Gabre

Okay, I'll try and post a build that can be commented on.

M/B: GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3 mATX Motherboard.
CPU: Intel Core i3 530 or i3 540.
RAM: 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) - haven't settled on a brand.
PSU: Cooler Master Silent Pro M600.
Boot/OS: 30GB-60GB SSD Depends on what is the budget allows for.
Storage HDD: 2 x Samsung SpinPoint F3EG Desktop Class HD203WI 2TB.
CAS: Lian Li C37B.
ODD: Some BR reader, could be a writer if it's cheap.

Utilities:
Remote (Logitech Harmony One or such).
IR receiver.

Audio: Is the build-in soundcard on the motherboard good enough or is an external needed?
Tuner: Suggestions/recommendations are welcome.

What do you think about this build, and anything you would edit?

Do you know if the hdmi port on the motherboard carries audio as well?

I know I lack a hard drive space for the last disc, I'll have to work something out when I have it in my hands.

Gabre,

Review the HTPC build I did. It seems like it would fit your needs quite well. To make it an storage unit,don't use the 320GB 2.5" drive I used. Instead the case has mounting points for 2 x 3.5" HDD's. So a couple of 2 TB HDDs would work fantastic and should provide enough space for movie and TV recordings. If you need/want more space 3 TB HDDs are available or you can shove more drives into the case with some modifications.

Please let us know if this is a step in the right direction and we can tailor it to better suit your needs.

Yeah such a solution would probably fit the needs alright.

I'd prefere a designated drive for the OS if possible, I'm too sure if there is space to mount a third (this one 2.5") drive somewhere (without replaceing the hard drive bay on the opposite side of the optical drive).
And probably going with a modular PSU (could be a Cooler Master Silent Pro M600 as pcdoc suggested in another thread).

Else there is always Lian-Li's C32, C33 and C34 which all have 4x3.5" spaces and the C50 which has 3x2.5" and 3x3.5", they are all 167-168mm (6.6") high, which is some more the C37 (94mm, 3.7") and the C39 (97mm, 3.8"), as well as they are more expensive.

And yeah probably 2TB or 3TB drives, but only the 5400RPM ones since there is no need for them to have that good search times as long as they are fast enough to play 1080p video smoothly ;-)

Glad you signed up and I am sure the forum can help.  For starters, I have a couple of questions.  Your title and requirements state that you want more storage for media files and you want to built a WHS.  The reference link talks about an HTPC.  Is your intent to build both or just one?  In looking at what you need, I would suggest both.  A very small WHS for back up and movie storage, followed by an HTPC.  Before we recommend, can you please clarify what your goal is.

Hi pcdoc thanks for the reply and sorry for the confusion, I'll try and clearify it.

Personally I'd rather just want one box which could it call.
I currently only need to access the files from one place (which I want to be the tv), so a HTPC would probably do the job alright, if you think it's adviceable, if not then a WHS would probably do the job, my only concern at the moment is the poweruse by the WSH.

No matter what I'll need a HTPC to read the data from the storage location and send it to the TV, but not much else is settled as it is.

All in all I want to be able to view my movies on my tv without having to use my desktop (or laptop for that matter), without anything that is making too much noise and preferably with a remote controller (but that's just adding an reciever I guess).


Hope that clears it up a bit.


On a totally different note I wouldn't mind to have the option to added something like a Onkyo TX-SR608 later for more sound control.