Questions about a Core 2 Duo Build

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SnowPawsFox

SnowPawsFox

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May 23, 2015
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We decided to buy a CTL GS10 Mid-Tower computer with a Intel DQ35JOE Motherboard to use as a media center on a TV. Thus, it has to be quiet if not silent. The motherboard has a 775 Socket, what Liquid Cooling System do you reccomend for this PC? (Specs later down in the post) Since it will be connected to a TV most of the time, what would be best, a DVI to HDMI cable, or a new video card? (it appears to have a slot to add one based on pictures) Should we spring for more RAM, or keep the 2GB it came with? Finally, what kind of sound cards do you reccomend?





SPECS:
Name: CTL GS10 Mid-Tower Computer with Intel DQ35JOE Motherboard
Manufacturer Specs: http://ark.intel.com/products/50382/Intel-Desktop-Board-DQ35JO
Processor: 3GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Dual Core
RAM: 2GB DDR2 667/800 (2x1GB) (Max 8GB)
Hard Drive: 80GB Serial ATA
Optical Drive: DVD/ROM (x1)
Chipset: Intel Q35 Express Chipset, socket 775
Audio: Integrated
Video: Integrated, DVI, VGA
Network: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, No WiFi
USB: 8x USB ports (2x Front, 6x Back)
Additional: 1x eSata, 2x FireWire
Expansion: 6x Sata, 1x IDE, 1x PCIe x16, 2x PCI
PSU: 350W

 
Solution
delaro
1. ARCTIC Alpine 11 Rev. 2 CPU Cooler $13 23db and a step up from a stock cooler in terms of performance.
2. Get more RAM 2gb will get sucked up fast.
3. Get a new Video Card if you do not have a HDMI, DVI gives no sound and you would have to use a Analog plug which is a pain, A 720 GT 2GB $50 is a great card for a HTPC look for the Passive version.
4. If you want 5.1 Sound or better ASUS XONAR DG and Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX are both cheap options $35 and under otherwise just use your standered Analog audio output the PC has.
I would suggest running Kodi and just deleting Windows, it is a really great HTPC software option that can be set up to be controller with a Smart Phone or Tablet.

http://kodi.tv/
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dasulman

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Feb 2, 2014
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why do you need liquid cooling for a htpc. there are still fans running on a liquid cooling unit for the radiator? you may as well just look for fan comparisons that focus around sound emissions and install them instead in to your case.
 
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delaro

delaro

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Aug 23, 2011
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1. ARCTIC Alpine 11 Rev. 2 CPU Cooler $13 23db and a step up from a stock cooler in terms of performance.
2. Get more RAM 2gb will get sucked up fast.
3. Get a new Video Card if you do not have a HDMI, DVI gives no sound and you would have to use a Analog plug which is a pain, A 720 GT 2GB $50 is a great card for a HTPC look for the Passive version.
4. If you want 5.1 Sound or better ASUS XONAR DG and Creative Sound Blaster Audigy FX are both cheap options $35 and under otherwise just use your standered Analog audio output the PC has.
I would suggest running Kodi and just deleting Windows, it is a really great HTPC software option that can be set up to be controller with a Smart Phone or Tablet.

http://kodi.tv/
 
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SnowPawsFox

SnowPawsFox

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May 23, 2015
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Thank you for the response! I'll look into those! We need Windows, however, to stream video from Xfinity.
 
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SnowPawsFox

SnowPawsFox

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May 23, 2015
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One fan at the back of the PC is quieter than two. I'll look into quieter fans, though. That's probably cheaper.
 
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delaro

delaro

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Actually no you do not, Xfinity and all other streaming options are Apps you can get in Kodi which makes it even sweeter. Kodi being based off a light weight Linux Distro takes far less resources to run than Windows and is also Specifically designed for HTPC use. Kodi is also Available on Windows as a App just put the Icon on the Startup and the machine will load with it.

Here is another thing I like about Kodi, it is way easier to set the unit up to be a Steaming server for your house as well. With Yatse on Android devices you can access content on your PC from a Smart Phone or Tablet as well as Control the PC"Kodi", There are lots of other Android and IOS apps that will allow you to do the same thing but Yatse is the most easy to setup.

KODI/XBMC How to Install Xfinity "Older Version"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUO2D2PBP2Y

 
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