{"id":1149,"date":"2014-06-12T12:31:36","date_gmt":"2014-06-12T19:31:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hellbach.us\/blog\/?p=1149"},"modified":"2024-03-22T10:11:33","modified_gmt":"2024-03-22T17:11:33","slug":"diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-giveaway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hellbach.us\/blog\/tech\/diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-giveaway\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='__iawmlf-post-loop-links' style='display:none;' data-iawmlf-post-links='[{&quot;id&quot;:3926,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/www.makeuseof.com\\\/tag\\\/diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-and-giveaway&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20230620001822\\\/https:\\\/\\\/www.makeuseof.com\\\/tag\\\/diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-and-giveaway\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 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09:22:15&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:3947,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/www.desura.com&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20240926180856\\\/https:\\\/\\\/www.desura.com\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:19&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:503}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:19&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:503},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:3948,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/store.steampowered.com&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/store.steampowered.com\\\/&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:null,&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:3949,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/www.makeuseof.com\\\/tag\\\/4-digital-distribution-gaming-clients-steam-muo-gaming&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20251005174029\\\/https:\\\/\\\/www.makeuseof.com\\\/tag\\\/4-digital-distribution-gaming-clients-steam-muo-gaming\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:26&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:26&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:200},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:3950,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/otherworldiron.com\\\/what-to-expect-from-anavar-clen-cycle&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20230323173211\\\/http:\\\/\\\/otherworldiron.com\\\/what-to-expect-from-anavar-clen-cycle\\\/&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:27&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:404}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:27&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:404},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:3951,&quot;href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/wiki.xbmc.org\\\/index.php?title=Add-on:Hulu&quot;,&quot;archived_href&quot;:&quot;http:\\\/\\\/web-wp.archive.org\\\/web\\\/20141012130759\\\/http:\\\/\\\/wiki.xbmc.org:80\\\/index.php?title=Add-on:Hulu&quot;,&quot;redirect_href&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;checks&quot;:[{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:30&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:403}],&quot;broken&quot;:false,&quot;last_checked&quot;:{&quot;date&quot;:&quot;2025-11-19 09:22:30&quot;,&quot;http_code&quot;:403},&quot;process&quot;:&quot;done&quot;}]'><\/div>\n<p>from <a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-and-giveaway\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">MakeUseOf<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Most computer builders overbuild their media centers. Oftentimes they end up with highly inefficient, overpowered systems. On a lark, we threw together a do-it-yourself streaming media center using AMD\u2019s just-released <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20180621015716\/https:\/\/www.amd.com\/en-us\/press-releases\/Pages\/amd-introduces-2014apr9.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">AM1 platform<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The AM1 socket aims to bring low-cost, high-efficiency computers to builders everywhere. It offers out-the-box compatibility with the latest version of Ubuntu 14.04 and can operate in a number of roles; primarily office productivity, home theater PCs, light Steam Boxes and more.<\/p>\n<p>While most builds come in around $250, with\u00a0performance exceeding Intel\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190205152734\/https:\/\/ark.intel.com\/products\/78867\/intel-celeron-processor-j1900-2m-cache-up-to-2_42-ghz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Celeron J1900<\/a>, our build costs around $400.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll take you through the components and assembly process, then hopefully you\u2019ll be encouraged to build your own unit. Plus, we\u2019re giving this build away, so read through the article and join the giveaway below!<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"fitvid887287\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sDtdXy6Vn_g?feature=oembed\" width=\"300\" height=\"150\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>The Part List<\/h2>\n<p>To build this low-cost, energy-efficient HTPC media center, we\u2019ll be using these parts:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Case and Power Supply<\/strong>: Realan E-i5 mini-ITX HTPC Case \u2014 $99.99 via <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20190110140936\/http:\/\/ecosmartpc.com:80\/ei5.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">EcoSmartPC<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Motherboard<\/strong>: ASUS AM1I-A mini-ITX \u2014 $54.99 via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132098\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Newegg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>APU<\/strong>: AMD Athlon 5350 \u2014 $59.99 via\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00IOMFAQ0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>RAM<\/strong>: 8GB Patriot Viper 3\u00a0DDR3-1600 \u2014 $82.99 via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Patriot-Viper-1600MHz-Channel-PV38G160C9K\/dp\/B008LTJJM2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Hard drive<\/strong>: PNY XLR8 128GB Solid State Drive \u2014 $59.99 via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B007WT9SU0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Amazon<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Wireless adapter:<\/strong>\u00a0Generic 300Mbps USB Wireless-N adapter\u00a0\u2014 $9.99 via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.newegg.com\/Product\/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2V51B37823\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Newegg<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Remote control<\/strong>: Measy RC11 Air Mouse \u2014 $15.48 via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.ebay.com\/itm\/RC11-2-4GHz-Measy-Gyroscope-Mini-Fly-Air-wireless-Mini-Keyboard-remote-control-\/181354481323\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">eBay<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Operating system<\/strong>: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS \u2014 Free via <a href=\"http:\/\/releases.ubuntu.com\/14.04\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ubuntu<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Total<\/strong>: $383.42<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Most builders using cheaper parts can put together a build for around $250. If you really squeeze your pennies, it can come in for less than $200.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-345735\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/stack-of-pc-components.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"stack of pc components   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"629\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Why These Parts?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Realan E-I5 + 60 watt PicoPSU<\/strong>: Realan cases from <a href=\"http:\/\/ecosmartpc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">EcoSmartPC<\/a>\u00a0cost slightly more than other mini-ITX cases (such as the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Universal-Mini-ITX-enclosure-PicoPSU-compatible\/dp\/B003DXI288\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">M350<\/a>). They offer excellent aesthetics and construction quality. As an added bonus, the site\u2019s proprietor, Doug, provides quality customer support. Another great feature of the Realan case is that it comes with a 60-watt PicoPSU \u2013 at around 96% efficiency, meaning they convert from wall current with a loss of only around 4%. While you can purchase other mini-ITX cases with\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/MI-008-Tower-Black-Chassis-Supply\/dp\/B001H0BA24\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">integrated power supplies<\/a>, these achieve efficiencies of around 70% and suffer from a much higher rate of failure as well as significant noise production.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/htpc-media-center-1.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"htpc media center 1   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"auto\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>ASUS AM1I-A mini-ITX motherboard<\/strong>: The AM1 platform includes two kinds of motherboard \u2013 those that use the stock AMD configuration and those that add third-party components, such as mini-PCIe slots, additional SATA ports and more. The disadvantage of adding third-party components is that it inhibits Linux compatibility, as the additional features often require drivers that may not exist within the Linux ecosystem. With this in mind, I selected the ASUS AM1I-A which omits all third-party drivers. As a result, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS installed without a hitch. As an added bonus, it includes multi-monitor support, a ton of USB ports and both HDMI and DVI video output.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-345691\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/athlon-5350-close-up1.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"athlon 5350 close up1   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"474\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>AMD Athlon 5350 APU<\/strong>: The $60 Athlon 5350 APU (<a class=\"post__link--sidebar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/apu-technology-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">what\u2019s an APU?<\/a>), and its integrated Radeon R3 GPU, outperform similarly priced processors from Intel in graphics, a crucial element of a media center. Within the budget segment, the AM1 platform also offers a <em>socketed<\/em> approach. Socketed motherboards offer upgrades when the next line of AM1 APUs releases. On the downside, the 5350 falls short of Intel\u2019s Celeron J1900 in energy efficiency. However, it does offer dynamic frequency scaling, which allows it to adjust its power consumption in response to workloads.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/htpc-media-center-1.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"htpc media center 1   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"auto\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Patriot Viper 3<\/strong>: I wanted to allocate as much memory to the integrated GPU as possible \u2013 4GB, with 1GB dedicated to the GPU is ideal, but 8GB would provide room for upgradability and better value per gigabyte \u2013 and it was within our budget. It has average CAS timings of 10 at 1600MHz. The RAM kit I purchased was a single 8GB stick \u2014 the AM1 platform doesn\u2019t support dual-channel memory, so a single stick won\u2019t hurt performance. If you were to build this setup, you could use two 4GB sticks instead.