Mobo, CPU & RAM for HTPC

[junglist1996]

I've bought this Origen AE S16V HTPC case so that I can swap out all of the stuff in the current HTPC in a case that would fit in the AV rack. I should have been more careful with an HTPC case as the DFI LanParty CFX3200 mobo has an unconventional layout with the CPU in the position where the RAM is normally located and vice versa. Anyway, the CPU heatsink (even the stock one) would interfere with the optical drive in the case so I'm contemplating on maybe buying a quad, P45 mobo and 4GB of DDR2 and keeping all of the other stuff. Or maybe get a better quad for the Gaming Rig and switch the Q6600 into the HTPC?

Please share your thoughts and thanks!

[caveman-jim]

I'd build an AMD/nVidia box, and go hybrid SLI - get a Phenom X3 if you want low power, X4 9x50 if you want some beans, and a Geforce 8 series chipset. Pair it with a 9800GTX+, and you can game on it, and when not used, the Geforce 9800GTX+ will turn 'off' and only the onboard will be used. At least, that what I'm going to try and do this weekend - my HTPC is based on a Geforce 8200 board, and I'm going to throw a 9800GTX+ in there so I can see if works that way or not.

Otherwise, yah, P45 mobo like a GA-EP45-DS3R and your Q6600, get yourself a yorky quad.

[junglist1996]

Thanks man!

The Phenom X4 suggestion is very tantalizing as I've already splashed too much cash with all these crap like minor renovations in the apartment next week and the new case + a 4870x2 today.

One thing that I'd like to point out is that I don't game on the HTPC at all. It'll be used strictly for music, movies and web browsing. As such, I'll probably keep the 3870 I already have and skip the new graphics card especially a "full length" one which might require the removal of the HD cage. Having done some research for the AMD790GX IGP, it looks like ATI's Hybrid Graphics is interesting but it looks like it would only work with a 3400 series card. For now, I've decided on the followings:

• GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX
• AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+
• OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

Is that the right RAM to get for this mobo and CPU?

[caveman-jim]

Crackalackin'!

If you're not gaming, you won't even need the 3870 - the onboard will do all the UVD etc., just fine. In all honestly you could drop down to a Phenom X3 - the 2.1ghz's are very cheap over here right now, don't know about your neck of the wood. Course, they don't [email protected] as well as an X4 does. Well, in reality, I suspect a sparta core would be plenty for music/movies and web browsing

Yeah, I was disappointed in ATI's hybrid graphics as well - seems like they're missing the boat vs. hybrid SLI.

[junglist1996]

Yeah, I know the 790GX IGP has a Radeon 3300 which has UVD capability. But since I already have the 3870, it'd actually be more expensive for me to get a 790GX based mobo than one that's based on the 790X. And if I keep the 3870, I can throw in a game or two in there if I want to and of course run [email protected] as well.

Anyway, back to my last post, is that DDR2-1066 the right RAM to get? I haven't kept myself up to date with the Phenom line of CPUs and I'm not sure what's the HTT/FSB speed (if they work the same way like the A64) to match the right RAM.

[caveman-jim]

You've matched it up well. On AM2 only Phenoms support DDR2-1066 so you're good

The 790GX's are more expensive than the 790GX's there? Interesting.

GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-DS4 $125

Gigabyte's 790GX is more:
GIGABYTE GA-MA790GP-DS4H $145
but Biostar's is not:
BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX A2+ $100

[junglist1996]

I've tried to go the Phenom route but unfortunately, the shop where my friend works at (can get a small discount there) does not have the mobo I need in stock. Also, it looked like most of the 790X/790GX mobos I have seen have the CPU socket positioned dangerously close to the side opposite from the back I/O panel. I was worried that the CPU heatsink would block the optical drive so I ended up getting a E8400, Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3R and 4GB of OCZ DDR2 800.







As you can see, it is really cramped inside the case and I have just enough space for the PSU and the optical disc drive. Also, I'm glad that I choose a mobo with the CPU socket placed closer to the back I/O panel like this Gigabyte board.

I haven't worked with a case as cramped as this one in a long time and installation was more difficult than I've expected. The difficulties were made worse by the F5 mobo BIOS loaded by the factory. I've used no less than 7 attempts at installing Vista. Installing Catalyst would FUBAR the Vista install everytime. After trying various Catalyst drivers and installing SP1 before Catalyst, I've finally found out many Newegg customers reported that the factory BIOS is unstable and requires immediate flashing. Luckily, things seem to be working after I've flashed to F9 and I was finally able to get it up and running in the end.

[caveman-jim]

Great feedback and great build junglist! Looks awesome Is it as quiet as you hoped? You absoutely no room to spare for the Gfx card!

[junglist1996]

Thanks man. You're right, there's more or less no room for a larger graphics card. But if I really need to, the HD cage can be removed. As for the acoustics, it's more or less silent when I'm seated on the couch. Having said that, I'm still trying figure out how to slow down the CPU fan which is spinning at full blast ATM...