I just finished building my first HTPC last weekend. Here's the specs and couple thoughts with some pics.
Specs:
MB: MSI FM2-A75MA-E35
CPU: AMD A6-5400K
CASE: HD-PLEX H5.TODD w/ 80W PSU
RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) Ripjaws X DDR3 1866 Mhz
HDD: Kingston 60GB SSDNow V300
KB: Logitech wireless K400
IR RECEIVER: HP Media Center
REMOTE: Logitech harmony 555
Windows 8
The motherboard was supposed to be able to boot from complete off state with USB device but it didn't work. So I ordered a Simerec universal IR remote switch so I could control everything with a remote. The chassis was easy to assemble with supplied instructions and the e-mail support was fast when I didn't realize to connect a wire back to the PSU from ATX connector. The passive cooling seems to be working fine ( and silent )
The boot time is great, about 15sec to log in screen. Windows 8 works great with XBMC Launcher configured as a shell. I had no problems configuring the XBMC and the remote with the tutorials found in these forums. Everything worked the first time. HD-Audio sound great and picture quality is good.
Everything's in place and ready for the first boot.
The case fits nicely to the shelf.
The whole setup.
Specs:
MB: MSI FM2-A75MA-E35
CPU: AMD A6-5400K
CASE: HD-PLEX H5.TODD w/ 80W PSU
RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) Ripjaws X DDR3 1866 Mhz
HDD: Kingston 60GB SSDNow V300
KB: Logitech wireless K400
IR RECEIVER: HP Media Center
REMOTE: Logitech harmony 555
Windows 8
The motherboard was supposed to be able to boot from complete off state with USB device but it didn't work. So I ordered a Simerec universal IR remote switch so I could control everything with a remote. The chassis was easy to assemble with supplied instructions and the e-mail support was fast when I didn't realize to connect a wire back to the PSU from ATX connector. The passive cooling seems to be working fine ( and silent )
The boot time is great, about 15sec to log in screen. Windows 8 works great with XBMC Launcher configured as a shell. I had no problems configuring the XBMC and the remote with the tutorials found in these forums. Everything worked the first time. HD-Audio sound great and picture quality is good.
Everything's in place and ready for the first boot.
The case fits nicely to the shelf.
The whole setup.