HTPC System Builders QLD

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  Twix on 08/11/2022 - 12:30

  Umart does custom builds. https://www.umart.com.au/product/customise-your-pc-have-umar…

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  Chandler on 08/11/2022 - 14:17

  I'm not a hardware expert by any measure, but looking at your build have the following comments. Below is assuming the machine is being used as a true HTPC, not a gaming machine: some of the parts in this list make the build look like it's for a gaming PC.

  • CPU - see my comments on the GPU further below
  • Motherboard - even further from my skillset, so don't take too much stock on anything I say here. But, one thing I think to bear in mind is port availability. Don't discount a motherboard just because it doesn't have the right number (or any) NVME m.2 ports. You can easily add them via a PCIe card (if you have PCIe slots to burn). Also make sure you've got enough SATA ports (this one supposedly has 8 x 6Gbps, which should be ample)
  • NVME - I'd suggest getting two 1 TB drives (should be similar enough in cost) and then setting them up in a RAID 1 configuration, especially if using for application data. Alternatively, consider getting a single smaller (0.25-0.50 GB) NVME drive for OS and using 2 x SATA SSDs (in RAID) for application data
  • HDDs - assuming for media storage, if so is 7200 really necessary? Consider getting a 5200 RPM NAS drive (WD Red, Seagate IronWolf, etc)
  • GPU - necessary at all? Whilst the selected CPU (Intel Core i9-10900X) does not appear to have Intel Quick Sync, the i9-10900K does… and apart from media transcoding, which with the aforementioned quick sync is easily managed by the CPU, a discrete GPU should be unnecessary in a HTPC
  • OS - if it's for a HTPC, do you need Windows? You'll likely get better performance and support, and a (IMO) wider application selection from Linux
  • Keyboard/Mouse - for a HTPC, I personally prefer something like the Logitech K400(or the (newer?) K600)
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    M911 on 08/11/2022 - 14:50

    i mainly went for that case because it would fit better on the shelf i would be putting it and yes it would be a gaming machine.

    The parts have since changed. though based on Umart Stock.

    Will probably have a look at computer Alliance as well

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      Chandler on 08/11/2022 - 14:56

      Yeah ok if you're using it for gaming then all my comments are basically moot haha!

      • CPU - don't need to worry about Quick Sync with a GPU (unless you're concerned about power usage, which I doubt)
      • NVME - need it for da gamez
      • HDDs - if for media storage, still consider my original comment. If for games then consider using SSDs instead.
      • GPU - need it for da gamez
      • OS - Linux is still an option (Lutris, Steam+Proton), but Windows will still likely give you the best experience gaming wise
      • Keyboard/Mouse - need it for da gamez
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  mitt on 08/11/2022 - 14:31

  Not sure if they still do it but computer alliance used to do custom prebuilts. They were assembled to a good standard & their warranty process was excellent. They did an on the spot swap for a dead part for me once, cant expect better.

  They do cost a little more than local competitors but eh, you get what you pay for.