ok,
so getting new flat tv soon, ideal time to set up PC/internet etc in the lounge.
Everythings being driven by the purchase of the new telly.
Initially I was going to buy a PS3/XBox for gaming as I see myself enjoying a good game on my new 50" screen, but thought better of it and my plan now is to get myself up and running first THEN upgrade core components to a proper Gaming machine for the lounge.
Initially though, my HTPC will be used for internet surfing,email,Youtube, IPlayer, the odd blast at MAME, streaming (non 1080p) movies over a wired GB network from my server...etc.
Nothing TOO graphically or CPU intensive.
Hopefully my "stand in" spec will be ok for that?
The gaming/bluray stuff can come later when I upgrade motherboard/cpu/ram when the pennies are there, For now though, its a spec that uses existing components and saves me money!
My question is will my bits I have spare enable me to do the initial things listed above that I wish for my lounge HTPC?
MY CURRENT SPARE BITS...
* Asrock 775Dual-VSTA motherboard (Full ATX size)
* Intel 6400 Core 2 Duo CPU
* 2GB DDR2 OCZ XTC Rev2 PC2-6400C4 8000MHz Dual Channel ram
* ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Graphics AGP Card (an oldie but a goodie!)
* Spare 1TB hard drive (will have access to server so not too fussed here)
The idea is to plonk these bits of kit into a nice HTPC case, buy a wireless KB and mouse, set it up with Windows 7 (or XP?) and Im good to go.
After saving for a bit I can upgrade the Motherboard, chip, ram and graphics card to give me a full strength gaming/1080p video HTPC.
Sound lke a reasonable plan?
I think my "stand in" build is reasonably ok for what I need, at least in the short term, just wanted to ask here and see what you guys think.
So all I need for now is a good HTPC case and PSU that will be transferrable to a higher spec build later on...any suggestions?
I dont want to pay a fortune for the case, but would be good to get one that fits in my rack alongside my black AV amps etc and wont cost a fortune.
About £130 for the case, £50 for the PSU, less if I can get away with it!?
Later on when upgrading, I will be moving up to at least ATI 5850 extreme graphics card wise, CPU...maybe one of the lower Sandybridges..
Perhaps an OCUK "bundle" would be a good bet here?
So a PSU to power that kind of kit would be good.
thanks!
so getting new flat tv soon, ideal time to set up PC/internet etc in the lounge.
Everythings being driven by the purchase of the new telly.
Initially I was going to buy a PS3/XBox for gaming as I see myself enjoying a good game on my new 50" screen, but thought better of it and my plan now is to get myself up and running first THEN upgrade core components to a proper Gaming machine for the lounge.
Initially though, my HTPC will be used for internet surfing,email,Youtube, IPlayer, the odd blast at MAME, streaming (non 1080p) movies over a wired GB network from my server...etc.
Nothing TOO graphically or CPU intensive.
Hopefully my "stand in" spec will be ok for that?
The gaming/bluray stuff can come later when I upgrade motherboard/cpu/ram when the pennies are there, For now though, its a spec that uses existing components and saves me money!
My question is will my bits I have spare enable me to do the initial things listed above that I wish for my lounge HTPC?
MY CURRENT SPARE BITS...
* Asrock 775Dual-VSTA motherboard (Full ATX size)
* Intel 6400 Core 2 Duo CPU
* 2GB DDR2 OCZ XTC Rev2 PC2-6400C4 8000MHz Dual Channel ram
* ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Graphics AGP Card (an oldie but a goodie!)
* Spare 1TB hard drive (will have access to server so not too fussed here)
The idea is to plonk these bits of kit into a nice HTPC case, buy a wireless KB and mouse, set it up with Windows 7 (or XP?) and Im good to go.
After saving for a bit I can upgrade the Motherboard, chip, ram and graphics card to give me a full strength gaming/1080p video HTPC.
Sound lke a reasonable plan?
I think my "stand in" build is reasonably ok for what I need, at least in the short term, just wanted to ask here and see what you guys think.
So all I need for now is a good HTPC case and PSU that will be transferrable to a higher spec build later on...any suggestions?
I dont want to pay a fortune for the case, but would be good to get one that fits in my rack alongside my black AV amps etc and wont cost a fortune.
About £130 for the case, £50 for the PSU, less if I can get away with it!?
Later on when upgrading, I will be moving up to at least ATI 5850 extreme graphics card wise, CPU...maybe one of the lower Sandybridges..
Perhaps an OCUK "bundle" would be a good bet here?
So a PSU to power that kind of kit would be good.
thanks!
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