Hey guys: this is my first time building a HTPC. I have two options that I'm choosing from right now. I'm trying to keep in mind that I'll be using a Sharp 42" HDTV at 1920x1080 as the display. In general, I will be doing office-type work, youtube, watching 1080/720 videos from my HDD, hulu, etc. I'm also a semi-avid gamer- will be playing ffxiv on release. Would like to play most games at decent-high settings at a decent resolution.
* Purchasing from Newegg/Tigerdirect *
* Purchasing ASAP *
Given these specs, can anyone give me any tips, comments, or suggestions? Money isn't TOO bad of an issue, although I would love for the machine to be sub-700$, or even sub-600$ with enough upgradability in the next year or two as far as GPU and Memory goes. I don't know much about the cooling unit and how it would fit in a mid-atx tower... and i know nothing about keyboards/mice. Thanks!
* Purchasing from Newegg/Tigerdirect *
* Purchasing ASAP *
Build 1: A bit pricier, but better upgradability for later
CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA770T
RAM: OCZ AMD Black 4GB DDR3 1600 (2x2GB)
HDD: 1TB WD Caviar Black
Case: Rosewill Challenger (can probably cut down)
PSU: Rosewill Green 630W (can probably cut down)
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4850
Fan/Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 PRO
Optical: LiteOn DVDRW
Input: Logitech Cordless EX Keyboard + Mouse (any other suggestions?)
Cost: ~705$ w/ shipping, AR
Build 2: Lower cost... would like for it to be even cheaper without hurting performance TOO bad...
CPU: Athlon II X4 640
Mobo: ASUS M4A77TD
RAM: G.SKILL PI Black 4GB DDR2800 (2x2GB)
HDD: 1TB WD Caviar Black
Case: Logysis 10-Bay SOHO Mid-ATX
PSU: 480W included with case
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4850
Fan/Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 PRO
Optical: LiteOn DVDRW
Input: Logitech Cordless EX Keyboard + Mouse (any other suggestions?)Cost: ~600$ w/ shipping, AR
Given these specs, can anyone give me any tips, comments, or suggestions? Money isn't TOO bad of an issue, although I would love for the machine to be sub-700$, or even sub-600$ with enough upgradability in the next year or two as far as GPU and Memory goes. I don't know much about the cooling unit and how it would fit in a mid-atx tower... and i know nothing about keyboards/mice. Thanks!