstracts]

Dat moment when the case is the most expensive part in the build, but looking good tho.