Converting a Gaming rig to HTPC

T

Tsuyashu

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jun 2, 2008
Messages
240
I have another thread discussing a new build but this is a different matter and thus I considered a new topic.

PARTS IT USED:

CPU INTELCORE 2 E6300 1.86G 775 R
MB ASUS P5N32-SLI SE DELUXE NF4SLI - FRIED/DEAD
SDCARD CREATIVE SB0570 AUDIGY SE RT - REPLACING FOR ONBOARD AUDIO(MAYBE)
HD 320G wd 7K 16M SATA2 WD3200KS
MEM 1GX2 CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-5400C4
CPUCOOLER ARTIC P4 ACFZ7-PRO R
POWER SUPPLY ANTEC TP2-550ATX RTL - REPLACING FOR PRECAUTION
CASECOOLERMAS CAC-Y05-UW BLK RT
BFG 8800GTS 320mb

REPLACEMENTS:

Antec earthwatts EA500 500W Continuous Power
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

ASUS P5QPL-VM EPU LGA 775 Intel G41 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131387


Wanted to know if this was a viable solution? I need a mobo that has good onboard sound and video. Currently I would probably need to utilize the 8800GTS in my new rig until I can get my hands on a XFX 5850 and thus having a onboard graphics on the mobo would be a plus(Not to mention if my 8800gts decides to hit the bucket down the road).

So are my two choices a good choice?
 
They're decent. Though you could drop down to the Corsair 400CX which would be more than enough power for your setup with the 8800GTS.
 
The onboard GPUs on Intel-based motherboards suck for HD video. You may need to get a cheap video card, like the HD3450, if HD video playback is your goal.
 
Thanks you two, and duly noted about the onboard GPU. I just need a substitute if and whenever I remove the 8800gts. Also I'll go ahead with the corsair, it looks great for my needs.
 
If you want to watch HD content, I'd recommend this setup instead:
$50 - ASRock G41M-S LGA 775 Intel G41 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
$35 - Asus EAH4350 SILENT/DI/512MD2(LP) Radeon HD 4350 512MB PCI-E Video Card
----
Total: $75 plus tax and shipping

About the same costs but you now get the capability to watch HD content and light gaming. In fact the HD 4350 is far more suitable for HTPCs than the 8800GTS since the HD 4350 can offload the decoding of HD content meaning less CPU usage. The 8800GTS can't do any of that.
 
Never heard of ASRock, how are they really? and are you sure that my current ram sticks would work with it?
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16820145015

and I understand your suggestion concerning the 8800GTS but the thing is, my mother(this computer is for her) only has a 17in lcd monitor, and I believe she is in no hurry to buy a larger monitor at the moment.

Meh I am on the fence about this now, -facepalm-
 
ASRock is an offshoot from Asus and they are decent mobos. AS for supporting your memory, they have Corsiar listed for that board but not your exact memory. I would say it would be fine.
 
The ram would work like a dream. And the 4350 is all youd really need. If she is watching video on the 17", grab her a 22" 1080p monitor (less than $200) if you can, its makes a worlds of difference.
 
gwarren007 said:
The ram would work like a dream. And the 4350 is all youd really need. If she is watching video on the 17", grab her a 22" 1080p monitor (less than $200) if you can, its makes a worlds of difference.
Click to expand...

Yeah, if it's for your mother than anything more than the 4350 is a waste of money.
 
Yes I was just selling her off on the idea of getting a larger monitor. Sadly we are restricted by the desk she is using currently. I think I can barely fit a 22in in there, most possibly a 21.5in monitor would be best.

dimensions are W: 20 3/4in

So far, thank you all for the comments and help
 
gwarren007: I have to admit that its pretty sexy and that I am jealous for not being able to touch it, at this very moment.
Back on subject. Its width is 20.6 and my max size is 20.75, it almost barely fits in.

I was checking this monitor out, what do you think of it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051

I don't exactly have the final decision on this matter but I'll show her the two monitors.

PS: If it was me, I'd trash that desk and use it for firewood and then go to IKEA.

EDIT: I checked that dell has a 20% cash back and went to their site through bing, however I wasn't sure if the CB worked on this monitor.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top