Help Upgrade HTPC to High Spec Gaming Machine Ready for Oculus Rift!

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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Hi Guys,

Need some help in choosing the best parts to install in my current HTPC that i use for streaming movies to my 121" projector with XBMC and Blurays.

I am wanting to upgrade the system to a High-End Gaming machine, ready to play with my VR Kit (Oculus Rift) once it arrives in the next few weeks.

I want to be able to play all high end games such as Skyrim, Crysis 3, Bioshock Infinite on the best settings possible. Don't forget with the Oculus Rift, you are in sense displaying the game twice for 3D, so frame-rate needs to be try and remain high.

I dont in sense have a budget, can spend a few hundred if needed. But would like to spend as little as possible if i can.

Now my HTPC is a Assassins HTPC.

The only things i feel that i need to upgrade are the RAM and GRAPHICS CARD.

As i am in a small shoebox case, i am quite restricted to the size of the graphics card. Hence, looking for the best one i can get in this case with this motherboard i have.

The case is the image shown at the top:
http://www.assassinhtpc.com/screenshots.php
Mini Box: (11.80” x 8.7” x 5.1”) w/ 250w PSU (with mini-itx motherboard)


As the HTPC is in a Home Cinema Room, it needs to be reasonably quite operation and stay pretty cool! My current HTPC is really good at doing this currently, hardly makes noise and doesn't get very hot.

The cabinet it is in has some holes in the back for some air flow and also i try to leave the front half open (sliding door) when the HTPC is on.

Here is what my current spec is:

Shoebox Case
AsRock H77m-ITX motherboard
Intel i5 3570k
64GB Crucial SSD
1TB Secondary WD HDD (Used for installing games)
4GB G Skill Ares RAM



I tried to play a few games on my current machine, such as Dear Esther, Slender Arrival, Amnesia. But putting any of these games on a high setting really made the game chug and hardly playable.

For the RAM, I'm not sure if i should just get one more 4GB card to make it 8GB or if i should go for a brand new 16gb (2x8gb) Ram Kit.
From what ive seen across the net, people are saying that 8gb is enough and having 16gb would hardly make any difference?!?

Thanks for all your help guys!
 

jaedaliu

Platinum Member
Feb 25, 2005
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8gb should be fine.

The hard part is finding a 1 slot video card that will fit your system. I took a quick look at the website, and couldn't figure out the allowed video card size.
 

Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
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8gb should be fine.

The hard part is finding a 1 slot video card that will fit your system. I took a quick look at the website, and couldn't figure out the allowed video card size.

With a single slot cooler, you're going to be limited to a GT640/HD7750 type card. Both will make the games the OP mention playable, if you don't expect too high settings/resolution. AFOX makes a Radeon HD7850 single slot, but where to actually get one I don't know. And weather it fits in his case is another matter. Incidently, they also make a low-profile(!) version of the 7850. Makes you wonder how it handles the heat generated. Especially in an actual low-profile case... o_O
 

Ken g6

Programming Moderator, Elite Member
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The single slot appears to be full-height, so that's good. But it's still a single slot. So that doesn't appear to matter because the best card I can find that might fit in your case is this one, which also happens to be half-height.
 

Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
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The single slot appears to be full-height, so that's good. But it's still a single slot. So that doesn't appear to matter because the best card I can find that might fit in your case is this one, which also happens to be half-height.

That's a very interesting card you link to. An HD7750 with a DMS-59 port. I might have a use for that, so its good to know it exists. For home use, this one might be better as it has both Displayport and micro-HDMI.
 

Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
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You've both picked significantly more expensive low-profile cards when all he needs is a single-slot card.

Sorry OP, knee-jerk "low-profile for small cases" reaction. I see Termies point. That one will fit your needs very well.
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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Thanks guys for your input and advice.

Im based in uk and can find the single slot amox 7850 card on amazon for £200.

The problem is if the card is powerful enough for future games coming this year, already the new specs for some games such as metro the last light are quite high just for recommendation settings, so no idea what they would require for ultra or high settings.

Also the other problem with the card and my case is that the power supply i have in the case is 250w which i dont think is enough.

the other cards you guys have mentioned like 7750 wont be powerful enough i think to play games on ultra or very high, especially since you require around 60fps for the Oculus Rift.

I think the best option now is for me to go for a new case that has space for a 2 slot gpu card, the problem is that I'm restricted to having the case inside my cabinet in home cinema room. The max size the case can be is:

500 x 180 x 360 (WxHxD) mm

Does anyone know of any case that has the space im looking for and can fit in my cabinet?

