Always on HTPC (Occasional gaming)

[scifi_guy]

Hi All,

Looking for advice on new system build with these details.



Approximate Purchase Date: Within one month


Budget Range: $800-1000 Before Rebates


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Multimedia, Streaming multimedia to other devices, Occasional Gaming


Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse and Speakers


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com, Frys.com, Amazon(?)


Country of Origin: USA!USA!


Parts Preferences:

-Asus Motherboard
-Intel Core i5 750
-ATI GPU
-Western Digital Hard Disk
-24" LCD

Hate HP.

Overclocking: Maybe


SLI or Crossfire: Maybe


Monitor Resolution:

1920x1080 or 1920x1200

Additional Comments:

The PC will remain on always. So, I would like to have a quiet and cool PC that consumes less power. That said I would play games occasionally (Eg: Call of Duty, GTA etc) so looking for decent GPU.

Any advice?

 

[batuchka]

Since no encoding/rendering is on the table i dun think u even need to limit chip choice to just a quad and GPU choice depends on if u are fine with toning down settings, etc

 

[scifi_guy]

@batuchka - Thanks for the reply. What would you suggest for processor and GPU?

 

[batuchka]

AthlonII X3 440/445
HD 5770

 

[scifi_guy]

Any suggestions on which manufacturer should I pick for HD 5770? I am looking for ease of installation, cooler GPU and easier OC capability.

Also is AthlonII X3 450 significantly different from X3 445 in real time?

 

[batuchka]

Well i would read reviews on idle/load temps/noise and whats included in the box and such and of course warranty/distro/etc Nah its just a smallish bump in clock speed

 

[scifi_guy]

Best answer selected by scifi_guy.

 

[batuchka]

Happy shopping/building - cheers ^^