New Advice with old build

[reallyslow]

Hi Guys!

I'm trying to use an old computer I built a long time ago as a HTPC. Let me know if you guys have suggestions on upgrades to make it a HTPC.

I have a full version of Windows 7 pro. 8gb of ram. I will be watching movies on a 42" samsung tv 1080p. I don't have a video card, maybe add a ssd, and I think I need to upgrade to bluray player. Trying to keep things under $350. Is this even possible or should I spend $600-700 and just build new ones like ive seen on this forum.

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16811119137

GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX All Solid Capacitor Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16813128059

Thermaltake Purepower W0129RU 600 W ATX12V SLI Ready Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16817153042

Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor BX80557E6750
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16819115029

Western Digital WD Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16822136073

Sony NEC Optiarc Beige 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache E-IDE / ATAPI DVD Burner - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16827152075

THanks in advanced!

James

 

[Wolfshadw]

I don't see anything wrong with your plan. Your system with a couple upgrades could easily handle HTPC duties.

1) Graphics card - For strictly media playback, you do not need any type of powerhouse graphics card. A simple HD6570 would be more than enough for blu-ray playback.

2) An SSD would be a nice addition, but not necessary. I think this would be the last upgrade made, if budget allows.

3) The Blu-Ray player is also going to be player software. If you purchase a retail version of a drive, you should get the necessary software included. If you purchase an OEM drive, you will likely need to purchase the software ($50-$80 extra). If you have a lot of Blu-Rays now or are thinking of upgrading your video rental subscription, this would be a good idea.

-Wolf sends

 

[reallyslow]

I don't see anything wrong with your plan. Your system with a couple upgrades could easily handle HTPC duties.

1) Graphics card - For strictly media playback, you do not need any type of powerhouse graphics card. A simple HD6570 would be more than enough for blu-ray playback.

2) An SSD would be a nice addition, but not necessary. I think this would be the last upgrade made, if budget allows.

3) The Blu-Ray player is also going to be player software. If you purchase a retail version of a drive, you should get the necessary software included. If you purchase an OEM drive, you will likely need to purchase the software ($50-$80 extra). If you have a lot of Blu-Rays now or are thinking of upgrading your video rental subscription, this would be a good idea.

-Wolf sends

Thanks Wolf!

I don't have any Blu-Rays now. And now that I think about it, I don't need a blu ray player because I wont be renting any blu-rays anytime soon. lol