Thanks
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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Thanks guys for your input and advice.

Im based in uk and can find the single slot amox 7850 card on amazon for £200.

The problem is if the card is powerful enough for future games coming this year, already the new specs for some games such as metro the last light are quite high just for recommendation settings, so no idea what they would require for ultra or high settings.

Also the other problem with the card and my case is that the power supply i have in the case is 250w which i dont think is enough.

the other cards you guys have mentioned like 7750 wont be powerful enough i think to play games on ultra or very high, especially since you require around 60fps for the Oculus Rift.

I think the best option now is for me to go for a new case that has space for a 2 slot gpu card, the problem is that I'm restricted to having the case inside my cabinet in home cinema room. The max size the case can be is:

500 x 180 x 360 (WxHxD) mm

Does anyone know of any case that has the space im looking for and can fit in my cabinet?

Thanks

If you're willing to spend the money, then yes, a better case would be worth the investment. That tiny Apex case is really limiting you.

And here's what you should upgrade to - the Sillverstone SG-05: http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=276&area=en

Comes with a highly-competent PSU and slips in just under your height limit. Make sure you measure that correctly on your cabinet, because being a few millimeters short could cause a big problem!

For reference, this is what you have right now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154091
 
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Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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If you're willing to spend the money, then yes, a better case would be worth the investment. That tiny Apex case is really limiting you.

And here's what you should upgrade to - the Sillverstone SG-05: http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=276&area=en

Comes with a highly-competent PSU and slips in just under your height limit. Make sure you measure that correctly on your cabinet, because being a few millimeters short could cause a big problem!

For reference, this is what you have right now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154091

Thanks a lot Termie, really appreciate your help!

That case was almost perfect, but the issue is now with the Drive Bay, my current bluray drive is full size but this new one only takes slim drives :(
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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Thanks a lot Termie, really appreciate your help!

That case was almost perfect, but the issue is now with the Drive Bay, my current bluray drive is full size but this new one only takes slim drives :(

Ah, yes, that is a problem.

In all honestly, I don't think you'll find a shoebox-style case that short that has both a decent power supply and supports desktop optical drives.

As far as I've found, there are no cases that meet all your needs:

(1) under 180mm high
(2) under 360mm deep
(3) support for dual-slot video cards
(4) support for power supplies over 400W
(5) support for full-size optical drives

Basically, you'll have to compromise on something.
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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Ah, yes, that is a problem.

In all honestly, I don't think you'll find a shoebox-style case that short that has both a decent power supply and supports desktop optical drives.

As far as I've found, there are no cases that meet all your needs:

(1) under 180mm high
(2) under 360mm deep
(3) support for dual-slot video cards
(4) support for power supplies over 400W
(5) support for full-size optical drives

Basically, you'll have to compromise on something.

Ah i see. thanks. Let me first have a serious think about this! I might just end up selling off the bluray drive and buying a slim one.

Lets say i go with this case, which graphics card should i go for? I want to go for a future proof one, i.e.. should be able to play games such as GTA5 and Watch Dogs at Ultra (or close to) settings. I dont want to go all out crazy on the price either. Id only want to spend something like under $300 on the card if possible.

Also since this case comes with a 450w PSU, will that be enough for the gpu cards, most of the high ends require 500w dont they?

thanks
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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Hold on a minute!

I think I know of a case that meets all your needs - the Zalman ZM-T1: http://www.zalman.com/global/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=615

Its dimensions are: 169(W) x 425(H) x 348(D)㎜

It's oddly narrow and tall, and is obviously designed as a tower, not an HTPC, but due to its unusual dimensions, it will just barely fit into the space you have if placed on its side, and will support any power supply or video card you could reasonably want to use.

As for a video card recommendation, the HD7950 would be perfect if it works with your budget, otherwise, I'd recommend the GTX660, which happens to be a better value right now than either the HD7850 or HD7870.
 

mfenn

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Jan 17, 2010
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Don't forget with the Oculus Rift, you are in sense displaying the game twice for 3D, so frame-rate needs to be try and remain high.

That's true, but each screen is only 640x800, meaning that the total pixel count is equivalent to 1280x800, or just a hair above 720p. You don't need a hugely powerful card to do 60 FPS at that resolution.
 

Insert_Nickname

Diamond Member
May 6, 2012
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As far as I've found, there are no cases that meet all your needs:

(1) under 180mm high
(2) under 360mm deep
(3) support for dual-slot video cards
(4) support for power supplies over 400W
(5) support for full-size optical drives

Basically, you'll have to compromise on something.

