I'm intent on building a simple HTPC with basic server capabilities. I've read through some of the articles and reviews, and I've scanned the forum to some extent to come up with this configuration:
Configuration
- Motherboard: Intel DH67GDB3 H67 S-1155 M-ATX
CPU: Intel Core i3 2105 3,1 GHz
Memory: 1 x A-Data 4GB 1333Mhz DDR3 RAM (1.5 V)
SSD: Intel 320 2.5" 80GB SSD (for the system)
HDD: Western Digital WD20EARX Green 3.5" 2TB SATA (for storage)
After reading the SPCR review of the i3 2100T and the i5 2400S, I decided to go with the i3 2105 CPU rather than some "low power" CPU (such as the i3 2120T) as their advantage in power consumption at idle seems to be negligible. I have also been considering an i5 CPU, but I reckon that the i3 should provide enough power for my purposes.
There are definitely faster SSD drives o the market, but I've decided to go with Intel, because it seems that their disks are the most reliable, and that is more important than speed to me.
I don't know to which extent RAM produces heat and noise, so I chose some random brand. Does it matter?
Purpose
I plan to use my machine for:
- Watching films, including HD material
Listening to music via an external Hifi system
Surfing the web and using other internet services
Possibly as mail server for personal use
On a side note, I'll be using a stripped down version of Debian Linux, so the OS won't require much in the way of resources.
Advice
1. What do you think about my configuration. Is it too much? Not sufficient for my purposes? Better choices?
2. Could you please recommend a PSU/case/fan setup for my configuration? I've read some of the SPCR articles and reviews on the subject, but it's still hard for me to decide what would be best for my config.
Thank you!