Last few parts for a HTPC/Gaming build

Hey all. I have been slowly researching and purchasing parts for a new amd based htpc/gaming build. I just need some opinions for the last few parts before I start putting it all together.

Approximate Purchase Date: Hopefully within the next month.


Budget Range: So far I am at about $700 invested. All in all I hope to be under $1200 but I'm flexible.


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming, media centre, video encoding on occasion, surfing the internet


Parts Not Required: Motherboard- MSI-890GXM-G65
CPU- AMD Phenom II x4 955 BE
GPU- Sapphire Radeon HD 6870
Blu-ray writer- LG BH10LS30
I also think I have a new WD 500GB caviar green kickin' around.
Don't need monitor, keyboard or mouse, speakers, or OS


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I would prefer memoryexpress.com but I can use ncix.com, newegg.ca or tigerdirect.ca


Country of Origin: Canada


Parts Preferences: I would prefer corsair for ram and psu but I'm open to suggestion. Since I am using a mATX board I would like to keep the case small. I can sacrifice small for good cable management though.


Overclocking: Probably dabble in it a little bit.


SLI or Crossfire: We'll see about Crossfire. Depends on the case.


Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080


Additional Comments: Ideally I would like a home theater case, but I can handle a small tower if necessary. If I get a case that can fit two of the HD 6870, I will need adequate power.
Since I might do a little overclocking, if I can fit in a H50 that would be great.

I will also be using a Hauppauge HDPVR.



Sorry if this was all pretty specific, but I suppose that is better than vague right?

Thanks in advance for what I'm sure will be a lot of help.

You might want to look at these little cases that are H50/Coolit ECO capable

1. Cooler Master Elite 341
2. INWin Dragon Slayer
3. Silverstone SG-03
http://www.rage3d.com/board/showthread.php?t=33961360
4. NZXT Vulcan (via front)
http://www.nzxt.com/forum/showthre [...] -fan-mount
This was my HD 6870CF capable mATX as soon as the HD6k was out USD but ya perhaps it could come in useful ^^

Thuban as dude was off on some uber geek engineering college thingy LOL

For him, I think the GD04/05 would be more appropriate.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 6811163158

It could get hairy and the H50 cables would run over your GPU but i would say doable but either way in non CF/SLI on a PCIex16 gen 2.0 slot even at x8 you wouldn't suffer deteriorated performance (actually 8/8 vs 16/16 CF/SLI is just a whisker) if that is your concern ^^

Its a vent for cooling HDDs apparently.

The Cooler Master GeminiIIS is a guaranteed fit hehe

Rogue has been E.O.L or end of line/life no longer in production for a while now - unless u happen to stumble across a retailer with stocks hehe

Anyways I also need a psu and memory. Batuchka, that 650W XFX you used in the other build- is that enough power for overclocking and two 6870?

Okay. I've decided on a Corsair HX650 as far as psu goes.
The case I am leaning towards an Antec Mini P180. Seems to have plenty of room for an H50 and 6870CF. That and it looks pretty good externally.

Does that sound about right to everyone?

Also still looking for more advice as far as RAM goes.

Well I will be using it as an htpc as well so I would rather not have a big heatsink and fan making a lot of noise.