Gaming HTPC Build Help

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bigmix

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Feb 15, 2011
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Sorry for the long post, but after more hours researching this stuff, I can’t quite wrap my head around these builds. Ok need to build a gaming rig that will also be used as an HTPC. Not really interested in upgrade as the person I am helping out wants this build to last as long as possible. The person is not a hardcore gamer, but has kids who like games like MW and Batman Arkham and this will be connected to an LED TV 46”. This will be from scratch.
Here are my options:

Build #1, #2, #3,#4 will have these similar parts: Total: $362
Case: Silverstone Grandia GD05 -$95
OS Drive: Samsung 840 120GB SSD - $99
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 - $110
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CX600 - $58

Build #1 – Total: $606
CPU: i3 3220 - $110
Motherboard: Asrock H77M -$70
RAM: Kingston HyperX 1600MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - $64

Build #2 – Total: $571
CPU: Intel Pentium G2120 - $75
Motherboard: Asrock H77M -$70
RAM: Kingston HyperX 1600MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - $64

Build #3 –Total $618
CPU: A10-5800k - $125
Motherboard: Asrock FM2A75 Pro4-M - $60
RAM: G.Skill Sniper Series 2133 MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - $71

Build #4 – Total $400
CPU: FX-6300 - $120
Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M 760G - $55
RAM: Kingston HyperX 1600MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - $64

Build #5 – Total $619
Case: NMediaPC 6000B - $94
CPU: FX-6300 - $120
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 - $75
RAM: Kingston HyperX 1600MHz 8GB (2x4GB) - $64
OS Drive: Samsung 840 120GB SSD - $99
GPU: Sapphire Radeon HD 7770 - $110
PSU: Corsair Builder Series CX600 - $58

I changed the Build #5 because no MATX available for 9xx series AM3+ that I know of. I guess if build #3 doesn't need a GPU I could save $110.
Please suggest a build and any part change outs. Saving money is #1.
Do I need an aftermarket cooler? I was thinking GeminII M4 for the A10-5800k may be needed but the I3 stock is fine?
How does my PSU stack up?
Thank you in advance.

Edit: Build#4 should be $600 not $400 - Sorry
 
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bigmix

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Wouldn't I lose a ton of boot time?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Well, yes. But my comment still stands. 120GB is not nearly large enough for that use. Either add a large HDD, or if the budget does not permit both, drop the SSD.

A 120GB + games + HTPC functions + kids = running out of space in 30 days.

How often will this actually be rebooted?
 
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bigmix

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I found a 32GB SSD Adata for $50
And a 1 TB Seagate for $69.
Would that work? Only $20 more the closest 64gb I found was $65. Do I need that for OS?
With those changes which build from above?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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I would not recommend less than a 120/128GB drive for the OS and 'most' applications. A 64GB will work, but will take active human (Dad!) monitoring (especially with multiple user accounts) to make sure it does not get too full. Remember, an SSD needs 10-15% free space for the TRIM function to work. Fill it up completely, and you will kill it.

For instance:
My Music folder is 72GB. My movies folder is 1.2TB. Current Steam games folder is 41GB.

My boot drive, a 128GB SSD, is currently 67GB used. OS and most applications, but NOT the Steam games.

A 32GB boot drive is right out. That will not work. For a very careful single user, maybe. Multiple users, including kids? No way.
 
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bigmix

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Ok that makes sense. I guess they will just need to stick to the HTPC function then (sounds like they will need to stay with PS3 and a future PS4 because of cost). The a10 or a8 and dropping the GPU seems most economical and powerful at that point, or would someone suggest other?

 
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