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Micro ATX Computer Build Help

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Micro ATX Computer Build Help

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Hey i have had alot of experience building ATX computers but never worked with micro ATX, and this time i have a budget. I want to have a mini Computer than can play blu-ray, do all the normale functions of a computer, and be able to be a DVR(if possible). So far i just have some basic components, and on question how powerful of a graphic card do i need to play blu-ray at the best quality.

Ohh yeah im going AMD for this one: Buget= 400-600$

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-M61PME-S2 AM2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128333

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200 Brisbane 2.7GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103210

Memory: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231122

Blu-Ray drive: LG Black 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133

HDD:Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148262

Case: APEVIA X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 Black Aluminum 1.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811144162

GFX Card: ???

Still need OS (can't decide which one to use, bc i have vista on my desktop but i don't know whats better for this build)

If you guys can help me that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Hop :D




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For OS I would go with what you prefer. In the end you're the one who has to use it.

For a GPU I would go with something like a 9500GT or a 4650 that has a HDMI port built in. I'm assuming you want to plug this thing up to a HDTV, but not do major gaming.

I might even spend an extra $18 to get an AMD 7750 over that Brisbane.

Reply to calinkula

ok thanks just need some direction on this because i have never worked with micro ATX builds or BLU-Ray for that matter

Reply to hopkiller

Just remember this: Micro ATX is the same as ATX, except you can get smaller cases and it doesn't have as many expansion slots.

Reply to calinkula

b4 you buy that case google for reviews . Its a lemon

Other companies make similar shapes cases arent rubbish . Buy one of those instead

Reply to Outlander_04

do you have any models in mind because im kinda on a budget here and can't break the bank on case like i did on my desktop build.

How about this one
Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129034


Message edited by hopkiller on 01-27-2009 at 03:31:42 AM
Reply to hopkiller

Can someone help me with the blu-ray concept here because i don't know what kind of power i need for that.

Reply to hopkiller

If you want more information visit AVS Fourms - they have dedicated sub forums on DIY HTPC. You dun need a dedicated GPU for blueray - peeps there would tell you all you need is a 780G or GF8200 mATX with HDMI and you good to go :P My suggestion:

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q205/batuchka/htpcee.jpg

Once u hook up to LCD TV via HDMI cable manually set HDMI Digital as default sound out (in case not auto detected) and you good to go Hoped i helped ^^

PS I am a system builder on the side and i actually do up more HTPC/SFFs for others hehe A project log:
http://forums.vr-zone.com/showthread.php?t=354565


Message edited by batuchka on 01-27-2009 at 04:59:15 PM
Reply to batuchka

This is what I'd buy in that price range:

AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103255 $53.99

GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2HP AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128360 $79.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231122 $39.99

LG Black 6X Blu-ray DVD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133 $119.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319 $79.99

Antec New Solution NSK2480 Black/Silver 0.8mm cold-rolled steel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 380W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811129034 $119.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116488 $99.99


Total $593.93

You don't need a dedicated GPU for Blu-ray playback. the 780G integrated graphics will handle it just fine. I also picked a 45W CPU since it will run cooler and still be able to handle Blu-ray. I use Vista on my HTPC and have been very happy with it. I use the built-in Media Center and it works very well.

If you're going to use this as a DVR, I highly recommend Hauppauge TV tuner cards. I have two in my HTPC (the HVR-1600 and HVR-2250), and they both have been great. The HVR 2250 is a low-profile tuner and has dual tuners. It would work great in this build.

Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Dual TV Tuner 1213 PCI-Express x1 Interface - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6815116036 $139.99

Reply to shortstuff_mt

thanks that is alot of help if anyone else has anything else to say feel free to post it.

Reply to hopkiller
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