Steambox/Media center pc

[d0ntcar3]

I'm looking to build something that is similar to something like the Digital Storm bolt, Alienware X51, IbuyPC Revolt.

I'm not sure where to start on cases. I was looking at the Coolermaster HAF XB. But realized it was still slightly too tall for where it is going. I am still trying to figure a way to make it work since it seems like an nice idea.

I'm not sure where to start when it comes to a micro atx build since I've never made one, nor do I know anything about what cases to look into.

My budget is somewhere around 1000-1200 I think. I don't think I really need anything higher than a i5.

Any help would be great.

 

[PP Mguire]

Are you looking to game on this?

 

[d0ntcar3]

That will be it's main purpose besides playing my blurays/mkv files. I have a lot steam games that I can use my xbox controller with.

 

[PP Mguire]

Gotta take the kiddo to the park, but when I get back I'll link a build option.

If anybody beats me to it, I'm thinking i3/i5 based 660ti rig with a nice sized SSD for the Valve folder and some storage drives in an mITX package.

 

[d0ntcar3]

Sounds good. I think an i5 is what I would want to run in it. I would do a better video card if the smaller form cases allow it. I don't know much about cases but these are the 2 that I've run across

LIAN LI PC-C33B HTPC Case - Newegg.com

LIAN LI PC-Q08B Black Aluminum Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case - Newegg.com

Or even a silverstone.

Would like to run a Slot loading bluray drive if possible.

I don't know what either of these cases are capable of. I should add it can't be any higher than an xbox 360 slim standing up.

 

[PP Mguire]

Standing up, you mean like the disc drive is vertical? If so, any mITX case can do that. They are usually short and fat.

This case can fit any long sized card up to a TItan.

SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SST-SG08B Black Aluminum Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case 600W 80+ Bronze Certified / Single +12V rail Power Supply - Newegg.com

I have to warn though, that I would not have a machine with any kind of desktop GPU stuffed in an entertainment center if that is what you are thinking.

 

[d0ntcar3]

I was thinking either the one you just mentioned for a micro atx. Or this one for a full atx.

Do you know much about either of them?

SILVERSTONE Grandia Series SST-GD08B HTPC Case - Newegg.com

 

[PP Mguire]

The one I linked is mITX, which is much smaller than mATX. I have experience with the SG08 and it's a pretty nice little box.

 

[d0ntcar3]

Cool I think I'm going to go with the SG08, mostly because the GD08 won't fit full sized video cards. Micro atx will be fine.

Any advice on components?

Can you replace the power supply that comes with the SG08? I assume a modular one would better serve the small space.

 

[PP Mguire]

CPU:
Intel Core i3-3220 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2500 BX80637i33220 - Newegg.com

Motherboard:
ASRock B75M-ITX Mini ITX Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com

RAM:
G.SKILL Value 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C11D-8GNT - Newegg.com

GPU:
EVGA 02G-P4-3660-KR GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - Newegg.com

Case/PSU
SILVERSTONE Sugo Series SST-SG08B Black Aluminum Mini-ITX Desktop Computer Case 600W 80+ Bronze Certified / Single +12V rail Power Supply - Newegg.com

SSD+HDD:
Newegg.com - Corsair Neutron Series CSSD-N256GB3-BK 2.5" 256GB SATA III Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Seagate Barracuda ST1000DM003 Internal Hard Drive - Newegg.com

OS:
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Newegg.com

$1109

That leaves enough cash to get a slot drive/slim drive BD. Only found one laptop style slim BD burner but it was out of stock. You could always get an external as well.