Shoes_McGee

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Apr 21, 2010
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18,510
I would like to build a good HTPC majority of it's duties will be to stream content off the web, and watch movies. The only reason I am going with the Intel Q9450 is because I have one laying around. Figure it would be one less thing to buy, also I'm more than willing to go in another direction if there is a better cpu best fitted for this duty. (I know nothing in this area) I really like the cases that look like a component piece. I really want to get rid of cable, it's a waste of money to me. barely ever watch tv, and refuse to pay extra for a DVR to watch shows when I want to.

Approximate Purchase Date: asap

Budget Range: $500 - $600 (very flexible here)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Watching Netflix/Hulu/etc., downloading movies and music, surfing the internet, playing games like Diablo III,

Parts Not Required: Monitor (plan on hooking this up to my 70" Sharp Aquos LED Television, Keyboard/Mouse, OS

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: anywhere that is reputable. Newegg.com, Directron.com

Country: US aka Murrica :D

Parts Preferences: No preferences really. I've used both AMD and Intel, nVidia and ATI. I just want the best performing with the best price (Don't we all)

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: Doubt I would need this

Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Additional Comments: I prefer a quiet, lower temperature HTPC. Airflow is not an issue but more than willing to upgrade fans to Scythe (so quiet) I would like it to look like it belongs in the living room. Thanks in advance for any input you guys can give. I really appreciate it!
 

Shoes_McGee

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Apr 21, 2010
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18,510
Thanks for the quick reply.
Do you not recommend going the route of the Q9450?

I read a couple post on here and I thought about using this,
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106001&Tpk=AMD%20A8-3870K%20Unlocked%20Llano%203.0GHz%20Socket%20FM1%20100W

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131764

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233144

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171060

SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227725&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL051112&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL051112-_-EMC-051112-Index-_-SSD-_-20227725-L0C

would it be overkill? I really liked the case you suggested. will definitely be going with that one. :)
I also though about using an SSD for the operating system and a regular HD for the storage. Any recommendations on the smallest I could go on the SSD. I am undecided whether to run Windows 7 or Unbuntu.

Thoughts? recommendations?

thanks again in advance.


 

Shoes_McGee

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Apr 21, 2010
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18,510
Once again, thanks for the quick reply. I figured the Q would be i a no go. I guess I just wanted the SSD for fast boot times. Thanks again, you have cleared up alot for me.
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. thanks
 

4745454b

Titan
Moderator
Seeing as you already have the chip I'd use it. It's serious overkill, but if you downclock and undervolt it it shouldn't be much worse then buying a new one. Make sure you have a good GPU to handle all the decoding work and you should be fine.