First timer- media server

[Finboss]

In that case you should be fine with the basic core i3 CustoMac build. The built in HD3000 graphics should be ample for HD playback.

Basic parts list based on 2011 CustoMac build #1
CPU - Intel Core i3-2105 with Intel HD 3000 Graphics
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115090&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4902415&SID=

RAM - Corsair XMS3 4 GB 1333mhz DDR3 (4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145251&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4902415&SID=

Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-H67M-D2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128473&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4902415&SID=

Case and PSU - NSK2480
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034

If possible try and find the black version of the case, NSK2480B, as it looks better with black optical drives. Amazon or Tigerdirect might have it in stock.
For your optical drive you suggested that you wanted to reuse you existing blu-ray. Blu-ray is not supported by OSX and I can't guarantee that the drive will work. The DVD and CD functions SHOULD work but might not.

Hope this helps

 

[zzrider]

That's fine. I can always just bring the DVD burner from the Dell over to the hackintosh. Keep the blu ray with the windows machine.

Thanks man!

 

[Finboss]

No prob. Just noticed that the motherboard is no longer sold at Newegg. However, it is still sold on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PGAMMG/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tonymacx86com-20

Good luck with your build!!!

 

[zzrider]

I went with essentially the components of the CustoMac Mini 2011 with a few changes.

Larger case for more expandability with HDD
Same amount of RAM (different brand)
Upgraded the Core i3 2105 to the Core i5 2500k

For now I'm going to use the onboard hdmi with hd 3000. I don't think I'll need to upgrade, but if I do there is a PCI express slot I can get a decent card for cheap.

I'm giving my media server to my son (gutting the drives and putting in a smaller drive) and using the new machine as my new media server and if the hd 3000 works well- as a htpc in my office for basic netflix streaming to my 46" TV.

Keeping the blu ray drive in the Dell and will borrow my sons computer to rip blu rays, which is not very often at all anyway...

Hopefully this works out! This isn't even something I need, but I'm bored and need something to take interest in.