Upgrade HTPC to Gaming Possible?

jasonmet77 · May 23, 2014

Would like to refresh/update rather than replace current HTPC to be able to play games on TV. I want to play some 2-5 year old games like Bioshock Inf and Borderlands 2 and some indie titles. I would not mind trying some newer titles like Wolfenstein, but understand settings could not be maxed out. Just want as good or better than console power. Some pointers would be appreciated. Thanks!

Current:
i3-3225 (keep, replace with 3rd gen i5, or ditch mobo and CPU for 4th gen or AMD)
factory fan
Asrock H77M-ITX 1155 micro ATX
2x2 DDR31600 RAM
no graphics card

vrumor · May 23, 2014

Get a 750 Ti and youll be able to play all those on decent settings.

geofelt · May 23, 2014

Good gaming is much dependent on the graphics card.
In a HTPC, you may have limited space for a top discrete graphics card and the needed power supply.
The i3-3225 Is actually a strong gaming cpu... up to a point.
Here is what it can do:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-processor-frame-rate-performance,3427-9.html

If you have the space, a GTX750ti might be a good choice since it does not require a strong psu.

jasonmet77 · May 23, 2014

Thanks. I think I put in a mid-grade 300W PSU. It's in a SilverStone Micro ATX Mini Tower SST-PS07B. I don't mind upgrading the PSU if that would be needed. Just seemed a waste to start over from scratch. At least not for another 1-2 years. Tried the Xbox One so was hoping to match that quality wise.

geofelt · May 23, 2014

Your case is fine, and can hold a very strong graphics card.
Since a GTX750ti needs no aux power, that is the strongest card that will run on 300w.
It will be a huge upgrade over integrated graphics.

jasonmet77 · May 23, 2014

Thanks for the help!

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