First time build. Noob alert. $300-$400 budget

boneychil

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Ok. What I have to start with is a Compaq Presario 5010 case. Here are the specs on what I have. I know most of this info as far as the specs, arent needed, but just putting it out there so you know what I'm going from and what I want to go to.

Date of Purchase was 2007

Case: Mid-size ATX 14.8 x 6 x 16.5 inches (Compaq presario SR5010NX)
CPU: Celeron: D360 3.65 GHz
Motherboard: Mini-ATX 945GC7-HM (Livermore)
Video Card: GeForce 8800GTS (originally integrated)
Sound card: Integrated
Hard Drive: 160GB SATA Interface - 3.0Gb/sec transfer rating - 7200RPM
Memory: 512MB, I added more but dont remember how much more
CD/DVD: SuperMulti 16x DVD R/RW
Bay Sizes: 2-5.25inch and 3 3.5 inch
PSU: 250W
USB Ports: 4
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So here is what i want to do:

Use the case, video card, RAM, Hard Drive, PSU, CD/DVD, and buy a new Motherboard, CPU, Sound Card (although I could go with integrated. It would be nice to be able to upgrade it if i want.) Network Card (I could go integrated here too.) Add a larger hard drive at some point.

I used to be a gamer when i first got this computer in 2007. Now what I want to do is watch movies that I torrent on utorrent in at least 720p. I finally cut the cord and got rid of comcast television. So I torrent everything tv/movies for my television entertainment. This is of most importance for me.

BTW, I use my 42" HDTV as the moniter. DVI out to an HDMI adapter into the TV. 1260x760 (or whatever that size is), 720p I believe, 60Hz

EDIT: I looked into it furthur and to be exact, it is a phillips 40PFL4907/F7 1920x1080 and 1080p 60Hz LED HDTV

Also, it really bugs me that, when You Tube went HD, all the videos started being always choppy and sometimes pixelated when 720p HD or higher was used. This is second most importance. Would that be in the department of streaming? Other than that, I dont really need anything else from my computer besides fast internet, and that shouldnt be a problem.

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So that brings me to a few questions. I dont know which motherboard to get and I dont know which CPU's go with the motherboards. I dont understand what the chipset means. I think I should pay around half or more of my $400 dollar budget on these two items. I also need some suggestions on the other items I want to buy.
If I just go with integrated sound and network cards then which motheboards have that, plus the four USB Ports, plus an HDMI port so I dont have to use the DVI to HDMI adapter that pulls down on the HDMI port on my tv. (I've always been afraid that its going to break.)
Also, is the 250Wpower supply going to work for the new motherboards out these days? If not, I need some suggestions on that too.

Do you think I can do this and get what I want for $400 or less?

The following list I found in the HTPC build section. All from the list submitted by: shortstuff_mt
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2141766/bestconfigs-home-theater.html

I found this Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD2 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard(Will this fit in my case?)(Do I need some type of adapter plate?)
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gah81mhd2

If so, then I could use this CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646g3220

Do I need a CPU cooler?

and I could use this PSU: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply(if my power supply is not sufficient.)
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx430

How much memory do I need? If I have 1GB in my existing computer, is that enough?

Maybe the integrated video card will be good enough for the 720p HD quality that I want?

Can I use my old DVD R/RW? (Hmmm. 60 bucks and I could have blu-ray too. I just might do that too!)

And what about an operating system? I dont need to go with the latest version of Windows do I?
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I know this was a long post, but I hope someone could help me. Could I do it with cheaper equipment than what I am listing. I have read the sticky on the home theatre PC build, which is where I got the parts I list. I also read the sticky of step by step instructions. Let me know your thoughts. and thanks in advance.

Jim
 

andrei65

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i'd say make a hole new build , and no 1gb isn't enough , but it will if you're gonna run xp or maybe win7 32bits
you could get the latest version of windows but you don't have to

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($56.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.43 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 630 2GB Video Card ($52.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($24.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($26.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $386.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-31 01:56 EDT-0400)

this build includes windows 7
 
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/z7chK8

These are the core parts I recommend based on your budget.

Comments:
1) You should get a better power supply, in fact yours may not even work but I don't know what Graphics Card you plan to upgrade to in the future.

The Antec VP-450 is okay ($40) and has a 1x6-pin connector so it can run up to an HD7770, GTX750Ti. You may wish something that is closer to 550W and has 2x6-pin connectors, or 1x6-pin and 1x8-pin.

