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HelpfulWife
n00b
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2012
- Messages
- 6
My husband and I were given some parts to build a HTPC. Neither one of us have built a computer in the last decade so we need some help picking out the right parts:
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
HTPC
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
I haven't set one yet, but I'm not looking at spending more than $500. Essentially the cheaper the better with quality parts.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Fry's is "nearby" but I HATE that place. I'm in the Portland, Oregon metro area if anyone knows of a better B&M computer store.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
DDR3 (I am thinking 8GB should be sufficient)
Case
Power supply (that's the big one I know nothing about)
TV Tuner card
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
Intel dh67cf motherboard
Intel (?) 80GB SATA hard drive
Intel CPU fan (if more details are needed let me know, I'll try to find where my husband hid it)
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
My husband would love HDMI output, but my understanding is that is already covered with the motherbaord.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Not really, but the smaller the better.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I could, but would rather not. It's a little hard to break out the power tools with a baby crawling around.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
The quieter the better.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
It doesn't have to be mobile at all.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
None. I was looking at possibly using Ubuntu - thoughts?
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Sometime between now and Christmas.
Thanks for all your help!
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
HTPC
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
I haven't set one yet, but I'm not looking at spending more than $500. Essentially the cheaper the better with quality parts.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Fry's is "nearby" but I HATE that place. I'm in the Portland, Oregon metro area if anyone knows of a better B&M computer store.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
DDR3 (I am thinking 8GB should be sufficient)
Case
Power supply (that's the big one I know nothing about)
TV Tuner card
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
Intel dh67cf motherboard
Intel (?) 80GB SATA hard drive
Intel CPU fan (if more details are needed let me know, I'll try to find where my husband hid it)
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
My husband would love HDMI output, but my understanding is that is already covered with the motherbaord.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
Not really, but the smaller the better.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I could, but would rather not. It's a little hard to break out the power tools with a baby crawling around.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
The quieter the better.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
It doesn't have to be mobile at all.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
None. I was looking at possibly using Ubuntu - thoughts?
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Sometime between now and Christmas.
Thanks for all your help!
