New HTPC/Light to Medium Gaming Build $250 and under

Trdmatrix88

Honorable
Jun 17, 2013
20
0
10,510
Hey guys, I was wondering if you guys can provide me with some feedback regarding a build I want to throw together for a HTPC & light to medium gaming. My idea is to start out with integrated graphics for HTPC, media storage, etc., but the end goal is eventually to have a discrete graphics card for gaming.

I already have a 750GB hard drive, so I was hoping to keep the cost under $250 with all components included (CPU, Ram, case, power supply, and GPU if suggested). I keep jumping between a Richland A8 (6600k) or A10 (6800k), Trinity A10 (5800k), AMD FX (4100-4300 series), Intel Pentium G. Again, to save costs I will rely on integrated graphics until later on where I get a discrete card, and eventually the discrete card should provide me with PS3/360 (or slightly less) graphics.

Thanks and have fun building!
 
Solution
This is my suggestion. imho later you should buy another 4gb ram w/ that discrete graphic card you was talking about. For now Intel HD Graphics 4400 is a very good htpc solution.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.29 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.50 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $246.75
Prices include...
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.29 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R7 250 1GB Video Card ($72.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $290.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

This is the best i can arrange you can play games at low to medium settings with this built ......
 
This is my suggestion. imho later you should buy another 4gb ram w/ that discrete graphic card you was talking about. For now Intel HD Graphics 4400 is a very good htpc solution.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($111.29 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI H81M-E33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.50 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $246.75
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-18 18:30 EDT-0400

PS: A GTX 750 Ti 2GB would be a great option.
 
Solution