2011-12-03, 03:17
I'm looking to run a low-budget HTPC computer.
I've acquired an older dell optiplex 755 SFF (this is the motherboard)
It has the C2D E6750 (2.66ghz) as the processor and currently 1GB Ram and a 160 gig HD. (I also have a 1TB external drive that is currently hosting all of my media)
I'm looking to run XBMC, sabnzbd, sickbeard & couch potato. I currently am running an appletv1 w/ broadcom and doing the sabnzbd stuff on my laptop and then sending it to a networked drive.
What all do you recommend I do to upgrade this computer to be suitable.
Option 1: get more ram and a HD 6450 card
Option 2: buy a new G45 mobo and reuse the processor and pick up some ram (ddr3 is super cheap compared to ddr2)
Option 2 is more future-proof for adding ram and adding a ssd (sata 3 support) but costs a bit more. I can also get about double the ddr3 ram for the price of ddr2)
Option 1 is cheaper. and probably has a better graphics card.
I picked up the Optiplex for about 70 bucks so for the 6450 ($20) and a stick of ram ($15) I'm thinking I could have a pretty decent htpc for around 100 bucks. I chose the optiplex because I like the C2D processors and it comes with an 80+ psu included.
I'm open to any other suggestions other than what I listed, but keep prices in mind. There isn't a real budget, but the cheaper it is the happier my wife would be.
I've acquired an older dell optiplex 755 SFF (this is the motherboard)
It has the C2D E6750 (2.66ghz) as the processor and currently 1GB Ram and a 160 gig HD. (I also have a 1TB external drive that is currently hosting all of my media)
I'm looking to run XBMC, sabnzbd, sickbeard & couch potato. I currently am running an appletv1 w/ broadcom and doing the sabnzbd stuff on my laptop and then sending it to a networked drive.
What all do you recommend I do to upgrade this computer to be suitable.
Option 1: get more ram and a HD 6450 card
Option 2: buy a new G45 mobo and reuse the processor and pick up some ram (ddr3 is super cheap compared to ddr2)
Option 2 is more future-proof for adding ram and adding a ssd (sata 3 support) but costs a bit more. I can also get about double the ddr3 ram for the price of ddr2)
Option 1 is cheaper. and probably has a better graphics card.
I picked up the Optiplex for about 70 bucks so for the 6450 ($20) and a stick of ram ($15) I'm thinking I could have a pretty decent htpc for around 100 bucks. I chose the optiplex because I like the C2D processors and it comes with an 80+ psu included.
I'm open to any other suggestions other than what I listed, but keep prices in mind. There isn't a real budget, but the cheaper it is the happier my wife would be.