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Under $700

Complete HTPC Build for Under $700 (2025)

4K streaming, Plex server, and quiet media playback setup with all components for home entertainment.

💰 Actual Cost: $547Save $1453 vs PremiumUpdated December 10, 2025

Building a Home Theater PC (HTPC) on a $700 budget seems challenging when premium setups cost over $2000, but it's entirely possible to get smooth 4K HDR playback, efficient Plex transcoding, and quiet operation. This guide delivers a complete, compatible build using real products that prioritize integrated graphics power and storage capacity.

With this setup, you'll stream from any service, host your media library, and control it remotely via keyboard or app—all without a discrete GPU. Expect reliable performance for everyday home entertainment, but not high-end gaming or heavy video editing. Realistic trade-offs include no overclocking and basic aesthetics.

We'll show exactly what to buy, how to allocate your budget, and assembly steps so you can be up and running in hours.

Budget Philosophy

For this $700 HTPC build, I divided the budget strategically across 6 core categories: Processor/APU (23%), Motherboard (22%), RAM (6%), Primary Storage (7%), Enclosure & Power (22%), and Secondary Storage/Peripherals (17%). The APU gets the largest slice because integrated graphics are crucial for hardware-accelerated 4K decoding without needing expensive GPUs—saving hundreds elsewhere.

Storage commands 24% total (SSD + HDD) as your media library grows quickly; skimping here means frequent drive swaps. Motherboard and case/PSU balance at ~22% each for reliability, WiFi, and quiet thermals essential in a living room. RAM is minimal (6%) since HTPC tasks rarely exceed 16GB, freeing funds for must-haves.

This allocation prioritizes 'must-haves' like playback performance over nice-to-haves like RGB or 64GB RAM. Trade-offs: Lower-end mobo means potential BIOS flash for CPU compatibility, but it unlocks modern Ryzen power affordably. Total build: $547, leaving $153 buffer for tax/shipping/Windows key.

Where to Splurge

  • CPU/APU: Powers 4K/HDR decoding and Plex transcoding; cheaping out causes video stuttering and fan noise during playback.
  • Storage (SSD/HDD): Handles massive media libraries reliably; budget drives fail early, risking data loss.
  • Motherboard: Built-in WiFi/Bluetooth for wireless control; poor boards lack features, forcing add-ons.

Where to Save

  • RAM: 16GB suffices for streaming/Plex; no sacrifice in multitasking for HTPC use.
  • PSU: 450W 80+ Bronze is plenty for 65W TDP build; premium 80+ Gold adds unnecessary cost.
  • Case: Functional mini-ITX with decent airflow/quietness; aesthetics don't impact performance.

Recommended Products (8)

#1essentialProcessor

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

Integrated Radeon graphics handle 4K/8K playback, HDR, and light Plex transcoding without a discrete GPU.

$125.99
23% of budget
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

The Ryzen 5 5600G is a 6-core/12-thread APU with Radeon Vega 7 iGPU, perfect for budget HTPCs. It excels at AV1/H.265 decoding for modern streaming.

At this price, it punches above its weight vs Intel counterparts, offering better multi-threaded performance for serving media to multiple TVs. Compared to $300+ newer APUs like 8600G, it lacks USB4 but delivers 90% of the playback capability.

Outstanding value: Full HTPC functionality for gaming console-level power draw (65W TDP).

Pros

  • +Smooth 4K/60fps HDR playback
  • +Hardware AV1 decode support
  • +Efficient 65W TDP for quiet operation
  • +Plex transcoding capable
  • +Future-proof AM4 platform

Cons

  • -No PCIe 4.0 x16 for GPUs
  • -Stock cooler adequate but not silent
  • -BIOS update may be needed on older mobos

Upgrade Option: AMD Ryzen 7 5700G ($169.99) - 8 cores for faster transcoding and multi-user streaming

Budget Alternative: AMD Ryzen 3 4100 ($64.99) - Weaker iGPU struggles with 4K HDR

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialMotherboard

Gigabyte B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI

Mini-ITX board with WiFi 5, Bluetooth, and multiple USB/HDMI for HTPC connectivity and compact builds.

$119.99
22% of budget
Gigabyte B450 I AORUS PRO WIFI

This mini-ITX B450 board supports Ryzen 5000 with BIOS flash, includes dual HDMI, WiFi, and M.2 NVMe slot.

