This sub-$700 Value HTPC provides great video performance with an excellent value to price ratio. It uses a quiet CPU cooler and fan, making it very quiet.
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This is THE HTPC at the moment, especially if you plan to build an all-in-one HTPC, DVR (Digital Video Recorder) and media server to stream video to other devices using Plex Media Server or Emby Server.
The system includes an Intel Core i3 processor which has enough processing power for transcoding 1080p HD video.
I have chosen the Intel Core i3-8100 processor because it is a very low power, but fast CPU with only 65W TDP (Thermal Design Power). It has an integrated graphics chip, which is a lot faster when compared to Intel’s previous generations.
In case you are wondering, different numbers in Intel Core i3 indicate what processor clock speeds they are using, which Intel HD graphics model and whether the voltage has been adjusted or not.
The letters at the end of Intel Core processor models mean whether it is possible to overclock the processor or whether the processor has already being underclocked for better power efficiency.
T-models in the Intel processor line up are great choices for a HTPC as they are undervolted and underclocked meaning that they require less power and thus less cooling.
However, T-models are a bit more expensive and may be harder to find from your preferred store.
I’m considering replacing Silverstone GD06, but I have not yet decided on the case.
If you are not intending to play the latest games with your HTPC, you will be fine without a separate graphics card.
The following components have not been tested yet and you should always seek the advice of a professional before acting on something that I have published on this work in progress page.
Required parts
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Case
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CPU
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CPU Cooler
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Motherboard
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Memory
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System Boot Drive
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Power Supply
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Operating System
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Case Fan
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Media Hard Drive
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Optical Drive
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Accessories
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TV Tuner
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Remote Control
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Keyboard & mouse
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Please note that product links on this page are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through those links.
Thank you for supporting my hard work!
Step-by-Step Build Instructions
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Click below to view free build instructions for the Value HTPC:
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Value HTPC
By clicking the link above, you will get a step-by-step build instructions designed for your preferred component selection.
Recent changes
Track the most recent changes to my value HTPC build.
- September 23th, 2018 – A minor upgrade in progress. I will be replacing most of the components due to newer models available.
- October 9th, 2016 – New CPU (Intel i3 6100), motherboard (Asus Z170M-Plus), DDR4 memory, SSD (Samsung 850 EVO 550GB) and HDD (WD Red) added.
- May 10th, 2015 – Added HDHomeRun TV tuner recommendation after successfully tested it in my home theater.
- November 23th, 2014 – Gigabyte H87 motherboard replaced with a newer Asus H97M-Plus motherboard as previous model was not well available anymore.
- November 20th, 2014 – Logitech K400 keyboard replaced with a better, but more expensive Logitech K830.
- April 20th, 2014 – Kingston HyperX LoVo 4GB was no longer available, so Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB added.
- December 17th, 2013 – Published the initial parts list for my value HTPC build.