Re: HTPC Draft Build – Pick the design apart
My 2¢ (though probably not even worth that much) –
I see the need for a modular PSU since you’ve chosen the Lian Li case but if it were me I’d opt for the 520W Seasonic unit. Seasonics have an excellent reputation for their performance, reliability and quiet operation. In such a small case there is always a fear of the PSU fan having to ramp up its speed to help remove building heat and this is where the Seasonic should really outshine the competition.
While I’m spending your money I might as well address the CPU. Overall I have no real issue with your choice but again since heat dissipation is a concern in SFF cases you might consider the Phemon II X4 910e if for no other reason than the 65W rating (plus I’m a four core kind of guy). Yeah this would double your CPU investment but this CPU should run cooler for you (and give you four core boasting rights, FWIW).
Moving along I noticed your choice of RAM comes with those wild looking heat spreaders. The idea behind them is sound until you realize that maybe your stock CPU cooler just isn’t up to snuff in the noise department (I didn’t see an aftermarket CPU cooler listed). With that low profile case your CPU cooler choices are going to be pretty limited. What you will find are going to be wide heatsinks that will interfere with your RAM. Based on the assumption that you may not utilize your stock CPU cooler I would suggest that you look for RAM without all that stuff sticking up and find some standard profile RAM instead.
Good luck with the build and keep us posted on your progress.