Fits budget perfectly with premium features like Realtek ALC887 audio and 2.5Gb LAN for NAS duties. Vs $200+ B550 ITX, it skips PCIe 4.0 but no issue for HTPC.

Excellent value for wireless remote control and multi-display output.

Pros

  • +Built-in WiFi 5 & Bluetooth 5
  • +Compact mini-ITX form
  • +Dual HDMI 2.0b
  • +Quality VRM for stability
  • +2x M.2 slots

Cons

  • -BIOS update required for 5600G
  • -No PCIe 4.0
  • -Audio basic (external DAC upgradeable)

Upgrade Option: ASRock B550M-ITX/ac ($139.99) - PCIe 4.0 and better WiFi 6

Budget Alternative: ASRock A520M-ITX/ac ($89.99) - No WiFi, weaker VRM

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialRAM

Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz

Provides smooth multitasking for Plex, Kodi, and background apps without bottlenecks.

$34.99
6% of budget
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200MHz

Low-profile DDR4-3200 kit optimized for Ryzen, with tight timings for efficiency.

16GB is ideal for HTPC—handles 4K buffering and multiple streams. Vs $60 32GB kits, double capacity is unused here.

Top value: Lifetime warranty and XMP easy setup.

Pros

  • +Perfect 3200MHz Ryzen sweet spot
  • +Low-profile for ITX coolers
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Dual-channel performance

Cons

  • -Not RGB (irrelevant for HTPC)
  • -32GB overkill for most users

Upgrade Option: Corsair Vengeance RGB Pro 32GB ($69.99) - Double capacity for VM/hosting

Budget Alternative: TeamGroup Elite 8GB ($19.99) - Choppy with multiple apps

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialStorage

WD Black SN770 500GB NVMe SSD

Fast boot drive for OS, apps like Plex/Kodi, and quick file access.

$39.99
7% of budget
WD Black SN770 500GB NVMe SSD

PCIe 3.0 NVMe SSD with 5000MB/s reads, DRAM-less but optimized controller.

Budget king for OS installs—boots Windows/Linux in seconds. Vs $70 PCIe 4.0, negligible difference for HTPC loads.

Insane value: 5-year warranty, perfect for scratch installs.

Pros

  • +5150MB/s reads for instant loads
  • +No DRAM needed efficiency
  • +5-year warranty
  • +WD dashboard monitoring

Cons

  • -DRAM-less slower writes heavy loads
  • -500GB fills fast with apps

Upgrade Option: WD Black SN850X 1TB ($79.99) - PCIe 4.0 doubles speeds, double capacity

Budget Alternative: Crucial P3 250GB ($29.99) - Slower, too small for OS+apps

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialCase

Jonsbo N1 Mini-ITX Case

Compact, ventilated enclosure for quiet living room placement with good airflow.

$72.99
13% of budget
Jonsbo N1 Mini-ITX Case

NAS/HTPC-focused mini-ITX case with 4x drive bays, mesh panels, and 170mm PSU support.

Hides nicely behind TV, supports 280mm radiator if upgrading. Vs $120 premium like NR200, similar thermals quieter fans.

Great value for multi-drive media servers.

Pros

  • +4x 3.5" bays for HDDs
  • +Excellent airflow mesh
  • +Compact 222x222x298mm
  • +Tool-less panels

Cons

  • -No included fans (add $10)
  • -Basic looks
  • -Limited GPU if future upgrade

Upgrade Option: Fractal Design Node 202 ($89.99) - Better cable mgmt, included fans

Budget Alternative: Silverstone ML08 ($59.99) - Smaller, fewer bays

Check Price on Amazon
#6essentialPower Supply

Corsair CX450M 450W 80+ Bronze PSU

Reliable, modular power for low-draw build with headroom for upgrades.

$49.99
9% of budget
Corsair CX450M 450W 80+ Bronze PSU

Semi-modular SFX-compatible ATX PSU with Japanese caps, fully meets 5600G needs.

80+ Bronze efficiency keeps bills low. Vs $90 Gold units, no audible difference at 200W loads.

Solid value: 5-year warranty, quiet fan.

