Motherboard/CPU for media computer

[ratsa]

I have a pretty good idea of Z77, H77 and X79 boards. Now I would like to look for something more suitable for a media computer (purely for Skype, DVD, bluray, slideshows, music, internet TV), which will be connected to a TV screen via HDMI.

What mobo/CPU combinations are typical for this?

 

[rolli59]

One of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%20600166683&IsNodeId=1&name=Socket%20FM1 with one of these http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007625%20600167117&IsNodeId=1&name=FM1
Quite capable for those uses with a onboard GPU, just make sure the motherboard has HDMI.

 

[ratsa]

rolli59,

These look great.

I also have an old Intel Q9400 and matching motherboard with a built in GPU as well as a GTX 240, which I was planning to throw out. Should I keep them and use them instead of buying one of these new AMDs?

 

[rolli59]

Those would do the job just as well but will consume more power.

 

[ratsa]

Those would do the job just as well but will consume more power.

What case would you suggest?

 

[rolli59]

Cases are the hardest thing to recommend since beauty is in the I of the beholder. Then there are cases for mATX boards and midtowers and up for ATX boards.

 

[ratsa]

I am looking to move this motherboard from a midtower to something more suitable to being put in an entertainment cabinet. The case needs to be no more than 14.5" deep.

 

[rolli59]

What board is it?

 

[ratsa]

It's a Dell board, smaller than ATX.

 

[rolli59]

mATX or BTX is the next question? BTX is sort of reversed format and not many cases set up for that.

 

[ratsa]

mATX.

 

[rolli59]

Large selection then http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=690&name=HTPC-Media-Center-Cases

 

[ratsa]

Best answer selected by ratsa.

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr