New HTPC Build for £400-£500?

Rexton

Rexton

Rexton

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HTPC for £500

I'd be using it to play 1080p MKV's through an A/V amp + 5.1 audio. I'd need it to have at least 1.5TB of space, and enough video power to play games like Oblivion and Modern Warfare on max. So far I've managed to narrow the price down to £615, so any price cutting advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Rex.
 
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Current Spec:

htpcspec.png
 
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Hi,

I think your spec seems fine. Any more cost cutting may affect game performance?

I myself have something similar in the pipeline, though it's keeps getting put to the side due to various things inc our new baby girl arriving home today.

My own plan is along the lines of,

Intel I5 750
Silverstone NT01-E Fanless Heatpipe Cooler
Gigabyte GA-P55M UD2
Corsair Dominator 2x2GB
Powercolor Passive 5750 graphics
Samsung F3 500gb OS
WD Green 1.5tb Storage
Corsair 450w modular PSU

My current HTPC case is a Silverstone LC13 which I am not too happy with, so will probably change, but may still require silent 80mm case fans such as Sharkoon SE's with an Akasa AK-CB002 4-pin Molex to 3x4-pin PWM Fan cable to allow the motherboard to monitor temps/fan speed. The above silent CPU cooler can take two 80mm fans if required (apparently so for the I5 750 ), so it is just HTPC case air flow to consider as well as general layout.

I have no interest in mobo's with features such as on board graphics as I plan to use the silent 5750 which I have, I have been led to believe the 5750 is reasonable for games, and my old game machine runs a 4870 Sapphire so the 5750 should be fine, it also has HDMI audio out.

Not sure if the I3 is suitable for use with the Gigabyte P55M mobo I'm interested in though?
 
my htpc is built around a q6600 and a 5770 so similar to both of yours and has been fantastic

P55M should be fine for your build

Rexton i would double check if i where you whether the heatsink will fi tin that case
 
Agree wtih Krugga, you need a better gfx for decent gaming, 4850 as he suggests or if you want DX11 then look at at least 57xx pref 5770 over 5750, dont forget to check slot width vs case/mobo combo
Also whilst the case is nice and suits the HTPC set up if youre looking to cut costs this is one area you can instantly save a lot, a little coolermaster 335 or something sat by the side of your set up works just as well, might not be as aesthetically pleasing but its £80 cheaper
 
Rexton said:
replies would be great :D
Click to expand...

Why do you need a 400w psu for something that cant draw more than 200? Downsize the case to small form factor tbh. Will save >£50. I'd also ditch the overclock bundle and just clock the i3 a little bit on its stock cooler. 3.33-3.5ghz, say. Another £50 saved.
 
I'll change the overclock bundle and just clock the cpu myself on a stock cooler, and I'll also change to a 4850. I'm also going to be looking into different cases, but I don't think I'd be looking into small form factor because I'd need a low profile GPU then wouldn't I? As for going for a 400w PSU I honestly had no idea about the power the system would be pulling, I just heard that it was a good PSU, if you'd be willing to spec me another PSU I'd be happy to go for it.

Rex.
 
I may ditch the Antec Fusion for something a little less costly, possibly a Mini ITX Case. Anybody have any suggestions for cases? And if they're Mini ITX any suggestions on Mobo's?
 
Thanks for the spec, I very much like that setup, my only fault is that the dimensions for that case are too large for the TV bench I'm going to be putting it in. :(
 
I really do like that spec, Especially the case. Only disapointment is that the case won't fit inside the shelves of the TV stand I'm getting, but meh, I guess I'll just slap it next to the TV or on the floor. I'll post pics up of the build once I get round to building it. Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

Rex.
 
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