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344776\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/back-of-green-machine.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"back of green machine   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>PNY XLR8 120GB SSD<\/strong>: The PNY XLR8 series is the best budget-oriented solid state drive on the market. In terms of its performance and construction quality, it\u2019s hard finding a better drive on the market that beats its value at $0.50 per gigabyte. It includes a brushed aluminum shell, (reportedly) synchronous NAND memory modules and solid performance for very little money. Some make the case that SanDisk and Kingston make better budget drives \u2013 I would counter that Kingston and SanDisk\u2019s budget lines don\u2019t offer the longer-lasting synchronous NAND and their build quality falls significantly short of the XLR8 line. Ubuntu 14.04 automatically configures itself to work properly with the SSD \u2013 by default it enables TRIM (<a class=\"post__link--sidebar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/why-trim-important-to-solid-state-hard-drives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">what\u2019s TRIM?<\/a>) and properly sets up the partitions for optimal interaction with flash storage.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/htpc-media-center-3.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"htpc media center 3   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"auto\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Measy RC11 Air Mouse<\/strong>: Measy\u2019s line of Air Mouse products use gyroscopic sensors. The sensors allow users to control the on-screen cursor as if it were a part of your hand. For media centers, this provides for an intuitive, highly pleasurable experience. After using the Air Mouse for a few weeks, it\u2019s hard going back to a regular remote control. The feel is just that good. <strong>Note<\/strong>: The Air Mouse our readers will receive may appear slightly different than the one pictured below.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-350514\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/measy-rc11-air-mouse-remote-control.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"measy rc11 air mouse remote control   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"465\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Ubuntu 14.04 LTS<\/strong>: The latest Long Term Support (LTS) version of Ubuntu recently released and it includes out-the-box support for AMD\u2019s APU line of processor. While users will still want to install AMD\u2019s proprietary drivers for better performance, the system will work just fine without additional configuration.\u00a0I picked Ubuntu not just because of its price, but also its software library and overall superior GUI, compared to the desktop-unfriendly Windows 8.<\/p>\n<h2>The Media Center of the Future?<\/h2>\n<p>Astute observers will notice that this system excludes an optical storage solution, uses an AMD APU and runs\u00a0Ubuntu. But what about DVDs and Blu-ray you ask? Why did you pick such a weak CPU? What about Windows 8?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-350520\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/media-center-profile-shot-dramatic.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"media center profile shot dramatic   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"428\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To answer the first question, I take the position that physical media shouldn\u2019t dominate our computers. Optical storage drives, with their 5.25-inch form factors, take up too much space. Discs become scratched and unplayable, and eventually wear out. Compared to digital media, they fall behind in reliability and operability. By dispensing with physical storage media,\u00a0we get\u00a0smaller systems with fewer hassles.<\/p>\n<p>While the Athlon 5350 APU (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/apu-technology-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">what\u2019s an APU?<\/a>) doesn\u2019t stack up to the latest Intel Core i3 in performance, it costs half as much. It also compares favorably in raw performance with Intel\u2019s Celeron J1900, which is among the best per-watt CPUs around. However, as good as the J1900 is, it\u2019s not as fast nor as graphically robust as the Athlon 5350 \u2013 although it is about $20 cheaper, the J1900\u00a0lacks\u00a0upgradeability. While\u00a0AM1 systems won\u2019t play most modern games in anything other than console resolutions at the lowest of settings, it still makes for efficient and budget friendly systems for older games. It will run office software extremely well.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344768\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/athlon-5350-close-up.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"athlon 5350 close up   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"474\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I want to emphasize the AM1\u2032s\u00a0extremely low power requirements. As power prices creep up, computer energy consumption will start taking a larger and larger chunk out of our pockets. According to my <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/P3-P4400-Electricity-Usage-Monitor\/dp\/B00009MDBU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Kill A Watt<\/a>, the computer uses around 18 watts at idle and 25 watts during typical use. Its maximum power requirements at full-load came in just slightly over 30 watts. The lifetime power requirement over a 4-year cycle comes out to around $30. In many Scandinavian countries, and Germany, power costs\u00a0<em>four times<\/em>\u00a0more than in the United States. Now imagine how much the average 70-watt system costs.