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Under $600

Complete HTPC Media Center for Under $600 (2025)

Build a 4K-capable media player and Plex server with ample storage for movies and streaming on a tight budget.

💰 Actual Cost: $572.93Save $1000 vs PremiumUpdated December 9, 2025

Building an HTPC media center on $600 feels challenging when premium setups hit $1500+, but it's absolutely doable with smart choices. This guide delivers a complete, functional system that handles 4K playback, hardware-accelerated transcoding in Plex/Jellyfin, and large media libraries. You'll stream from anywhere, serve content to TVs/devices, and enjoy quiet operation.

Expect smooth 1080p/4K playback via HDMI, but not gaming or heavy editing—this budget prioritizes media over power. No compromises on essentials like storage capacity or decoding capability. You'll have a plug-and-play media hub in under 2 hours of assembly.

Budget Philosophy

For a $600 HTPC, I divided the budget into core categories: Processor/Motherboard (35%, $200) for reliable 4K decoding; Storage (25%, $148) for media hoarding; Enclosure/Power (25%, $112) for compact quiet build; Memory (10%, $33) and Peripherals (5%, $30) to round out. CPU deserved priority because integrated graphics handle AV1/H.265 without a discrete GPU, saving $100+.

Savings came from adequate case/PSU (no need for premium airflow in a low-heat media PC) and basic peripherals—performance isn't sacrificed. This allocation ensures 90% of premium functionality at 40% cost, with buffer for shipping (~$30). Trade-off: Smaller case limits future GPU upgrades, but that's fine for media focus.

Where to Splurge

  • Processor (APU): Integrated Radeon graphics enable hardware decoding for 4K/8K media and Plex transcoding—cheaping out means software fallback, stuttering playback, and high CPU usage.
  • Storage (HDD): Reliable capacity for 1000s of movies; cheap drives fail early, losing your library.
  • SSD (Boot Drive): Fast OS loads and app responsiveness; slow SSDs make navigation frustrating in Kodi.

Where to Save

  • Case: Budget mini-ITX cases are compact/quiet enough for HTPC; you're not sacrificing airflow for low TDP media use.
  • PSU: 400W 80+ is overkill for 65W system—no efficiency loss vs premium.
  • Peripherals: Basic wireless input works for setup/navigation; apps remotes handle daily use without premium feel.

Recommended Products (8)

#1essentialProcessor

AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

Core APU with Radeon iGPU for 4K playback and Plex transcoding.

$124.99
22% of budget
AMD Ryzen 5 5600G

The Ryzen 5 5600G is a 6-core/12-thread APU with Vega 7 graphics, perfect for budget HTPCs. At $125, it delivers hardware acceleration for H.264/HEVC/AV1 codecs via Quick Sync-like Radeon tech.

It outperforms Intel N-series minis in transcoding multiple streams, fitting this build's media focus. Vs $300 Intel NUCs, you get double cores for half price.

Value shines in low 65W TDP for silent fans, lasting 5+ years.

Pros

  • +Excellent 4K@60Hz playback with HDR
  • +Plex 4-6 stream transcoding
  • +AM4 socket for cheap upgrades
  • +Stock cooler quiet enough
  • +Great price/performance

Cons

  • -No PCIe 4.0 SSD speed boost needed here
  • -Aging AM4 platform
  • -Not for gaming >1080p

Upgrade Option: Ryzen 7 5700G ($170) - 8 cores for 10+ streams

Budget Alternative: Ryzen 3 5300G ($70) - Loses 2 cores, weaker transcoding

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialMotherboard

ASRock A520M-ITX/ac

Compact ITX board with WiFi for wireless streaming.

$99.99
17% of budget
ASRock A520M-ITX/ac

Mini-ITX board with B550 chipset equiv (A520), 2x M.2 slots, WiFi 5, and HDMI 2.1 for 4K@60Hz.

Fits tight cases, supports Ryzen 5000 out-of-box. Vs $150 B550 ITX, saves $50 without losing USB/ports needed for HTPC.

Reliable for 24/7 media servers per user reviews.

Pros

  • +Built-in WiFi/BT for easy setup
  • +Dual M.2 + 4x SATA
  • +HDMI 2.1 native
  • +Compact/reliable VRM

Cons

  • -No PCIe 4.0
  • -Basic audio codec
  • -Limited RGB

Upgrade Option: Gigabyte B550I Aorus ($140) - PCIe 4.0 + better audio

Budget Alternative: Used A320 ITX ($50) - No WiFi, weaker VRM

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialRAM

TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200

Fast memory for smooth Kodi/Plex multitasking.

$32.99
6% of budget
TEAMGROUP T-Force Vulcan Z 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 3200

Dual-channel 16GB kit at 3200MHz CL16, ideal for HTPC buffering large 4K files.

Plenty for Plex server + browser; matches Ryzen sweet spot. Vs $60 32GB, 16GB handles 95% use cases.

Low-profile for ITX clearance.

Pros

  • +Perfect Ryzen speed
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Low heat
  • +Great value

Cons

  • -Not RGB
  • -Max 16GB for budget

Upgrade Option: 32GB kit ($60) - More VMs/browsers

Budget Alternative: 8GB ($20) - Stutters on 4K menus

Check Price on Amazon
#4essentialBoot SSD

WD Blue SN580 1TB NVMe SSD

Fast OS/apps drive for quick Kodi launches.

