HTPC opinions please

GoatBotherer

GoatBotherer

GoatBotherer

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Joined
8 Sep 2007
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265
Location
Southampton
Hey, I'm ready to buy a HTPC for my living room. It will be used for HD films and playing games (Bioshock 2, COD6 etc) so I want it quite powerfull to play games for a few years. Here is what I have so far...

2ywfmrn.jpg


How is it looking? Does the PSU need more power?

I'd appreciate any comments as I haven't built a PC for a few years and I'm not really up to date.

Thanks
 
That's a really nice build.

Power Supply is fine, motherboard is great, CPU is great.

GPU could be better, but it's fine for now.

I think that a fine choice of products.
 
Good build, agree on the GPU change, but only if you plan on using Windows 7, so you can take advantage of the DX11, otherwise the 250 will outperfrom it due to using DX10.
 
Thanks for the comments. I will be using Windows 7 so I'll take your advice and go for a different card. Is there a better NVIDIA card you can recommend me? It's just that I have had bad experiences with ATIs in the past (I'm willing to reconsider though). I can afford another £50 or so for the card if it's needed.
 
Currently none of Nvidia's cards feature DX11, but there new cards that are meant to be announced in about a month should feature it. The 5000 series seem to be pretty stable cards, use a lot less power than anything Nvidia has, and are pretty good with drivers (excluding the 5970 which is having 'problems')
 
For performance for your money nvidia really cannot compete ATM. There's really no need to worry about ati, the 57** cards are very good and use a lot less power, if you do have another £50 spare I would say grab a 5770 the performance boost would be worth it its up to you really.
 
you will need to get a remote as the lian li case does not come with one even though it says it does in the listing :(
and i replaced the two rear fans with sharkoon silent eagle 1000 80mm's and used a 7v power mod thingie on the 140mm internal fan to keep mine nice and quiet.
i'd probably suggest going with a 5750 or 5770 as well to be honest (but if you dont make sure that card comes with the internal spdif connector cable as not all do) and the 500w ocz will be enough to power it all.
 
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sapphire is a good brand and the vapor x coolers are meant to be very good so that would be a nice card to get.
also every review i have seen for this card says there is a voucher for grid 2 in the box with this card.
 
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Vapor-X is excellent.

5770 is a nice card also, will probably be quiet and be cool.

I think you have yourself an excellent build.

Edit: The new 5xxx series consumes less power than the GTX 2xx Series.
 
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