<\/p>\n<p>To answer the second question, Windows 8 is hard to like. I won\u2019t go into detail since many of our writers covered Windows 8\u2032s shortcomings \u2013 but many users prefer <a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/answers\/how-can-i-downgrade-windows-8\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">downgrading to Windows 7<\/a>. Also, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS plays extremely well with the AMD\u2019s AM1 platform. It installs almost perfectly out-the-box and requires very little hard drive space (around 5 gigabytes), so it plays nice with solid state drives (<a class=\"post__link--sidebar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/solidstate-drives-work-makeuseof-explains\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">what\u2019s an SSD?<\/a>). It also configures TRIM (<a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/why-trim-important-to-solid-state-hard-drives\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">what\u2019s TRIM?<\/a>) and properly optimizes its partitions and file tables for use with flash storage. In short, it\u2019s a great operating system for use with AM1 motherboards.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344759\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/media-center-of-the-future..jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"media center of the future.   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"527\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Building Your Own Media Center<\/h2>\n<p>I built around three main features \u2013 the AM1 platform, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS and the awesome software that will turn Ubuntu into a powerful streaming media center. The trick lies in building AM1 systems and\u00a0installing HTPC-oriented software.<\/p>\n<h3>Building for the AM1 Platform<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Step one<\/strong>: I started the build by attaching both the APU and the RAM, before anchoring the motherboard into the case. I normally wear anti-static gloves, but most builders I know assemble computers without anti-static implements. I would caution against this \u2014 use at least some kind of anti-static implement, either a bracelet or gloves will suffice.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344769\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/ram-slot-close-up.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"ram slot close up   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"282\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Step two<\/strong>: Next, I positioned the heat sink\/fan combination over the CPU socket. The spring-loaded, plastic guide posts require a little bit of force to insert into the holes on the heat sink. I had to spent a fair amount of time aligning the handles of the guide posts with the heat sink as they won\u2019t otherwise fit through the holes on the motherboard. Once they are pushed all the way through, the longer pins insert through the center of the guide posts, which will lock the heat sink into place. The AM1 socket only uses two pins (as opposed to Intel\u2019s four), so the install process requires less time and effort.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344772\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/pins-close-up-amd-am1.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"pins close up amd am1   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"436\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Realan case required removing a side panel and the PicoPSU to accommodate the motherboard. Once situated over the motherboard stands, I inserted the screws and loosely tighten, to hold the board in place. I then reinserted the side panel and the PicoPSU.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344765\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/green-machine-open-2.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"green machine open 2   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Step three<\/strong>: With all the main parts inside the case, it was just a matter of connecting the front-panel cables, the CPU (or APU) power cable, the 12V power, USB and finally the SSD to the SATA data and SATA power cables. The entire build process took about 30 minutes \u2013 about 5 minutes of that involved me fumbling around searching for a lost screw.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344767\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/front-of-green-machine.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"front of green machine   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"435\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Software<\/h3>\n<p>Nowadays, Linux computers can access a very large software library. Unlike Android devices, an Ubuntu system can operate as a word processor, gaming machine or complete home media system \u2013 although Android took great strides in streaming media over the past few years an Ubuntu-based machine offers better versatility.<\/p>\n<p>I first installed the awesome XBMC media center from the Ubuntu Software Center. XBMC allows users to operate their computer as a full-fledged home media center with just a few add-ins. Netflix requires a few configuration tweaks and a browser extension, but otherwise works seamlessly. The rest of the software installs without additional complication.