Emulator + HTPC $400

madcar86

Distinguished
Jul 23, 2012
74
0
18,630
Hi, i am looking to build a new HTPC for my HDTV that can also play old SNES and 64 games. I am not sure how powerful the PC needs to be to run emulators, I would guess not too much. I dont want to spend a lot of money, but I want it to run correctly. Any help would be appreciated.

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: this week (the closer the better)

Budget Range: (e.g.: 300-400) Before rebates $400

System Usage from Most to Least Important: HTPC and emulator for gaming consoles. Stream from plex server and netflix. Quiet would be a bonus. No bigger than a PS3

Are you buying a monitor: No, will use HDTV

Do you need to buy OS: No, have WIn 7 key

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, best bang for buck

Location: Acworth GA

Parts Preferences: best bang for buck

Overclocking: no

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: built in bluetooth would be nice to add multiple wireless controllers. would need suggestion for a case too.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: I have an old SNES and 64 would like to play games on HDTV.
 

combine1237

Honorable
Jul 19, 2012
808
0
11,360
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.75 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Club 3D Radeon R9 270 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (White) Mini ITX Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $599.67
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-15 18:04 EDT-0400)

That build should be able to play both dolphin and psx on most games too. You could downgrade to an i3 also.
 

RazerZ

Judicious
Ambassador
This is a nice build and should fit your needs:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($61.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-D2V Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($47.79 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R7 260X 1GB Video Card ($113.57 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($34.99 @ TigerDirect)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $365.30
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-15 17:46 EDT-0400)
 
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