Thread: Build a small pc to download and watch HD movies

Hi guys,
I am not an expert of pc so I thought I might find some answers here.
I would like to assemble a small pc very compact, sound less, funless.
I need to fit 3 hd 3.5
I wanto to be able to watch HD movies
I use only linux and opensouce software so I guess there will be some limitation there as well of some drivers.

Do you have some suggestions?
Thank you very much for your time
Regards

Processor: Core i3 (find the cheapest and slowest, you don't need a very fast proc for watching hd and downloading torrents). Get also an aftermarket cooler that has large heatsinks. The slower and fewer cores the processor have the cooler it will be.

Mbord: Get a socket 1156 mbord with an itx or m-atx dimension (it should have at least 1 pci-e slot)

RAM: Buy a pair of same speed, same brand ddr3 modules (2x1gb if you'll use 32-bit or 2x2gb for 64-bit)

Case: Buy an itx case that can fit those 3 3.5 hdd's. If you can't find one (most likely) get a small m-atx case (google is your friend). It should already have a built in psu.
It's hard to find small fanless psu's that can fit in an small m-atx case. Or you could buy standard sized midtower case if you really like a fanless psu.

Vid card: Get an Nvidia cause they support linux unlike ATI. Just buy the cheapest one of the new generation of nvidia cards (4xx) with a large heatsink and no fan. It would play your hd movies just fine or get a higher spec one of you plan on gaming.

HDD: Get those green slow speed hdd's. Even if they're slower than standard desktop hdd's they're still faster than laptop hdd's. They're cooler and use lesser power.

You can just pick the ones you want from my suggestions. Customize it as you like.

Originally Posted by concrete

Processor: Core i3 (find the cheapest and slowest, you don't need a very fast proc for watching hd and downloading torrents). Get also an aftermarket cooler that has large heatsinks. The slower and fewer cores the processor have the cooler it will be.

Mbord: Get a socket 1156 mbord with an itx or m-atx dimension (it should have at least 1 pci-e slot)

RAM: Buy a pair of same speed, same brand ddr3 modules (2x1gb if you'll use 32-bit or 2x2gb for 64-bit)

Case: Buy an itx case that can fit those 3 3.5 hdd's. If you can't find one (most likely) get a small m-atx case (google is your friend). It should already have a built in psu.
It's hard to find small fanless psu's that can fit in an small m-atx case. Or you could buy standard sized midtower case if you really like a fanless psu.

Vid card: Get an Nvidia cause they support linux unlike ATI. Just buy the cheapest one of the new generation of nvidia cards (4xx) with a large heatsink and no fan. It would play your hd movies just fine or get a higher spec one of you plan on gaming.

HDD: Get those green slow speed hdd's. Even if they're slower than standard desktop hdd's they're still faster than laptop hdd's. They're cooler and use lesser power.

You can just pick the ones you want from my suggestions. Customize it as you like.

Thanks for your suggestions.
A couple of points are not clear.
1. the new generation of core i7 to work the best don't they need pair of 3gb of ram (3, 6, 9, ...)?
2. I already have the HD and they are wester digital green label so perfect. However I was thinking to buy a 64gb solid state disk to have more speed, do you think I waste my money? (I dont' want to spend too much)
3. The case is my main issue, they are or too small or too big. I just went to Akihabara ( I live in Tokyo) yesterday but I couldn't find a case that suits me. any suggestions?

Thanks you

May I suggest getting a nettop computer instead?
They're pretty small, atom-based, doesn't generate much noise and supports 1080p.
See here -> http://www.engadget.com/tag/nettop/

I thought about this solution
However my main issue is that I already have 1 hd of 320gb, 1 hd of 1 tb and now I want to buy another hd of 2 tb.
A nettop is small true how ever usually they are shipped with 500gb hd, where do I put all my movies? :(
Thank you anyway for your kind suggestion.
Regards

Originally Posted by teo83jp

I thought about this solution
However my main issue is that I already have 1 hd of 320gb, 1 hd of 1 tb and now I want to buy another hd of 2 tb.
A nettop is small true how ever usually they are shipped with 500gb hd, where do I put all my movies? :(
Thank you anyway for your kind suggestion.
Regards

You can set up a tower file server and connect your nettops wirelessly, it may not be feasible at this point but when your HD collection starts to grow, you'll be glad you have a server to compensate all the space you need and more.

Originally Posted by scoobie

You can set up a tower file server and connect your nettops wirelessly, it may not be feasible at this point but when your HD collection starts to grow, you'll be glad you have a server to compensate all the space you need and more.

OK, interesting explanation here.
But I guess my expertise level does not reach a so high level.
So you are suggesting me to have 2 pc.
1 server with all my movies and a nettop.
To connect the 2 pc using wifi and watch in streaming.
It seems very cool, but how can I do such a thing?

Its the goal of this computer to be used only for movies or what other use do you have in mind?
I used a small PC in the past to watch all my anime, movies, tv shows, etc...
That was until I got the chance to try out the Patriot Box Office (Newegg.com - Patriot Box Office All-in-one Media Player with HDMI PCMPBO25) is really the best player out there, I used the Western Digital USB2.0 WD TV Live Plus HD Media Player and was not a good choice, since it was missing the network port and the video codec support was limited. The Box Office supports all formats I have try, supports 1080p, network port, two USB ports, you can connect your HD directly to it with all your music or movies. Its cheaper that building a PC but the usage is limited to pictures, videos and music.

What I am looking for is a PC. I would like to install some linux distribution probably ubuntu or debian and use XBMC.
I use rhythmbox to play music, xbmc for movies and tv series, firefox to navigate. This is mainly what I do now. This pc is old, so I can barely watch 720p, moreover it takes too much energy (main reason why I am not seeding 24h too expensive on the electricity bill!!!). SO I was thinking to make a low consumption pc with HD support.