Gaming/Media Center build advice ($1500)

BinaryTobis

Honorable
Aug 3, 2013
22
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10,510
Hello, all! The last time I did this I built my setup myself, and I ended up with a computer which was much too large, drew too much power, and ran way too hot even though there was a bare minimum of components. I'm hoping you guys can help me build smarter this time.

I'm looking to make a new computer in the next couple of weeks to hook up to my LG 55LS5700 55-Inch via HDMI, for use as a Media Center to watch movies, and also as a Gaming PC to play games like BioShock and emulated games.

I would like it to be smaller than 17-1/2" x 4-1/8" x 15" (or a little bit larger than an xbox) if possible, to fit in my tv stand. I want it not to run incredibly hot or draw a ton of power, my old PC trips the breakers in some places. I'd like the video card to have HDMI out, and for it to have a wireless card. I will most likely never upgrade the components, so don't worry about the upgradability factor. I want it to be as solid of a gaming PC as possible within these requirements.

Can you guys help me out? Thank you so much in advance!
 
Solution
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nMDy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nMDy/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nMDy/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H55 57.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($125.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Node 605 HTPC Case ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120...

BranFlake5

Honorable
Jul 9, 2013
490
0
10,860


That size is kinda hard to do when building your own. Your options are a prebuilt of that size or a small case slightly larger than an xbox, but without a ton of gpu power.
Would this work for you?
http://www.fractal-design.com/?view=product&category=2&prod=95
 

BranFlake5

Honorable
Jul 9, 2013
490
0
10,860
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nMDy
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nMDy/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1nMDy/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H55 57.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($48.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Z87M-PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($125.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 770 2GB Video Card ($409.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Node 605 HTPC Case ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Corsair Air Series AF120 Quiet Edition (2-Pack) 39.9 CFM 120mm Fans ($27.09 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 650W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG BT30N Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($81.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($124.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $1520.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-03 13:09 EDT-0400)

Will that work, it's bigger than your dimensions but pretty close.
 
Solution

BinaryTobis

Honorable
Aug 3, 2013
22
0
10,510
Thanks! That seems pretty solid. If, instead, I got a normal computer tower that was on the smaller side, and set it next to my TV stand, would that improve the price or power of the PC?
 

BranFlake5

Honorable
Jul 9, 2013
490
0
10,860


You may save some, only 50 bucks if you manage to get another acceptable case. But the one I chose was HTPC specific and not outrageously priced. It might be quieter than a tower as well. IF that case will fit and get adequate air then I'd stick with it.