Looking to build a new HTPC with as many of the parts I already have as possible

numb1zero

Honorable
Jun 6, 2012
4
0
10,510
Hi guys,
I'm looking to build a new dedicated HTPC. I'm currently using a full tower with an old single core cpu. I'm replacing my entertainment center with a minimalistic cabinet and mounting the tv on the wall so I want the HTPC to look nice sitting on the cabinet rather than off to the side looking out of place. I figure while I'm at it, I should rebuild the HTPC to keep up with the times.

I want 1080p video over HDMI and the capability to run many/most modern games on med-high graphic settings.
I also do a lot of streaming of networked media so perhaps I should consider an upgraded network card. Thoughts?

I have a motherboard and 2 graphics cards I'd like to use, if possible, to minimize cost.

an ASRock N68C-GS FX motherboard (AM3+/ AM3/ AM2+/ AM2)
a PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 550 Ti
a Galaxy GeForce GT 520 2 GB


I don't know if the gtx 550 or the gt 520 will fit in an HTPC case, so I'll definitely need help finding a case that is small and sleek but will fit one of these cards.

I also need cooling suggestions for HTPC cases.

I'd rather not spend any more than about $300 total (for the cpu, ram, case and cooling)

Thanks in advance!
-Adam

 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Case: Apevia X-Master Black/Silver HTPC Case w/500W Power Supply ($59.99 @ Mwave)
Total: $233.73
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-17 22:15 EDT-0400)

This should suffice for your needs. Add in a 120mm case fan or two and your system should keep cool enough. I ran my HTPC with only two rear 80mm fans while tucked inside my cabinet.

-Wolf sends
 

numb1zero

Honorable
Jun 6, 2012
4
0
10,510




Would either of my graphics cards fit in that case?