2) Your memory was DDR2. It's no longer compatible.

3) I had some money left over. If you spend about $60 on a Power Supply that still leaves some if you decide to do something with it.

4) Audio/Network. Just use onboard.

UPDATE:
I strongly recommend AGAINST getting Windows 7. If needed I can give many reasons. You can use START8 ($5) to avoid the new W8 interface. They cost about the same but W8 has many improvements, and some features in the future won't even support W7.

Also, your case is likely compatible. It just needs to support a microATX motherboard and regular ATX power supply. Unless it's a "slim" case it probably does.

*Don't get a GT630 as it's not even as good as the 8800GTS you already have aside from having more memory most of which it would never use:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

Intel has 2-core CPU's at this price range that are better per core but the X4-760K has four cores. So some games will benefit the Intel 2-core, and others the AMD 4-core. The newer the game, the more likely it is to benefit (i.e. BF4 can use almost 100% of the 4-core i5-4670K).
 
My final build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hr9VD3

I figured you'd want a half decent graphics card ASAP so I tried to include one. Otherwise I could have put money towards the hard drive etc but if your 160GB HDD is working fine keep it and clone it to a better one later.

*I switched to a single stick of DDR3 memory. I used two before because I had four slots. With only two slots I wanted you to be able to buy another stick if needed (identical if possible, otherwise same amount, frequency and CAS).

Other tips:
a) use MEMTEST to test your memory
b) install the MAIN CHIPSET driver etc from motherboard support site
c) Video driver from NVidia direct

**Western Digital WDTVLIVE:
Since you mention MOVIES as the main reason, why not get a WDTVLIVE box. That's much easier and works great:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=1270

This is far simpler and you can easily navigate with the remote control. Navigating on PC is a hassle if connected to a TV. Built-in support for Netflix etc, and add a USB drive (or stream from PC) to playback movies.

Never found any content this won't play. Can even download movie info.
 


All you need is a modern card with HDMI output which most do. Probably about $100 but note there is a NEW model that looks almost exactly like the old one. The new model supports modding. Newest on RIGHT I believe:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/homeentertainment/mediaplayers/

More info: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/western-digital-tv-remote-streaming,26883.html

Please note my WDTVLIVE comment/link above.
 

boneychil

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So Photonboy: Your original link for the build - that is right up my alley. Is that going to work with the updated info I gave you for my TV?
I'm going to have to wait on the WDTV. I'm used to torrenting now. It doesnt bother me that I have to go find the file. I just want good, to great video quality. I'll check the post tomorrow for anything else, but so far you have really helped me out. thanks for your time, and the great link to the shopping cart. very helpful

Jim
 

boneychil

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Sorry for the redundancy, Im not too good at this forum thing yet. I forgot about "reply to" and "quotes"

With the build you suggested, I can still play Netflix and Vimeo HD videos, right.
And the shopping cart link you sent me still stands as a good build for me? Or do i need a different video card with my updated television specifications setup? I want full 1080p HD video to work at the 1920x1080 resolution.

 


Any modern video card with HDMI is sufficient, or via the motherboard if using the CPU graphics.

As for the WDTV I was suggesting that INSTEAD of building a PC. If you only want the PC for playing videos on your HDTV the WDTV is a much better way to go (plus a USB drive).

The WDTV simply works, is small, quiet, and has a remote control for easy navigation. I've been using one for Netflix and downloaded videos (legal of course) for years.
 

RazerZ

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Good points. I'd like to mention that he won't need START8 for $5, since Windows 8.1 now has an option to boot straight to the desktop. Even so, I think the tile OS could be neat for a HTPC.
 

boneychil

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boneychil

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May 31, 2014
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ok. so i have bought the parts suggested by photonboy. I have a couple problems. The old DVD/RW drive that i was going to use doesnt have the right connector. It is wider than the plug in the new motherboard. I assume im just going to have to buy a new dvd/rw.
Also, my old videocard GTS 8800 had a power supply plug in it. the new one i bought has no place for power supply to be plugged in. I assume it gets its power straight from the motherboard?
Also, what SATA plug do i use to connect my Hard Drive. There are four sata plugs in the motherboard. Should i just use Sata 1. or can i use any of them?
Thanks
boneychil