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[Solved] Help with low budget HTPC build

Forum Homebuilt Systems : General Homebuilt - [Solved] Help with low budget HTPC build

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Best answer from pepperman.

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mfernicola   10-04-2009 at 04:09:56 AM

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within 2 weeks

BUDGET RANGE: $250 (for new parts but don't want to spend more than I have to)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: DirecTV link; watching dvd's, netflix link

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: HDD (WD 160G); power supply (APEVIA ATX-AS520W); os (xp pro); case

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: none

OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: HTDV 42" plasma

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: none

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Looking to upgrade and turn an older system into a HTPC. I already have built a separate gaming rig so this pc will be used exclusively for directv/dvd/netflix. In putting this together I am considering the following mobo/cpu/memory combo:

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
AMD Sempron 140 Sargas 2.7GHz Socket AM3 45W
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) CT2KIT12864AA800

I have some questions:

1. Can I get by with the Sempron or should I be looking at a Regor? Regor is in my budget but I don't want to spend more than I have to for this (and there is a cheap Sempron/mobo combo on sale now at newegg).
2. Can I get by with 2gb of memory or do I need more?
3. I am assuiming that separate video card/sound cards are not needed if I pick this board?
4. If I should decide to buy a blu-ray player in the future have I covered for this with the above parts?
5. Any suggestions on matters that I have not considered would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

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Best answer from pepperman
You should be fine with that set-up.
I know you said that you don't want to spend the extra for a Regor dual-core, but if you do, your system might last a little longer. Ultimately its up to you.
2GB is enough ram for an XP HTPC.
You are correct in your assumption about the onboard video/sound of the mobo, they will suffice.
A blu-ray player will work with the set-up (even if you keep the sempron).
All in all, the set-up you have planned should serve your purposes.
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pepperman   10-04-2009 at 04:56:29 AM
Best answer

You should be fine with that set-up.
I know you said that you don't want to spend the extra for a Regor dual-core, but if you do, your system might last a little longer. Ultimately its up to you.
2GB is enough ram for an XP HTPC.
You are correct in your assumption about the onboard video/sound of the mobo, they will suffice.
A blu-ray player will work with the set-up (even if you keep the sempron).
All in all, the set-up you have planned should serve your purposes.

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