Building an intel HTPC

apilbeam

apilbeam

apilbeam

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Joined
1 Dec 2008
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41
Hi Guys,

looking to build myself a HTPC over the next few months, so far heres what i Have in mind:

Case: Jou Jye Slim MATX Desktop Case (because its cheap and has 3x 3.5" Bays)
Mobo: Intel IceDale iG45 Mobo (X4500HD onboard gfx, hdmi, ddr2, 5xSata)
CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.5GHz (Fairly Cheap, not quite a c2d)
Memory: 4Gb DDR2 800Mhz (whichever is cheapest when i buy)
Optical: Sony BDU-X10S Blu-Ray BD-ROM (Cheapest BD-Rom i could find)
HDD OS: Cheap 120Gb 2.5" SATA (because theres no 3.5" bays left)
HDD: 3x1.5Tb Segate 32Mb Cache (RAID5 for storage)

Things im not sure on are
The processor - its not a c2d so not high performance and not sure weather it can cope with the offload from the onboard gfx.
The Onboard gfx - says it will cope with Blu-Ray but im still a bit Skeptical, was thinking maybe a low profile ATi 4550 for the graphics instead.

Any thoughts?

Regards
 
The Intel E5200 is actually a rebadged Core 2 Duo and many people have been able to overclock it to +4GHz so I'd say it's a VERY capable CPU.

I would personally recommend a low profile graphics card.
 
That looks like a fine build, as said the E5200 is an excellent chip and will be more than powerful enough. The onboard graphics should do fine with hi-def, otherwise you can get a low profile 4550. I have a passive one and it works great for hi def. That said if it was me I would try the onboard before spending the money on an add in board that you may not need.

Hawker
 
thanks guys!

didnt know that about the E5200, always handy to know

and thanks hawker1986. that was my plan, save myself a bit of cash in case it doesnt quite manage high quality Blu-Ray although from what i have read about it i think it should be ok.

Reagards
 
will do! still saving up for it at the moment!

thinking of building the main lot soon and then buy the 3x1.5Tb drives a bit later on.
currently got 2x1Tb Spinpoint F1s in my system that are getting pretty full with films so can just leave them in for the time being!

Regards
 
haha! dont think an NZXT looks quite as good under the TV!

and 4x2Tb is more expensive than the whole rig so gonna have to pass on that one m8!

not all of us can get RAID 0+1! haha

Regards
 
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