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/xbmc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">XBMC<\/a>: We published a complete <a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/pages\/xbmc-full-html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">guide to installing XBMC<\/a> \u2013 the installation process is straightforward. Just download and install. The \u201cadd-ins\u201d or plugins available turn XBMC into a killer app, allowing interoperability with Hulu, Netflix (on the Eden build of XBMC) and most streaming video sites. It can also launch game emulators, music players and more. I installed a number of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/search\/?cx=009717636731598800244%3Aqhe4rh7wuxs&amp;cof=FORID%3A11&amp;q=xbmc&amp;sa=Search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">XBMC plug-ins<\/a>, all sourced from the MakeUseOf archives.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.leetzone.android.yatsewidgetfree\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Yatse<\/a>: Yatsee allows control over XBMC using an Android device. Configuring Yatse to control the XBMC requires only a few set up steps. However, I prefer using an Air Mouse, as the accelerometer guided controls feels more intuitive than using a touchscreen as an emulated remote.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20141026082449\/http:\/\/fds-team.de:80\/cms\/pipelight-installation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Netflix on Linux<\/a>: Using\u00a0Netflix on Linux got a lot easier with Pipelight, which allows Silverlight to run. While Netflix doesn\u2019t work\u00a0on the build of XBMC that I\u2019m using, it will run in the browser. <a class=\"post__link--sidebar\" href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/easily-enable-silverlight-watch-netflix-linux\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Setting up Pipelight<\/a> is easy, too.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.desura.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Desura<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/store.steampowered.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Steam<\/a> (or both?): In my experience, Desura games often offer Linux versions. Out of the twenty Steam games I own, three include Linux compatibility. Out of the three Desura games I own, all three are Linux compatible. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.makeuseof.com\/tag\/4-digital-distribution-gaming-clients-steam-muo-gaming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Desura compares to Steam<\/a>\u00a0favorably in a few respects. However, Steam also installs without a hitch on Linux. In short, if you have Linux games with both services, install both. If you\u2019re just <a href=\"https:\/\/otherworldiron.com\/what-to-expect-from-anavar-clen-cycle\/\" title=\"what to expect from anavar\" style=\"text-decoration:none;color:#333;\">what to expect from anavar<\/a> getting started, Desura offers a better experience.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/wiki.xbmc.org\/index.php?title=Add-on:Hulu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Hulu XBMC plugin<\/a>: Although I\u2019m not a Hulu user, it\u2019s also available as a plug-in for XBMC.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-344770\" title=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway   image\" src=\"http:\/\/main.makeuseoflimited.netdna-cdn.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/XMBC-add-on.jpg?ec7b17\" alt=\"XMBC add on   DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>The AM1 platform makes for a really great home media center. You get low cost, high energy efficiency and the ability to stream 1080p video.\u00a0It covers all the essential functions of a modern desktop and can function as a light Steam Box. Throw Ubuntu 14.04 and XMBC on its SSD and you get a snappy, minimal operating system with a vast, and free, software library. The cherry on the top: Add a gyroscopically equipped remote for intuitive and easy media browsing.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m completely satisfied with my build. The tiny, brushed aluminum Realan case offers an aesthetic quality that would cost a fortune in a larger case. It\u2019s sleek, sexy and fits in tight, cramped spaces. Combined with an Air Mouse, the media center feels like the future of HTPC machines.<\/p>\n<p>Assembling, configuring and using\u00a0\u201cCubby\u201d (the name I gave the media center) required very little effort. My takeaway from\u00a0DIY media centers using the AM1 platform: It\u2019s fantastic. The total wattage of an AM1 build will will come in at a fraction of most media centers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>from MakeUseOf Most computer builders overbuild their media centers. Oftentimes they end up with highly inefficient, overpowered systems. On a lark, we threw together a do-it-yourself streaming media center using AMD\u2019s just-released AM1 platform. The AM1 socket aims to bring &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/hellbach.us\/blog\/tech\/diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-giveaway\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17,2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-comp","category-tech"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway - Hellbach blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/hellbach.us\/blog\/tech\/diy-budget-htpc-media-center-build-giveaway\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"DIY Budget HTPC Media Center Build and Giveaway - Hellbach blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"from MakeUseOf Most computer builders overbuild their media centers. Oftentimes they end up with highly inefficient, overpowered systems. On a lark, we threw together a do-it-yourself streaming media center using AMD\u2019s just-released AM1 platform. 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