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Building HTPC with spare parts

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veelo2   08-01-2008 at 06:28:14 PM

Over time I've done a bunch of upgrades, and now I have a bunch of spare parts lying around that I'm considering putting together for a cheap HTPC. I have an AMD Athlon 3500+ processor, a 300GB hard drive, an 8500GT video card, and a 350W Dell PSU. I figure I could put these together in a cheap HTPC that I use to watch some video.

Can anyone recommend a cheap case and motherboard I could use to put this all together? Ideally I would want a MicroATX but I'm not picky, if it's a mid-size case I'd live with it. I appreciate any help you can give!

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rwpritchett   08-01-2008 at 06:53:53 PM
- 0 +

Is your 3500+ s939? Good luck finding a motherboard if it is :-(

What's your budget?

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veelo2   08-01-2008 at 06:59:43 PM
- 0 +

No it's AM2, which helps a lot. Right now my budget is $100-$150, the less the better, but I'd pay for quality.


Message edited by veelo2 on 08-01-2008 at 07:00:35 PM
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veelo2   08-01-2008 at 08:03:06 PM
- 0 +

Just doing a little research on my own...would this case/mobo combo be a good purchase to go with my build? It would keep me way under budget.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] =10&page=1

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jtt283   08-01-2008 at 08:34:43 PM
- 0 +

VIA is on my personal "Do not buy" list for miserable performance.
This BIOSTAR TFORCE TA780G M2+ AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - is $70 after MIR:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813138105
You wouldn't even need the 8500GT.
You could use this $40 CoolerMaster case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119149, but you would also need to buy at least one 120MM fan for it.
Make SURE that Dell PSU has standard pinouts, or it and/or the mobo will fry on first power-up.

Edit: added mobo link!


Message edited by jtt283 on 08-01-2008 at 08:36:19 PM
------------------------------ There is ALWAYS a drone. Exactly where, or how many drones you will encounter may vary, but that there will be at least one will not.
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veelo2   08-01-2008 at 09:55:05 PM
- 0 +

I've been reading up on that board, and it sounds great. Perfect for what I need. I could even sell my 8500GT on ebay and pick up a 3450 to run it in Crossfire and gain some performance. Thanks a lot for the suggestion!

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