Budget System Build + HTPC less than $300

[atlantabraves2000]

Hello Everyone,

I am trying to build a system for project work. It will also serve me as an HTPC. I want to go with the small form factor keeping the budget in mind. It will not be used for gaming. It will be mainly used for running experiments. I do not need a slow processor also like AMD Sempron (which can be unlocked to make dual core for work on HTPC)

For Case something like this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147098

I have seen the motherboard + processor combo offers at microcenter. The wattage power of some of them is quite high. I have kept them for last resort.

I already have a hard drive and I do not need a DVD drive. I do not need a monitor as well. I have kept the budget as $300 but I want to spend as less as possible.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[atlantabraves2000]

Approximate Purchase Date: Sometime soon

Budget Range: $300 (Lower the better)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Project experiments(not very intensive), HTPC

Parts Not Required: DVD drive, Hard Drive, Monitor, OS.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:None

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: Micro ATX HTPC like case

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No


Additional Comments: No noise and good cooling

 

[atlantabraves2000]

Can also comment how good is this card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130536

thanks

 

[ScrewySqrl]

the Geforce 210 is not very good. For basic stuff, the onboard video on something like an AMD 880G is just as good. You want something beefier for 3D gaming.

Something like this WebPC, but swap the motherboard for an HDMI equipped 880G
http://www.hardware-revolution.com/web-pc/


something like this motherboard instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138283

 

[atlantabraves2000]

Thanks for replying...well I dont want to do any gaming... I was thinking since I do not need Hard Drive and DVD Drive

how would be this motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131657

 

[batuchka]

This is my $280AR build - just remove Hdd/DVDRW since u have on hand ^^

 

[atlantabraves2000]

Hi Batchuka,

thanks for replying.... will this case work for the build you mentioned?

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0281692

 

[ScrewySqrl]

it will, and comes with a decent power supply built in.

If you're going to Microcenter, consider the Athlon II X4 + MSI 785 combo for $95.99. its a hard deal to pass up.

add the 500 GB Spinpoint F3 drive for $44.99

Your case at $39.99

4 GB of DDR3-1333 at $49.99

and a DVD Burner for $17.99

and thats a solid system for $248.95

 

[atlantabraves2000]

thanks ScrewySqrl. I already have Drive and do not need a burner. I was thinking of putting that money into a better motherboard

Can you please suggest out of these two which one is better?

AMD II X4 640 + GA-880GM-UD2H Socket AM3 880G mATX at Microcenter

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.573211

will the power supply be good enough that comes along with case?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

both motherboards look very similar, the microcenter one is notably cheaper, so I'd get that one ($140.99 vs $167.98). the 350W PSU included with the case is more than good enough to handle everything you want to do.

 

[atlantabraves2000]

thanks ScrewySqrl. Well I have to wait as the Antec case went out of stock at microcenter nearme

 

[batuchka]

If Microcenter is an option that i'd hit those bundles

 

[atlantabraves2000]

Yes I will buy those bundles before rebate is over

 

[atlantabraves2000]

Best answer selected by atlantabraves2000.