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Gaming - HTPC build suggstions needed

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Gaming - HTPC build suggstions needed

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Ok, here is a fixed list of the system I have at the moment:

This is the more expensive version and could really be used as a nice gaming system. It is pushing the limits of my budget which is right around $600 (less is better of course).

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811295001

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817426003

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128078

Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121098

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115052

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231098

The alternative cheaper version has the same case, PSU and RAM, but is AMD based:
Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128090

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103194

This system is about $400- even if I added that graphics card its still about $100 cheaper.

My goal is to have a medium power gaming rig that is quiet, looks good, and can play HD content either off disk or an internal blu ray which I will get later in an HTPC role.

I like the case, its very new so not many user reviews but the online reviews are quite good. The same applies for the PSU. But Im open for suggestions there too.

Would love to hear any suggestions comments or anything else that may help me finalize the box!

Thanks!

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my suggeston would be to go with the amd board and cpu and get the msi 2600xt. the intel version is more powerful but not necessary. i would also suggest going with the antec 300 case but for you thats not a big deal.

for a cooler for your brisbain get like a arctic cooling freezer pro 64
i agree with sisley_111 the 3650 is better for HD and they are not vary expencive on newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102725
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 814121232R
i dont suggest getting a open box card but that was the first one i found.

Message edited by ilovebarny on 06-11-2008 at 05:44:29 PM

Reply to ilovebarny

the psu is overkill. You can find something cheaper, around 380-450W will be enough.

For the video card, what type of gaming are you going to do ? the 780G is good to light gaming but do not try to play COD4 on a 1080p TV... The 8600GT is better but you could get a hd3650 better for HD content. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121237 or if you're planning using vista, a 780G based mobo with a 3470 in crossfire...

About the processor, the 5000+ is made to be overclocked and you need a aftermarket cooler. If you want something quiet, maybe the 4850e X2. Not as powerful as the 5000+ but it's a 45W CPU.

Reply to sisley_111

Not sure about that PSU, I would suggest something this

Thermaltake Purepower W0100RU 500W ATX 12V 2.0 Power Supply 115/ 230 V UL, CUL, TUV, FCC, and CB certification - Retail $39.99 Free shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817153052

Message edited by evongugg on 06-11-2008 at 05:24:42 PM

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Reply to evongugg

You need to add a hard drive and optical drive (preferably SATA) unless you already have them.

------------------------------ Google is your friend and Bob's your uncle
Reply to evongugg

^ right on

Reply to ilovebarny

Yeah "evongugg." With the PSU, I just bought that same one and it will definitely do.

For the case my personal opinion is not so good of MATX/ cube cases. Get something with at least one more fan in it.

With the graphics card, go with like the Radeon HD 2600XT. I personally have one and it's great. It will do much better for gaming and all the reviews said HD/Blueray videos were awesome on it. The Athlon 64 X2 5000+ BE is a great processor but you will have to get an aftermarket HS/F.

Message edited by ibuypower on 06-11-2008 at 05:41:01 PM

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Reply to ibuypower

So will the arctic cooler fit in the case I chose?

Also, what video cards support crossfire with the 780g? I dont know squat about ATI cards in general. If I do add a discreet card, then why would I need the 780g? Seems like any decent AMD board would work, am I spending extra for onboard video?

Reply to nicros

the gigabit 780g supports 16gbs of ram and has a pci-e 2.0 x16 slot. the pci-e slot is a vary nice touch. the mobo is not extremely expensive( although there are cheaper) and has good reviews. the onboard graphics is not a big deal but it look's like this one you can route your graphics card through the onboard? :??: the only thing that i would want is a better northbridge/southbridge cooling. the 780g does not support crossfire of two cards. overall i like the 780g and i would say if you are paying for the onboard graphics your still getting a great board and not spending much.

im not positive but yes i think the arctic cooler will fit in that case. check the specks on the case and on the cooler and it will tell you.

Message edited by ilovebarny on 06-11-2008 at 06:47:38 PM

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Reply to ilovebarny

Well kinda. But the Crossfire on that board is strictly onboard video and your graphics card together.

Now we were saying that the 780g would be good for general computing with Windows Vista with areo features enabled (DX10). You could also do some light gaming but nothing serious. You would need a separate graphics card for that.

To answer your question about a board other than a 780g, yes you are spending a little more for onboard graphics, and you could go for something w/o it but it's not much and probably worth it if you want to do the Hybrid Xfire thingy. That's also a pretty good MATX board so it's not that expensive for what you're getting.

Message edited by ibuypower on 06-11-2008 at 06:48:13 PM

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Reply to ibuypower

Anyone got the height of the ASUS EAH3650? Cant find it anywhere so I cant tell if it will fit in the bgears case or not.

Reply to nicros

no and since your case is a micro atx you might have a problem but i think i saw one time a review that had the 8800gtx in a micro atx case and from the dimensions of the case the only thing you will have to worry about its hight and i think you will be ok with the 3650.

Reply to ilovebarny

^ Right on Barn' !!!

Message edited by ibuypower on 06-11-2008 at 08:42:10 PM

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Reply to ibuypower

Okay found a review that says I have 77mm or 3" for a heat sink, and 4.75" for the graphics card.

Reply to nicros

Then the AC Freezer 64 pro won't fit in your case. The fan alone is 92mm. For the graphics card you should be ok.

------------------------------ Nothing is true; Everything is permitted
Reply to ibuypower

Here. See what you think of this one. It will fit in your case.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835103041

------------------------------ Nothing is true; Everything is permitted
Reply to ibuypower

ibuypower has a cool hts there. go power!!!!

Message edited by ilovebarny on 06-11-2008 at 09:23:40 PM

Reply to ilovebarny

Why thank you deputy.

------------------------------ Nothing is true; Everything is permitted
Reply to ibuypower

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