I would like to build a quiet computer for my living room that be used as a htpc and a mid level gaming computer. At this point I do not want to purchase a tuner card but I want to be able to add one to the desktop within the next year so I can use the desktop as a DVR. In addition, I would like to be able to keep the computer across the room and wirelessly stream the video content to my TV. I am thinking about getting a motherboard with WIDI and I am currently looking at Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI link. I am open to other motherboard and streaming options as well.
With regards to gaming, I would like to be able to play the new sim city at fairly high setting with the hope of buying a video card that will allow me to play newer games at medium settings for a few more years. I also need to be able to use two monitors simultaneously so I can remote admin into my work computer using two monitors.
I also already have a DLINK NAS (DNS-323 SATA 2-BAY) to use as storage so I would like to get a small SSD to run the OS. The Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI motherboard has two Gigabit LAN so I could attach the NAS directly to the desktop.
I also have a 750 watt power supply that is old but I would love to save a little cash by using it.
Silverstone SST-ST75ZF (750 watt power supply) Silverstone SST-ST75ZF (750 watt power supply)
My budget is 800 but I also need to buy an OS. Am I crazy? Is it possible to build a desktop that does everything that I want at this price? If not, how much more money would it take to build a computer for my needs? Would it cost a lot more to make sure it was quiet? I built a desktop from scratch about 7 years ago but I have not kept up on new hardware. I am open to all advice.
Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP
Budget Range: 800 – I might have a little more to spend if it is really needed.
System Usage: HTPC and Gaming
Are you buying a monitor: No
Do you need to buy OS: Yes – Windows 7 home premium (Unless there is some other great reason to upgrade.)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: tigerdirect.com –I am willing to use other retailers, but I get a 5% discount from tiger so the cheaper price would have to be more than the discount.
Location: Washington, DC
Parts Preferences: My initial reaction is to get an Intel CPU but I can be easily persuaded otherwise.
Overclocking: No – I am tempted to explore overclocking but I will probably not have the time.
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: primary monitor -1280x1024 secondary monitor - 1280x1024
Additional Comments: I would like a quiet pc.
Owned Parts: power supply-Silverstone SST-ST75ZF (750 watt power supply)
With regards to gaming, I would like to be able to play the new sim city at fairly high setting with the hope of buying a video card that will allow me to play newer games at medium settings for a few more years. I also need to be able to use two monitors simultaneously so I can remote admin into my work computer using two monitors.
I also already have a DLINK NAS (DNS-323 SATA 2-BAY) to use as storage so I would like to get a small SSD to run the OS. The Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI motherboard has two Gigabit LAN so I could attach the NAS directly to the desktop.
I also have a 750 watt power supply that is old but I would love to save a little cash by using it.
Silverstone SST-ST75ZF (750 watt power supply) Silverstone SST-ST75ZF (750 watt power supply)
My budget is 800 but I also need to buy an OS. Am I crazy? Is it possible to build a desktop that does everything that I want at this price? If not, how much more money would it take to build a computer for my needs? Would it cost a lot more to make sure it was quiet? I built a desktop from scratch about 7 years ago but I have not kept up on new hardware. I am open to all advice.
Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP
Budget Range: 800 – I might have a little more to spend if it is really needed.
System Usage: HTPC and Gaming
Are you buying a monitor: No
Do you need to buy OS: Yes – Windows 7 home premium (Unless there is some other great reason to upgrade.)
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: tigerdirect.com –I am willing to use other retailers, but I get a 5% discount from tiger so the cheaper price would have to be more than the discount.
Location: Washington, DC
Parts Preferences: My initial reaction is to get an Intel CPU but I can be easily persuaded otherwise.
Overclocking: No – I am tempted to explore overclocking but I will probably not have the time.
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: primary monitor -1280x1024 secondary monitor - 1280x1024
Additional Comments: I would like a quiet pc.
Owned Parts: power supply-Silverstone SST-ST75ZF (750 watt power supply)