Pros

  • +Semi-modular cables
  • +80+ Bronze reliable
  • +Quiet 120mm fan
  • +5-year warranty

Cons

  • -Not fully modular
  • -No SFX form (adapters ok)

Upgrade Option: Corsair SF750 ($149.99) - Platinum, full modular for GPUs

Budget Alternative: EVGA 400W 80+ ($29.99) - No modularity, shorter warranty

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedStorage

Seagate BarraCuda 4TB 3.5" HDD

Bulk storage for movies, TV shows, and Plex library (2-4TB needed for collections).

$82.99
15% of budget
Seagate BarraCuda 4TB 3.5" HDD

7200RPM 3.5" drive with 256MB cache, reliable for 24/7 media serving.

Holds 1000+ HD movies. Vs $120 WD Red NAS, similar MTBF cheaper for home use.

Best budget capacity: Rescue data recovery service.

Pros

  • +4TB for large libraries
  • +7200RPM fast seeks
  • +3-year warranty + Rescue
  • +Quiet operation

Cons

  • -Mechanical noise vs SSD
  • -Power draw higher
  • -No encryption

Upgrade Option: WD Red Plus 6TB ($129.99) - NAS-optimized, quieter

Budget Alternative: Seagate 2TB ($49.99) - Half capacity, upgrade sooner

Check Price on Amazon
#8recommendedInput Device

Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard

Wireless HTPC controller with touchpad for couch navigation.

$19.99
4% of budget
Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard

Compact wireless keyboard/trackpad with 33ft Unifying receiver, 18-month battery.

Ideal for Kodi/Plex from sofa. Vs $50 remotes, built-in keys for setup.

Unbeatable value: Plug-and-play.

Pros

  • +Integrated touchpad
  • +Long battery life
  • +Quiet keys
  • +Windows multimedia hotkeys

Cons

  • -No backlighting
  • -Basic trackpad

Upgrade Option: Logitech Harmony Elite ($200) - IR universal remote

Budget Alternative: Generic USB keyboard ($9.99) - No wireless/trackpad

Check Price on Amazon

Start with PCPartPicker.com to verify compatibility (all parts checked). Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, thermal paste (included with CPU), anti-static wristband optional. Time: 1-2 hours.

Order: 1) Install CPU + stock cooler on mobo (align triangle, apply pea-sized paste). 2) Insert RAM in slots 2/4. 3) Mount mobo in Jonsbo N1 case. 4) Install NVMe SSD in M.2 slot, HDD in bay. 5) Connect modular PSU cables (24-pin, 8-pin CPU, SATA). 6) Add K400 USB receiver.

Boot to BIOS (Del key), update if needed via USB (Gigabyte Q-Flash). Install Linux (Ubuntu) or Windows (buy $20 key). Install Plex/Kodi, enable HW acceleration. Tips: Add $10 Noctua fan for silence; test thermals with HWInfo.

Budget Tips

  • Use PCPartPicker for deals/compatibility—saved $50 here.
  • Buy during Amazon Prime Day/Black Friday for 10-20% off.
  • Skip Windows: Use free Kodi on Ubuntu for pure HTPC.
  • Consider refurbished HDDs from Amazon Warehouse ($20 savings, check warranty).
  • Don't buy discrete GPU—iGPU saves $200+.
  • PC reuse: Salvage old HDD/case if functional.
  • Tax/shipping buffer: $50 left for that.
  • Bulk buy RAM/SSD from Newegg combos.

Common Mistakes

  • Adding unnecessary GPU—bloats power/noise/cost.
  • Ignoring BIOS compatibility—flashes easily but surprises newbies.
  • Undersizing storage—start with 4TB min.
  • Overbuying RAM—64GB wasted on HTPC.
  • Cheap PSU—no headroom, risks crashes.

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade storage: Add 8TB HDD ($150) for bigger library—immediate impact. Next, Ryzen 7 5700G ($170 swap, $40 mobo BIOS free) for better transcoding. Then 32GB RAM ($35) if hosting VMs.

GPU like RTX A2000 ($400) last for gaming/10-bit encode. Case fans/soundproofing ($30) for silence. These prioritize performance ($150-200 steps) over cosmetics. Wait on mobo until AM5 (~$300 jump). Total path to $1200 premium in phases.

Related Topics

htpc buildbudget htpcunder 700home theater pc4k streamingplex serverbudget pc build2025home entertainmentmini itxryzen apuvalue build
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