2012-08-11, 05:39
Hey guys, I've got an HTPC build I'd like you to double check and let me know what you think, especially if there's any more value I can be getting out of it, or if any of it is overkill (especially the case and PCU).
Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next 30 days
Budget Range: $400-600
System Usage from Most to Least Important: HTPC for movies (HD and standard), audio, etc running XBMC on Windows 7. I'll also use this for moderate gaming.
Preferred Website: Wherever is cheapest. From South Dakota, so no good store-only deals anywhere in the state that I know of.
Build:
AMD A8-3850 APU Quad-Core Processor: $99.99
Gigabyte A75M-UD2H: $103.99
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600w: $49.99
Silverstone GD05B: $99.99
Kingston Technology HyperX 8 GB: $40.99
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25Sat3-90G 2.5" 90GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD): $69.99
I plan on adding a second video card to the build in the future if I decide its worth it for gaming. I'm not sure about overclocking yet; I don't know anything about it, but if you guys think it would be worth it I'll definitely look into it.
I plan on running Windows 7, XBMC, and only necessary programs off of the SSD. Is 90GB overkill, or would I be fine with a 60GB SSD? I plan on keeping all my music, videos, and games on an external hard drive, any recommendations on what to use? (Note: I say external hard drive because I plan on downloading and burning media onto my laptop and then transferring it to my HTPC via the external hard drive. I'm going to keep all internet surfing and downloading from the HTPC itself to a minimum to avoid viruses and all that other junk. An external hard drive is the most efficient way I know how to do this, unless there are other suggestions.)
I have a 32" 720p TV right now. I'll be getting a 42" 1080p TV in the near future.
So am I getting good value here? Is there any money I could be saving anywhere? Am I going overboard with anything? This is my first build, so bear with me. Thanks guys!
Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next 30 days
Budget Range: $400-600
System Usage from Most to Least Important: HTPC for movies (HD and standard), audio, etc running XBMC on Windows 7. I'll also use this for moderate gaming.
Preferred Website: Wherever is cheapest. From South Dakota, so no good store-only deals anywhere in the state that I know of.
Build:
AMD A8-3850 APU Quad-Core Processor: $99.99
Gigabyte A75M-UD2H: $103.99
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600w: $49.99
Silverstone GD05B: $99.99
Kingston Technology HyperX 8 GB: $40.99
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25Sat3-90G 2.5" 90GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD): $69.99
I plan on adding a second video card to the build in the future if I decide its worth it for gaming. I'm not sure about overclocking yet; I don't know anything about it, but if you guys think it would be worth it I'll definitely look into it.
I plan on running Windows 7, XBMC, and only necessary programs off of the SSD. Is 90GB overkill, or would I be fine with a 60GB SSD? I plan on keeping all my music, videos, and games on an external hard drive, any recommendations on what to use? (Note: I say external hard drive because I plan on downloading and burning media onto my laptop and then transferring it to my HTPC via the external hard drive. I'm going to keep all internet surfing and downloading from the HTPC itself to a minimum to avoid viruses and all that other junk. An external hard drive is the most efficient way I know how to do this, unless there are other suggestions.)
I have a 32" 720p TV right now. I'll be getting a 42" 1080p TV in the near future.
So am I getting good value here? Is there any money I could be saving anywhere? Am I going overboard with anything? This is my first build, so bear with me. Thanks guys!