First HTPC Build - Seeking Advice

[aaronc1976]

Hi all! I am building my first HTPC and was looking for some advice. I have been doing a lot of research and have put together what I think is a good build but would really appreciate any input and had some questions too. Here is what I have so far.

Silverstone GD05 Case
Intel Core I5 6600 CPU
Gigabyte GA H170M D3DH Motherboard
Corsair CS450M PSU
8 GB DDR4 RAM (not sure best brand but was thinking Corsair would work here)
Windows 10
HDHomerun Prime
128 GB SSD (not sure best brand but was going to go with Samsung)
2 TB WD HD

A couple of questions:

1. Does anyone have a favorite PVR that they use that handles CableCard well? (I plan on using Plex Media Server)
2. Is there anything that someone with experience would be doing differently component-wise?

 

[jsmithepa]

1. Don't use cablecard myself but often hear mention CETON.

2. Component is a little over the top for playback AV/PVR. The "needles" on my I5 4440 barely move, I feel I3 more than adequate unless you are gaming.

 

[aaronc1976]

I did look at I3 6100. Do you think that is efficient to handle transcoding to H264 and be able to access server remotely? I want to be able to watch live TV and acess my recordings away from my home network via plex.