Build Compatability

[jimigibbs]

I have or have ordered the following for my first HTPC build. Actually it's my first full PC build..... Anyway I have checked all the specifications and think everything is compatable but it never hurts to have a second set of eyes. Not looking to critique the build or for alternate components but just want to know if it will work together. Thanks in advance......
Thanks,
Jimi

Thermaltake Element Q Chasis
Intel Core i5-3350P Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz
Corsair XMS3 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3-1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory
Zotac H67 WiFi (H67ITX-C-E)
Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 Bundle
Window 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Thermaltake Slim X3 Fan CLP0534
Western Digital WD Green WD20EARX 2TB SATA 6.0Gb/s Internal Hard DriveIOGEAR GKM571R Wireless Keyboard
SanDisk® ReadyCache™ Solid State Drive - 120GB
Optical Drive - Have on Hand

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

The Zotac board could potentially be a problem. The specs say it supports 2nd gen CPUs (Sandy Bridge) but may not support Ivy Bridge, at least without a BIOS update. If a BIOS update is required you would need a SB CPU to do the update before you can install the IB CPU. You may want to look for an H77 MB instead.

 

[Ketchup]

Yeah, it's generally a good idea to start a thread like this before placing the order. Hope the motherboard works for you.

 

[jimigibbs]

Thanks...... Sent a note to Zotac to see if it will work before I return it.

 

[lucklessgorath]

The i5-3350P is an i5 with a defective Integrated Graphics Processor so the IGP on this CPU has been disabled. You will need to purchase a discrete graphics card for this CPU.

 

[Zap]

Yeah, it's generally a good idea to start a thread like this before placing the order.

This.

The i5-3350P is an i5 with a defective Integrated Graphics Processor so the IGP on this CPU has been disabled. You will need to purchase a discrete graphics card for this CPU.

Phail.

He will be using a TV tuner so no free slot on the ITX board.

The other thing is that the case and PSU are kind of mediocre, and a bit overpriced since the same case but sold as an Apex can often be had for $40 shipped.

 

[jimigibbs]

Thanks for the comments..... I learned a very valuable lesson. "Post before you Purchase"...... Oh well, hopefully I can return the CPU. I'm looking at the following that I hope will work.

i5-2405S
i7-2600S

I think the i5 is all I need and really don't see any reason to go higher for my HTPC but let me know if either will work with the above components. Again THANKS.... this is a learning thing for me....
Jimi

 

[jimigibbs]

...... Also I'm trying to go with the 65W CPU's but not sure if that is necessary....

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

If you are using the system strictly for HTPC purposes (obviously you won't be using it for any serious gaming without a dedicated video card) an i7 is overkill and many in here, including myself, would say an i5 is way more CPU than you need as well. An i3 is plenty adequate and many in here use the G5xx, G6xx, and G8xx Intel CPUs and find them to be more than up to the task. The only reason you might want an i5 is if you are transcoding and/or ripping BDs on your HTPC. If not you might want to look at less beefy CPUs.

 

[jimigibbs]

I know it may be a little overkill but will the i5-2405S work with the Zotac H67 WiFi (H67ITX-C-E)? I also like the i5-2400 so then it comes down to power..... Does the 95W versus 65W make a difference on this this system?
Thanks,
Jimi

 

[lucklessgorath]

I don't believe that the TDP on these two CPUs make much difference in the power consumption. Both will idle at the same power draw. At full load the i5-2400 will consume more power then the i5-2405S. But the i5-2400 will complete the task quicker, which means it will go back to idle quicker. Therefore I believe power consumption is a wash.

Where the TDP may make a difference is in enclosures with poor air flow.


i5-2400 has intel HD2000 graphics.
i5-2405S has intel HD3000 graphics.
This probably doesn't make a difference for HTPC tasks. But you would get slightly better performance for gaming & quicksync encoding with the HD3000.