HTPC Conversion

[Guest]

Hi everyone,

I recently acquired a nearly new Dell Optiplex 990 MT. I would like to convert this to a primary HTPC that can handle some light gaming (Steam Big Picture).
Specs are as follows:

Core i5 2500 (3.3GHz)
4GB DDR3 1333MHz on 2 DIMM
Q67 Express chipset on OEM motherboard
Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
500GB HDD

I was thinking of picking up the MCE Remote Control with IR Receiver and using the receiver with my Harmony One. I'm guessing all I will need after that is a good blu-ray drive and mid-range Video Card with HDMI outs, but I really know very little about HTPC building.

Any advice for a first time HTPC builder?
Are the base specs good enough for what I want, or should I just start from scratch? (FYI, the 990 is near silent as is.)

 

[bodeen2012]

id upgrade the memory to 8gb 1600 mhz and get a bigger harddrive . also on dells site it says it has a display port is that correct . if it does it will be right next to the vga plug . if it has it all you would have to do is get a displayport to hdmi connector for htpc use . dont know what spec you would need for steam big picture sorry.

 

[Guest]

I didn't even consider DP to HDMI. I'll look into that, thanks!