I am building in my opinion an overkill HTPC that can run high end gaming if I would like to. The last PC that I assembled was approximately 8-10 years ago, so I am taking this slow and want to do this right. An instant on HTPC that is what I am looking for and eventually I can rebuild my old intel duo core tower into a server. I would like some help configuring this system to be quiet, durable and powerful. This is my second attempt at posting. My first attempt after being as thorough as possible ended up freezing and being lost after 2 hours of research and typing. Please forgive me as this one is not as neat nor as concise. This is what I am starting with...
1) Case - Silverstone SST-GD08B (Black) HTPC Case
$139.99
2) CPU - Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
$220
3) Motherboard - Asus P8Z77-V ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
$175
4) Memory - Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600
$117
5) OS Drive - Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
$140
6) Storage - Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal
$150
7) Power Supply - Kingwin Lazer 1000W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
$180
8) Optical Drive - Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer
$55.42
9) Video Card - Prefer Geforce but need help.
$300-$350
10) OS Software - Win 7/8 64 bit (OEM)
$100
Please consider performance with heat generation consideration. I would like to use this unit for years to come and want to consider online gaming occasionally. Price is a consideration but more performance than cost based.
1) I would like to use my Harmony One remote or Iphone with this system. I really like the look of this case but if there is a sleek one with built in IR then I would consider it. I looked at the Fractal 605 and the Lian Li Domus PC-C60 already.
2) I originally chose an i7 3770k but downgraded to this. One person tried to convince me to get an i3 but i think this is a good alternative. Thoughts?
3) Should I think of using a slightly smaller board? this is a tight fit but if you think there's a better equivalent either for price or size let me know.
4) I don't have a preference for ram but this one had a great review.
5) This drive had the fastest access speed with a great reliability rating.
6) SHOULD I get 3-4 internal drives or just rebuild my tower pc as a server?
7) I could probably use a 750w system but I would like an 80 PLUS Quiet and efficient and modular unit. Thoughts?
8) Optical drives aren't too different nowadays so I just chose one with a good review.
9) Some HTPC reviews show a Geforce 430 and while I love the short low heat card. I want way more from graphics. When I look at powerful Geforce cards, they are long and generate tons of heat. I am looking for some great feedback when it comes to choosing one as this isn't a tower and is meant to have as much of both worlds as possible. Performance, being quiet and heat generation are my primary considerations.
10) Should I get a WIN 8 64bit OS? Will it play nice with my other WIN 7 OS's or should I just get another WIN 7 64bit OS's?
11) How do I tackle a remote to use from the couch? I'll ask in another thread if people think I should get a server for the movies and just use this for a stand alone unit instead of storage as well.
1) Case - Silverstone SST-GD08B (Black) HTPC Case
$139.99
2) CPU - Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
$220
3) Motherboard - Asus P8Z77-V ATX LGA1155 Motherboard
$175
4) Memory - Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600
$117
5) OS Drive - Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" SSD
$140
6) Storage - Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal
$150
7) Power Supply - Kingwin Lazer 1000W 80 PLUS Platinum Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
$180
8) Optical Drive - Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer
$55.42
9) Video Card - Prefer Geforce but need help.
$300-$350
10) OS Software - Win 7/8 64 bit (OEM)
$100
Please consider performance with heat generation consideration. I would like to use this unit for years to come and want to consider online gaming occasionally. Price is a consideration but more performance than cost based.
1) I would like to use my Harmony One remote or Iphone with this system. I really like the look of this case but if there is a sleek one with built in IR then I would consider it. I looked at the Fractal 605 and the Lian Li Domus PC-C60 already.
2) I originally chose an i7 3770k but downgraded to this. One person tried to convince me to get an i3 but i think this is a good alternative. Thoughts?
3) Should I think of using a slightly smaller board? this is a tight fit but if you think there's a better equivalent either for price or size let me know.
4) I don't have a preference for ram but this one had a great review.
5) This drive had the fastest access speed with a great reliability rating.
6) SHOULD I get 3-4 internal drives or just rebuild my tower pc as a server?
7) I could probably use a 750w system but I would like an 80 PLUS Quiet and efficient and modular unit. Thoughts?
8) Optical drives aren't too different nowadays so I just chose one with a good review.
9) Some HTPC reviews show a Geforce 430 and while I love the short low heat card. I want way more from graphics. When I look at powerful Geforce cards, they are long and generate tons of heat. I am looking for some great feedback when it comes to choosing one as this isn't a tower and is meant to have as much of both worlds as possible. Performance, being quiet and heat generation are my primary considerations.
10) Should I get a WIN 8 64bit OS? Will it play nice with my other WIN 7 OS's or should I just get another WIN 7 64bit OS's?
11) How do I tackle a remote to use from the couch? I'll ask in another thread if people think I should get a server for the movies and just use this for a stand alone unit instead of storage as well.
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