$64.99
11% of budget
WD Blue SN580 1TB NVMe SSD

1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD with 4000MB/s reads, DRAM cache for snappy Plex library scans.

Huge for OS + apps/metadata. Vs $100 premium, same endurance (600TBW).

Users praise silence/reliability.

Pros

  • +1TB capacity
  • +Fast random reads
  • +5yr warranty
  • +No heatsink needed

Cons

  • -PCIe 3.0 fine here
  • -No encryption

Upgrade Option: SN850X 1TB ($85) - 50% faster

Budget Alternative: 500GB ($35) - Half apps space

Check Price on Amazon
#5essentialMedia Storage

Seagate Barracuda 4TB 3.5" HDD

Bulk storage for movies/TV library.

$82.99
14% of budget
Seagate Barracuda 4TB 3.5" HDD

CMR 4TB drive at 7200RPM, 256MB cache for quick Plex seeks.

Holds ~1000 Blu-rays. Vs $120 IronWolf NAS, fine for home use (180TBW/yr).

Quiet per reviews.

Pros

  • +Massive capacity/$
  • +Fast for HDD
  • +3.5yr warranty
  • +Reliable

Cons

  • -Noisier than SSD
  • -Slower seeks vs SSD

Upgrade Option: 8TB ($150) - Double library

Budget Alternative: 2TB ($50) - Half movies

Check Price on Amazon
#6recommendedCase

Cooler Master MasterBox NR200

Compact mini-ITX enclosure for living room placement.

$71.99
13% of budget
Cooler Master MasterBox NR200

14L mini-ITX case with mesh airflow, tempered glass, fits 3.5" HDD.

Perfect HTPC size (hide behind TV). Vs $100 premium, same fit/quiet.

Excellent reviews for builds.

Pros

  • +Tiny footprint
  • +Good airflow
  • +Easy cable mgmt
  • +HDD mount

Cons

  • -SFX PSU preferred (we adapt)
  • -No front USB-C

Upgrade Option: Lian Li A4-H2O ($120) - Smaller + better cooling

Budget Alternative: Elite 110 ($45) - Less airflow

Check Price on Amazon
#7recommendedPower Supply

Corsair VS400 400W 80+ PSU

Reliable power for 24/7 operation.

$39.99
7% of budget
Corsair VS400 400W 80+ PSU

400W 80+ white ATX PSU, fits NR200 (160mm max).

Overkill for 150W build. Vs $80 SFX Gold, no efficiency hit for media.

Proven stable.

Pros

  • +Cheap/reliable
  • +Quiet fan
  • +All cables included

Cons

  • -Not modular
  • -Basic efficiency

Upgrade Option: SF750 ($110) - Modular/Gold

Budget Alternative: 300W generic ($25) - Risky longevity

Check Price on Amazon
#8optionalInput

Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard

Touchpad keyboard for couch navigation.

$29.99
5% of budget
Logitech K400 Plus Wireless Keyboard

Wireless HTPC keyboard with trackpad, 33ft range.

Perfect setup/Kodi. Vs $50 MX Keys, basic but functional.

10m battery life.

Pros

  • +Integrated touchpad
  • +Plug-and-play
  • +Compact

Cons

  • -No backlighting
  • -Basic keys

Upgrade Option: Rii i8+ ($35) - Mini + gyro

Budget Alternative: USB remote ($10) - No typing

Check Price on Amazon

Start with case prep: Install PSU in NR200, route cables. Mount mobo, apply CPU cooler paste (included), install Ryzen 5600G + RAM. Add SSD to M.2, HDD to bay. Connect SATA/power. No tools beyond screwdriver (~30min).

Boot to BIOS (Del key), enable XMP for RAM. Install Ubuntu 24.04 LTS USB (free Rufus tool), partition SSD. (~20min). Install Kodi/Plex via apt, connect HDMI to TV. Add WiFi, scan library. Total: 1.5hrs.

Tips: Update BIOS if needed (USB flash), test playback first sans HDD. Use phone app (Yatse) over K400 for daily.

Budget Tips

  • Buy CPU/mobo used on eBay/Reddit (~20% off, test via Prime95).
  • Shop Amazon/Newegg sales, price match PCPartPicker.
  • Skip Windows ($100+), use Ubuntu + Kodi (free, optimized).
  • Add storage first later vs fancy case.
  • Check local MicroCenter for bundle deals.
  • Use external USB HDD initially to save $80.
  • Hunt refurbished SSDs (Amazon Renewed).

Common Mistakes

  • Cheaping CPU: No iGPU = $100 GPU add-on, over budget.
  • SSD-only: 1TB fills fast with 4K, no room for apps.
  • Big case: Wastes budget/space for media PC.
  • Ignoring WiFi board: Ethernet-only limits placement.
  • No transcoding test: Buy weak CPU, regret multi-user.

Upgrade Roadmap

First: Double storage—add 4TB HDD ($80) or 2TB SSD ($120) for bigger library. Next: 32GB RAM ($60) if running VMs. Then discrete GPU like RX 6400 ($150) for 10-bit HDR/gaming. Wait on case/PSU. These boost capacity/playback first (~$250 total), transforming to $1000 setup.

Related Topics

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