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Budget Build Suggestions

T

TooncesLives

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 11, 2005
Messages
188
Well, I've decided that I'm going to turn my Dimension 8400 that I'm using as an HTPC into a file server, so I'm looking to do a budget build on a SFF HTPC. Below is what I have. My questions are what people would suggest for a processor/mb and cooling. I want to keep this as silent as possible, without breaking the bank (so I want to keep it below 500 if I can). I was thinking the Core 2 Duo might be the way to go for a solid buildup, but that that might not be within the budget.

What I have:

**PCI-E 7600 (just ordered)
**SeaSonic S12 PSU (500 watt...I really want to use this PSU because it's super silent and runs really cool).
**1 gig DDR2 memory (can't remember the specs on this right off hand)
**LaCie DVD burner with lightscribe
**PVR-500 tuner (pci)
**Fusion HD tuner (pci)
**Belkin wireless NIC (needed since I'm not able to run cables to where the PC is)
**Seagate 300 gig SATA HD (storage)
**WD 80 gig SATA HD (os)
**License for MCE 2005 (will go Vista once it's available)

I was thinking a Microfly case because of the added depth, and I think they look decent (not to mention they cost a lot less than other cases I've checked out). Other than that, I'm looking for some guidance. Thanks for the help!
 
Well, I didn't have much luck with finding suggestions on a Core 2 Duo setup, so I'm open to other opinions (since keeping one of those systems within a budget will be hard). Since I can get it for 40 + shipping, I want to go with a MicroFly case (also will allow me to reuse my psu). For video card I got the MSI 7600 that is SLI and HDCP capable. This card actually occupies two slots, so that means I'll probably have to use a usb adapter for my wireless networking. My requirements will then be one PCI express slot for the video, and three pci slots (one of which will be occupied by the extra big video card).

I want this system to run Vista, so I'm guessing I'd want to go Pentium D or the AMD equivalent (I don't know much about AMD). The latest Vista build doesn't run the greatest on my 2.8 P4 with a gig of ram, but I've heard it runs significantly better on similar clocked Pentium D systems.

Basically I'm looking for a quiet budget SFF HTPC that will run Vista once I make the move. Board and processor suggestions would be great.
 
Since you say you've got an external USB wireless connector, you can pretty much use any of the board's in Dillusion's thread on good mATX boards (because you won't need 3 PCI slots). Take a look through there.
 
this board for AM2 for your DDR2 $83.12 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131040
For a Processor there's this Athlon64 X2 4600+ $247shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103751
or this 64 X2 4200+ for $205.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103741
or this Opteron 1210 for $252.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819105015
Most of the AMD mATX boards have from top to bottom PCIe1x, PCIe16x, PCI, PCI the board linked above has PCIe16x, PCIe1x, PCI, PCI so even with your 2slot GFX card you still have the 2 PCI slots available the only other AM2 mATX board with that configuration is a PC chips
with an SiS761GX chipset which I confess I know nothing about the ASUS board has the gForce 6100/430 Chipset which is the same as I run in socket939 and am very pleased with it's performance.
 
Thanks for that reply....that was the problem I was having when looking through Board Review thread (getting enough slots from a mATX. I'll have a look at these boards as soon as I can :)
 
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know of or have experience with a board similar to the recommended ASUS board that is capable of running a Core 2 Duo? The PCI and PCI Express setup on the ASUS is what I'm looking for, but with the price I'll have to pay for the processors, I'd like to be able to pick from an AMD system and an Intel system. This is the processor that I'm looking at: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004
 
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