Building HTPC Cheap

[wolf39us]

Looks like I made a crucial mistake with the hard drive though... I didn't realize it was IDE!

I'm calling them now to fix it

edit:  I love Newegg... they are going to refund the drive despite the fact that it was a non-returnable drive!

[wolf39us]

UPDATE:  Fuck it... all the $25 - $50 drives are refurbished and shit

New HDD

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[PickelledEggs]

I have a 2TB local drive on my main PC and a 3TB NAS hooked up to the router

That's a lot of porn!

No it's not.

[wolf39us]

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Okay, so everything went well up until the test run.  Plugged it all in, installed the processor, turned it on and all I got was cpu cycle lights, a fan that attempted to spin (but didn't) and then no POST screen.  After 10 seconds or so, it reboots and does the same thing.  After some research, for some reason this particular model has issues with the processor that I chose Intel Celeron Ivy G1610 LGA1155.  

This is my first time coming across a processor that matches the board in every way (IVY, Dual Core, LGA1155, Intel Celeron) yet doesn't work with the bios installed on the board.

So I contacted Newegg and they agreed to take the processor back for a full refund and I will purchase a cpu that I KNOW is on the supported cpu list.  It's a hell of a lot better than removing the board, putting it in a box... and waiting for a new board.

Of course there is the VERY small chance that the board is bad -- wouldn't that suck ass?? lol

[Plu]

This is usually why I spend the extra $50 to get it pre-built :P

[DunkleSeele]

This is usually why I spend the extra $50 to get it pre-built :P

Yeah, but where's the fun?

[wolf39us]

There wouldn't be any fun at all!

Plus pre-builds lack customization and are generally over-priced parts

[Johan]

How long was the processor energized with no fan spinning?

[Plu]

This is usually why I spend the extra $50 to get it pre-built :P

Yeah, but where's the fun?

I get to install the fun on the machine from the minute I open the box  8-)

[wolf39us]

How long was the processor energized with no fan spinning?

10-15 seconds... this is an intel chip, it can run without a fan with no damage.

This isn't an AMD you know :-)

[wolf39us]

and WALLA -- Ordered a Celeron G540, popped that bitch in there... threw some Artic Silver on it and it fired right up. I had a feeling it was an incompatible processor.

Installed 7 on it this morning, when I get out work tonight... time to play!

[SilentFutility]

There wouldn't be any fun at all!

Plus pre-builds lack customization and are generally over-priced parts

I don't know about the US, but in the UK there are sites similar to newegg where you can order lots of individual parts at reasonable prices, and then if you like you can pay them extra to build it up and test it for you, and sometimes for warranties too.

Agreed, it is obviously cheaper to not pay to have it built, but at least with that option you still have the same level of (or close) customisation.

[PopeyesPappy]

So I close on my new place this Friday and I've been collecting parts for a new home theater. So far I've got a Samsung PN60F5300 60" Plasma, Sony STR-DN1040 reciever, Energy Take Classic 5.1 speakers with an extra pair of surrounds (7.1) and an extra Power 12 sub.

I was going to upgrade my 7 year old HTPC, but that was getting pricey so I went the mini PC route and order one of these.



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It's got a Celeron 847, 4gb of Ram and a 60 Gig SSD. Like Wolf I keep my music and stuff on a NAS.