Cheap HTPC

ash_91

ash_91

ash_91

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Joined
14 Jan 2006
Posts
543
Hello, I am looking at upgrading my machine as it is struggling to play .mkv hd files with 5.1 surround sound and it takes far too long too convert them to watch on the 360. (3ghz P4, 2gb ddr, x1300)

Basically I already have hard drive, dvd, psu etc am looking to just upgrade the basics.

I need a new mobo, ram, grx card and possible processor although hopefully that can wait as i currently have a P4 531 i think it is, 3ghz, socket 775.

This is on a very limited budget, £150 max looks like i can get 2gb of ddr2 for £20 quid ish but looking for advice on the rest of the setup.

Cheeers.

Edit: Been looking at something like this for graphics card, Sapphire HD 3450 256MB.

Around 25 quid, how would that do for hd on a 37" lcd?

Mainly just looking for motherboard and possibly cpu advice now.
 
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Cheers, have already got the artic 7 so would just need to get some thermal paster for it.

How would that processor compare to my current one?

Worth the upgrade?

Also is there anything cheaper than the iP35 chipset boards?

Hoping for something a bit cheaper if possible, if not the processor will have to wait.
 
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Yea but thats right at the top end of the budget, trying to avoid that.

How would my current processor be with HD3450 + 2gig ddr2 and cheap mobo, baring in mind it an be overclocked nicely.

What about something like this for the mobo, Gigabyte GA-945PL-S3P i945PL.

Any good?
 
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I understand what your sayin, but saving more isn't really an option as im paying off a debt at the moment and this is some spare money ive got.

I already have the AC7 so was thinking i could get a cheapish half decent mobo, 2 gig of cheap ddr2 and the gfx for now then get the cpu later on.

Would i see no benefit with the new kit compared to my current kit.
 
Its not a large debt and its too my dad, i've already discussed this with him and it benefits me and my brother as my brother can have my current pc.

Dont really want to go the AMD route.

Still would like to know what you thought abouth the motherboard and card i said about earlyer then upgrading the cpu in a few weeks once ive finished paying my dad.
 
Dont want to go amd as planning on just upgrading board + ram + gfx now, and I use htpc as it is actually my standard bedroom pc in full atx case so can overclock nicely.

Going by what cyclopopcicle has said my idea looks like it will be alright, to upgrade the cpu at a later date.

@ cyclopopcicle: What motherboard are you using?
 
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Thanks everyone but I think I have found a piece of software that may do the job, CoreAVC.

Do you think this will do me untill i can afford an upgrade?
 
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