Thoughts on an i3 HTPC build?

[blc]

Hello everyone on this great forum. I am building a new hopefully quite silent HTPC. Below is a list that I have come up with so far. Main goal is to playback HD movies, no gaming required. Would you change some components? If so, which ones? Thanks in advance!

Mobo: ASRock H55M Pro
CPU: Intel i3 530 2.93GHz
Mem: 2x2048MB Kit Mushkin SP3-10666 1333MHz CL9
Optical: LiteOn BLU-RAY ROM IHOS104-32
HD: 1000GB Samsung HD103SI EcoGreen F2
Case: Antec Fusion Remote Black
PSU: Nexus NX-5000
CPU cooler: Scythe Mini Ninja rev. B fanless
Case coolers: 2x120mm Tricools (Fusion stock)

[swivelguy2]

You don't need 4GB of RAM to playback HD video. 2 GB will save you a nice chunk of money at today's DDR3 prices.

(You don't need a core i3 either...)

[andymcca]

You don't need 4GB of RAM to playback HD video. 2 GB will save you a nice chunk of money at today's DDR3 prices.

(You don't need a core i3 either...)

But oh, for last summer's DDR2 prices....

[ziphnor]

(You don't need a core i3 either...)

Not for playing HD video perhaps, but many HTPC programs uses the CPU for scaling cover shots up and down, sorting collections etc in which case its nice to have a fast CPU. Ive seen for example MediaPortal running on an Atom/ION system, its horribly slow in the menues (though the video plays fine of course).

It can also be nice to have a decent CPU if you encounter some videos that wont play with hardware acceleration, or if you want to enable certain video upscaling techniques.

[loimlo]

You may consider downgrading Nexus NX-5000 as it's overkill for such a tiny system. Nexus 430 or Enermax Eco80 350W all seem to be a good alternative under your circumstance. And two quieter 120mm fans instead of Tricools are highly recommended for your system.

[wkeller]

H55/i3 in very SFF: See my setup and picture in topic "Fanless PSU for i3"