New Basic build

[BloodyInsane]

So I've got an AMD gaming PC / space heater already, but it'll easily draw 270W at idle (OCed, CnQ off), and I don't feel comfortable leaving it on all night for downloads, or using it as a file server. I feel guilty enough just typing up my homework knowing it's costing me a kilowatt-hour per page.

I'm trying to put together a cool, low power system (sub 100W) for under $300. It'll need to just surf the web, stream videos, do all-night downloads, use Hulu/Youtube, and handle 720p mkvs, occasionally 1080p.

I've already purchased the OS drive, storage drive, and case.

Ocz Onyx SSD 32GB - $60
WD Scorpio Black 320GB WD3200BEKT - $43
XION mATX/ITX case w/ PSU - $47

Here are the parts from Microcenter that are being held for me, but I've not picked up yet.

Intel E3300 - $40
ASUS P5G41C-M - $65
Open Box Crucial 2GB 240pin DDR2 667MHz - $34
Bytecc 2 x 2.5" to 3.5" adapter - $7

Total is $296

I'd be using the GMA X4500 graphics. I can OC the E3300 to boost the performance a bit, but I'd prefer to undervolt at stock speed.

Looking up reviews for the E3300 and the G41 chipset, I pretty much know it can handle 720p flash, so I don't think 720p mkvs should be a problem. It's 1080p I'm worried about.

Any changes I should make while staying under $300 or 100W?

 

[guanyu210379]

You need a humble HTPC system.
For this kind of system, I prefer to have an AMD-based system.
X3 440
Onboard graphic (but not from intel) or a low profile HD5xxx GPU.
4GB RAM.

SSD is not really necessary for HTPC. What you need are actually big capacity HDDs. But, Since you have bought a SSD, well... no further comment on this one.

 

[Fire Lancer]

Go for AMD, and use the board video found on many of their motherboards, say one of the 880G chipset boards or even one from the previous generation (700 series chipsets). More than capable of playing HD videos and normal usage.

Get one of the energy efficient CPU's, eg the Athlon II X2 240e (2.8GHz, 45W). To compare the X3 440 is IIRC 95W and the E3300 is 65W.

Also get a PSU with 80 PLUS Platinum certification as this means it is at least 90% efficient.

 

[guanyu210379]

Yup!
If you feel that X3 is too powerful and you would not need such performance.
X2 240e is also enough for an HTPC.

BTW : The onboard GPUs from AMD mobos are much better than Intels onboard GPUs.

 

[BloodyInsane]

Best answer selected by bloodyinsane.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

yeah, go for a low-wattage Athlon II x2.

the 80+ Silver PSU is going to be seriously overkill on Wattage.

the Seasonic 80+ Bronze 300W shoudl be enough

Most of the low-watt Athlon II X2s are OEM only, meaning you need to provide a fan. the 240e is an exception -- 2.7 GHz, still 45W, but it comes in a retail box for $71.