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Desktop - General Use - Multimedia Center

E

ElevenFingers

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 30, 2008
Messages
194
This desktop will be for general use. I expect it to be used to surf the internet, watch HD movies, listen to music and work with Microsoft Office. It may be used for some gaming, photoshop and/or other media editors. Nothing too serious.

The budget is fairly flexible, to be purchased in Switzerland from www.prodimex.ch. I won't have time to build it myself so I will have them construct it onsite and will pick it up.

In addition I'm looking for a decent Black & White printer possibly with a integrated scanner or an external one. The printer and/or scanner can be Wifi enabled. I'm also in the market for a monitor in addition to a TV already in place (Toshiba Regza, 1920x1080, 37"), and set of small speakers (for skype and small tasks when the TV isn't connected).

I would like to permanently duplicate the screens from this computer in the office to the TV in the living room. What are my options here? My initial idea is to run a really long HDMI cable but then I'd have to run the audio too. Is there another option, wireless perhaps? Or else is there and option to keep the computer near the TV and have the rest of the setup (keyboard, mouse small monitor wireless in the office). The direct distance is about 6 m but there's a supporting wall. Going around the long way is about 15 meters.

The computer itself should be:

  • Wifi enabled and have plenty of USB ports (3.0 would be nice).
    Minimum of 1TB of space is required, 7200 should be enough.
    Windows 7 Home Premium (32 or 64) as I have heard mixed reviews about Windows 8.
    The computer should be as quiet and small (in that order of importance) as possible. CD/DVD Drive not necessary.
    Do not plan on Overclocking either.
    It should be able to stay more or less stable for the next 5+ years.
    No mouse or keyboard necessary.
    Integrated GFX if it allows for HD movies on the TV.
    To be built this week.

Here's what I've put together (from an earlier thread):
  • INTEL Quad Core i5-3470 3.2GHz + Ventilateur [
    LGA1155 - 6MB - 22 nm ]
    GIGABYTE GA-B75M-D3H mATX ( Intel B75 - Socket
    1155 )
    DDR3 8GB [2x4GB] DDR1333 (PC3-10600) - KINGSTON
    Value [KVR1333D3N9K2/8G]
    Boitier Tour CORSAIR Carbide 200R Black ( 3 x 5.25 )
    Compact PC Gaming Case - No power
    Alimentation 430W CORSAIR CX Series [CMPSU-
    430CXV2]
    SATA600 1.0To (1000GB) - 7200 SEAGATE Barracuda
    7200.12 (32MB) [ST31000524AS]
    English MICROSOFT Windows 7 OEM Home Premium 64-bit

Should I be waiting for the release of Intel's Haswell CPUs?
Since I won't be needing a CD/DVD driver or dedicated GFX card (still not sure) is there a smaller case I could use without it becoming too loud? I'm fine with spending a little more if necessary.

For the monitor:
The space between the desk and the shelf above it is 15". While a taller screen would potentially fit it might not be as comfortable (unless it was thin at the back at the top).

21,5" LED AOC E2250SWDNK ( 200cd, 20.000.000:1, 5ms, V65/H90, Analog/DVI) perhaps? Would just barely fit.

The speakers:
LOGITECH Z-323 2.1

MFC Wifi BnW Printer:
SAMSUNG SCX-3405W [Scanner, imprimer, copier] Avec Toner
 
I stopped reading at the HDMI part. HDMI carries an audio signal as well.

If you intend to buy manufactured systems, this isn't the sub forum for that. However, this one is.

However Haswell is coming out very soon, granted you probably don't need the added power it brings to the table; it's still worth the wait being this close to launch.
 
My assumption is that you stopped reading because you felt it wasn't worth it. The speaker system I have set up for music etc in the living room does not accept HDMI input. I would therefore like to run all audio through those speakers to keep things simple. This also allows me to use an older VGA laptop that I use with the TV if the audio is already setup. However, if there is a nifty all-purpose converter that I haven't considered I would like to know about it.

Secondly, whether I have the parts shipped to my place, and build it myself, have my neighbor put it together or have their staff put it together doesn't change the fact that this system isn't a prefab. I pick each part separately which is why I am using this sub-forum. My aim is to receive constructive criticism as I have in the past with many other questions.

I also didn't think it would be correct to open 8 different threads for each part separately as I aim to make sure everything synergises well. Computer, Monitor, TV, Printer and audio.

I am considering putting a hole through the wall to allow for the appropriate cables to go through.

I continue to appreciate any constructive criticism or ideas, and say thanks in advance.
 
When will Prodimex have Haswell-based processors and motherboards? If you're buying and building your system next week, then you might as well stick with what's currently available.

As for your parts selection, the only thing I have an issue with is the case. The Corsair 200R is an ATX mid-tower case, yet one of your build priorities is small size. With that in mind, have you considered, say the Fractal Design Define Mini? It meets both of your priorities in having a smaller volume than the 200R and being designed for quiet operation. (The Fractal Design page on the Define Mini has further details.)

How serious is your gaming? What games do you want to play? The onboard GPU can handle most browser-based games, but a decent video card is still recommended if you want to play most of the games available today.

Since you aren't using a lot of parts -- just one hard drive, no optical drive, at most one video card (if any) -- have you considered spending a bit more money on a mini ITX system? While a mini ITX-based board and case would cost considerably more than the micro ATX "equivalents," you do have a smaller platform to work with.

Why do you want to duplicate your computer image on your HDTV? I ask because it will be very expensive to buy 30 meter HDMI and audio cables, and I don't know how badly you wish to drill a hole in your wall just to shorten the distance.
 
Hi, thanks for the feedback.

I will call about the processors tomorrow.

In reality the computer I'm putting together is for my mom. I might install one or two old-school games for long weekends when I visit (Diablo II, Settlers III) but nothing an integrated card shouldn't be able to handle. Initially I had the large board on the list to have the option to include a graphics card but if she can stream movies and watch HD ones saved on an external with the on-board one that that's sufficient.

Since she's really not good with technology I'd like the system to be as simple as possible. She says she doesn't want to monkey with any cables and so I think duplicating the image permanently would allow her to start a movie and then watch it in the living room. However, with a portable mini ITX board and case it might be possible to move it.

As for the hole, I don't think I would have to drill anything, or much. There are electric cables on either side of the wall at roughly the same spot. My hunch is there is a hole in there already that I can commandeer. Otherwise I don't think it's 30m, more like 12m.

Would this be the equivalent mobo you suggested? Money really isn't a huge factor in this build. She would simply like something that is highly dependable, small and quiet.
ASROCK B75M-ITX Mini ITX ( Intel B75 - Socket 1155 )
The cases from Mini ITX all seem to come with power supplies. Without a dedicated Gfx card would I still need a 400W+ powersupply?

Is this what you had in mind? I like it's look.
Boitier FRACTAL DESIGN Mini-ITX Node 304 Black

It seems it would allow for the addition for a graphics card in the future if I wanted to add one. I will be building my own dedicated desktop later in the year.

Edit: I've just spoken with my mother and she says the TV is secondary. So let's just consider the system in itself.
 
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The ASRock B75M-ITX is more than enough for your mother, but it doesn't come with any wi-fi capability. With the mini ITX board and its one PCI-E (x16) slot, your options are limited to either a USB wi-fi adapter connected to the back of the case or a PCI-E x1 adapter that uses up the PCI-E slot. (The PCI-E x16 slot can easily handle a PCI-E x1 card, but you'd have to remove the card should you decide to buy a video card in the future.)

The Fractal Design Node 304 is a nice compact mini-ITX case, but it doesn't come with a power supply. Fortunately, it can use a full-sized PSU like the Corsair CX430 (it's mounted in the front of the case). However, one mini ITX case that does come with a PSU is the Silverstone SG05, but it costs about as much as the Node 304 and the Corsair CX430 together.

Regarding the PSU capacity, 400 watts is more than enough for what you're proposing for your system. You could even include a mid-range video card like the GTX 660 or the HD 7870 without straining the PSU (either the Corsair CX430 or the Silverstone 450 watt SFX PSU that comes with the SG05).
 
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Great! Thanks for the input. I think I will simply run LAN since the router is right under the desk.

I changed the RAM to 1600:

INTEL Quad Core i5-3470 3.2GHz + Ventilateur [LGA1155 - 6MB - 22 nm ]
ASROCK B75M-ITX Mini ITX ( Intel B75 - Socket 1155 )
DDR3 8GB [2x4GB] DDR1600 (PC3-12800) - KINGSTON HyperX [KHX1600C9D3K2/8G]
Boitier FRACTAL DESIGN Mini-ITX Node 304 Black [ FDCA-NODE-304-BL ]
Alimentation 430W CORSAIR CX Series [CMPSU-430CXV2]
SATA600 1.0To (1000GB) - 7200 SEAGATE Barracuda 7200.12 (32MB) [ST31000524AS]
English MICROSOFT Windows 7 OEM Home Premium 64-bit

If I wanted to add my old GeForce 8800 GT from my own desktop when I upgrade would anything stop me? The system looks fairly simple and it might be quicker if I put it together myself. Is there anything particularly difficult about this build that merits paying an extra CHF200 (~$200) and having professionals do it? How would I install windows without an optic drive for example? I think I have an external optic drive laying around but would it work without installing an operating system first?

Edit: Just read up on installing from a USB drive.
 
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I only recommend DDR3 1600 RAM over DDR3 1333 RAM if it's considerably cheaper. Otherwise, just ensure that the voltage level is 1.5V -- that's more important than the RAM speed.

I couldn't stop you from adding your old 8800GT to this rig, but the performance level of the i5-3470's embedded GPU is more than good enough for streaming and playing DirectX 9-based games.

First-time installation of Windows requires either an optical drive (it can be external) or a bootable USB flash drive (of at least 4GB) with the Windows 7 ISO file within it. For your mother, however, the external optical drive is much easier to work with.
 
Everything but the speakers arrived today. I assembled everything and prepared the usb drive to install windows. However I'm receiving a no input from my monitor when I boot the computer. Any ideas on what might be the issue? I've tried both D-Sub and DVI.

I think it's the monitor as I tested another DVI monitor that has been working and it too isn't receiving a signal. Changing the D-Sub cable didn't fix it either.

Edit:

Ignore. Didn't push the ram in properly or have the 12v connected.
 
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So this computer is running beautifully and a friend of mine saw it and was wondering if a similar system would work for her at the office. She will be using it for general tasks but also for matlab data-crunching and graph-making as well as some 3D mapping. I thought the inclusion of a dedicated GPU might be worth considering but when I put the system together there really wasn't much room left with all the cables.
 
Well, Whats the current specs of the PC she is using now? If you got a modular PSU instead of the Corsair, that may allieviate three space issues. You would Also Have to get different RAM too as a 2 x 4GB set is a bad idea for matlab type system. A single 8GB stick is best.
 
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