Old build destroyed, new effort

[greenfrog]

Hello
this morning I restarted my PC and was greeted by a blank screen, after clearing my bios I get no further than the bios menu, then after a few seconds a corrupt screen. I'm not sure what the problem is but to be honest I really don't care, the PC is old and this is an excuse to replace it.

I'm looking at spending as little as possible, but I want a system that is going to last more than a year or two.

I don't really use the PC for gaming or overclocking, it acts as a HTPC so to that end has to be as silent as possible. Currently I'm using a Zalman Reserator for watercooling, I know this isn't the most efficient option but it is close to silent.

I've been using AMDs since my old P2-400, but now I think it's time to return to Intel. This is the reason I'm looking for advice, I'm not very confident with the new processors so want to be sure that the parts are all compatible.

The set-up is listed below. Items I haven't mentioned such as the case, HD, etc I already have.

Intel Core 2 Duo 6300

256mb XFX 7600GT PCI-E (x16), Mem 1600 MHz, GPU 590 MHz, 12 Pipes
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=458375

ASUS P5B-EiP965, S775, PCI-E (x16), DDR2 533/667/800
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=470940

1GB Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC6400 (800), 240 Pins, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 4-4-4-12, EPP
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=447064

550W Seasonic S-12 80+ efficiency 12cm fan, Active PFC
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=475247

Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially concerning the motherboard and PSU. I basically just want to know that the motherboard is of reasonable quality and that the PSU can handle the system. Only 1 HD and DVD burner will be installed so I don’t think the power drain will be too great.

Thanks very much

 

[Doughbuy]

If you want fanless, since that seems what your going for, the Antec Phantom is a silent PSU. Might want to look into that. It got decent reviews for a silent PSU, and one of the few out there.

I assume you will re-use the Reserator on the new comp?

I wonder though, if you should get a video card that can support HDCP content, since you will be using it as a HTPC. I'm not sure if that card will support HDCP, might want to look around and find one that does. Then you definitly will be set for a while.

Everything else looks fine. Good luck.

 

[greenfrog]

Thanks very much for the reply.

I think you're right concerning the PSU, I'm just a bit concerned about a fanless PSU. I've found a semi-fanless (apparently the fan only operates when needed). Its called a Nesteq Semi-Fanless ASM rated at 520w.

So far as the graphics card is concerned I'm not sure if it supports HDCP or not. According to the XFX website it supports HDTV but this may just mean in terms of resolution. Do you have any ideas which cards support HDCP without getting too pricey?

thanks again for your help.