Building a gaming htpc and I'm wondering what you think.

Rap1ure

Honorable
Oct 8, 2012
2
0
10,510
So my last computer died on me and I've managed to save up about $500 for a new computer. I like the smaller form factor of the htpc, so I've decided to go that route and configured a mid range gaming and school pc, however it's my first actual build so I am not too sure if they're the best or even compatible components that I can get for the money.

CPU: Amd phenom X4 965 black edition
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
Mobo: Asus M5a88-M micro atx
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131758
Case: Thermaltake black lanbox vf6000bws
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133044
Ram:corsair xms3 2X4GB DDR3 2000 sticks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145325
Gpu: ati radeon x1950 pro 256mb 256bit (it's old but works well)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102061
CPU cooler: Enermax ets t40 t.b silence cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835214023
Psu: cougar rs40 450W power supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817553011

What I'm wondering, is if the cooler will be too big for my ram or box. The box is 11.8 inches tall, while the psu is only 3.4, and if the cooler is 6.3 then I still have about 2 inches of headroom, hopefully. I want this cooler because I would like to overclock the amd to 4Ghz, and have it move plenty of air around in the case and keep it as cool as possible for cheap.
 

Wolfshadw

Titan
Moderator
For $260, you can get a [strike]much[/strike] better core system (CPU, Motherboard, RAM):

CPU: Intel Core I3-2120 - $125
Motherboard: ASRock Z77M LGA 1155 - $90
RAM: Corsair XMS 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 - $38

I'm assuming you are reusing the ATI Radeon X1950Pro. If not, do not buy it. Go for something newer (DX10/DX11 compatible).

As for the CPU Cooler, I seriously doubt the one you have listed is going to physically fit beneath the power supply. The height of the case includes the width of the case material as well as any feet it may have. You also did not take into account the height of the motherboard tray and the spacers beneath. Your best bet right now would be to stick with the stock cooler until you know exactly how much room you have to work with.

With the money saved by not getting a third party CPU cooler, you can get a much better power supply which is also definitely going to power that Radeon X1950Pro.
Corsair Builder Series CX600 V2 600W - $70

-Wolf sends