HTCP Budget Build for under $250?

[TheOpusFuller]

I'm looking to build a HTCP. I found this guide.

http://www.homemediatech.net/budget-...50-build-3/875

It looks small and wouldn't stand out so much which I'm a fan of. Would this work perfectly for a HTCP to run the Plex Media Server to my TV?

Secondly - Currently I have a crappy old Dell Laptop with an external Harddrive attached with a bunch of movies I ripped from my collection. It works fine minus all the bloatware and sometimes I get disconnected from my Plex Media Server.

A couple questions - Is there any difference if I went the route of that budget HTPC build than my laptop? I feel a dedicated HTPC would be much superior but is it really? I just want something that is always on, always running, and always connected to the Plex Media Server so I can watch media on my TV.