Lets build me a HTPC/Server, cheaper than Rowdy's.....

[Matt34]

Main use of this system is movie download/storage/playback. I already have a BNIB Asus motherboard (1155 Intel B75 chipset), and a power supply with hard drives from my old gaming rig. Just need a case that will fit where an AVR would in an entertainment center, Ram(going to see if the old stuff is compatible with the new motherboard) and a CPU.

Don't under estimate my cheapness....

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Here is budget friendly idea : get amazon fire tv (or stick) and reuse old components to build a diy freenas box. Its easier than you think

 

[Matt34]

YEah that might work. I see freenas has a Plex plugin and seems to work with the roku 3 with no issues. This would save me an OS purchase at the very least.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Freenas plug-in are very simple to install. Only change needed is to add storage (in jail settings).
Also freenas is happy to boot from usb stick.

 

[jcparks]

Here is a cheap CPU for your 1155
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116924&cm_re=intel_pentium_1155-_-19-116-924-_-Product
Cheap RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148787&cm_re=ddr3_ram_4gb-_-20-148-787-_-Product
and if you decide to go with the server idea... forgo the case and mount the entire thing to the wall in a closet like so...

If you still want a case you can try this one... if your mobo is ITX there are other options as well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121100&cm_re=htpc_case-_-11-121-100-_-Product

 

[jcparks]

FreeNAS tutorial...

 

[Alexandrum]

+1 for FreeNAS.
However, for an all in one system, (storage and HTPC software) you could find one of those small Acer Aspire XC desktop series. They support HDD and ram upgrades if necessary. Load Ubuntu+ Kodi on it and you're set. I have one that runs just fine. I've added a 2nd drive in place of the CD-rom. It comes down to the price of the Acer desktop.

 

[itschris]

Main use of this system is movie download/storage/playback. I already have a BNIB Asus motherboard (1155 Intel B75 chipset), and a power supply with hard drives from my old gaming rig. Just need a case that will fit where an AVR would in an entertainment center, Ram(going to see if the old stuff is compatible with the new motherboard) and a CPU.

Don't under estimate my cheapness....

Hey Matt... do you still need a case? I have a on you might be interested in that i never used.