There is also the Silverstone SG06-450:

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=277&area=en

220 mm (W) x 177 mm (H) x 286 mm (D), 11.1 liters. With a 450W 80+ Bronze PSU.

It can only take a 10" dual slot expansion cards and slimline opticals though.
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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That's true, but each screen is only 640x800, meaning that the total pixel count is equivalent to 1280x800, or just a hair above 720p. You don't need a hugely powerful card to do 60 FPS at that resolution.

Hi,

Yeah i understand. But i want to try and go future proof also.

Plus i dont want to be restricted to Oculus only, i might want to get other non-oculus games that are high in spec.

Yesterday, the required specs of Metro last light came out, boy they are very high!
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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There is also the Silverstone SG06-450:

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=277&area=en

220 mm (W) x 177 mm (H) x 286 mm (D), 11.1 liters. With a 450W 80+ Bronze PSU.

It can only take a 10" dual slot expansion cards and slimline opticals though.

Thanks for this, the case is good and actually similarly priced to the SG05-450, but also has the same size and restrictions.

I dont know but i seem to prefer the SG05-450 over this?!
 
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Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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Hold on a minute!

I think I know of a case that meets all your needs - the Zalman ZM-T1: http://www.zalman.com/global/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=615

Its dimensions are: 169(W) x 425(H) x 348(D)㎜

It's oddly narrow and tall, and is obviously designed as a tower, not an HTPC, but due to its unusual dimensions, it will just barely fit into the space you have if placed on its side, and will support any power supply or video card you could reasonably want to use.

As for a video card recommendation, the HD7950 would be perfect if it works with your budget, otherwise, I'd recommend the GTX660, which happens to be a better value right now than either the HD7850 or HD7870.

Wow thanks for finding this, that case really is the perfect size to fit, it just looks massive and hideous.

Also after seeing the dimensions i realised that the case will take up the whole cabinet row, however if i go for the SG05-450 its nice and compact. Plus i can continue to sit my PS3 or xbox next to it on the same row in cabinet.

Hence, i think the SG05-450 is the one i should go for even if it means me having to buy another bluray drive.

One question i have though is the 450w PSU enough for all high end gpu cards such as the 7950 etc... or do i need a 500w?
 

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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Wow thanks for finding this, that case really is the perfect size to fit, it just looks massive and hideous.

Also after seeing the dimensions i realised that the case will take up the whole cabinet row, however if i go for the SG05-450 its nice and compact. Plus i can continue to sit my PS3 or xbox next to it on the same row in cabinet.

Hence, i think the SG05-450 is the one i should go for even if it means me having to buy another bluray drive.

One question i have though is the 450w PSU enough for all high end gpu cards such as the 7950 etc... or do i need a 500w?

A 450W PSU might be enough for the HD7950, but actually, I think you'd need to modify the case to fit one. I know at least one user on the forum who has a similar setup, but I don't think it's your best choice.

I'd go for a GTX660Ti for use with this case. It can easily run on 450W, and you can get them under 9.5", which is what the case can easily fit. They're similar in performance to the HD7950, and slightly less expensive.
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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A 450W PSU might be enough for the HD7950, but actually, I think you'd need to modify the case to fit one. I know at least one user on the forum who has a similar setup, but I don't think it's your best choice.

I'd go for a GTX660Ti for use with this case. It can easily run on 450W, and you can get them under 9.5", which is what the case can easily fit. They're similar in performance to the HD7950, and slightly less expensive.

Hmm im not so sure, if the performances are similar.

According to here:
http://anandtech.com/bench/Product/550?vs=647

They vary quite a bit, the 7950 is miles ahead on some games and on some others the 660Ti is ahead - it looks like a totally different battle according to each game. With games where they are both giving similar results though, the 7950 seems to push just ahead!

Quite confusing to know which one to choose over the other!
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
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Hmm im not so sure, if the performances are similar.

They look pretty similar on average to me in terms of FPS, the 7950 is only a little ahead. Normally, that would be enough to make the 7950 the obvious recommendation, but for your situation, the important metric is load power draw. The GTX 660 Ti uses about 40W less power, which also translates to 40W less heat that you have to dissipate. In a tiny case like the Sugo, that's important.
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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They look pretty similar on average to me in terms of FPS, the 7950 is only a little ahead. Normally, that would be enough to make the 7950 the obvious recommendation, but for your situation, the important metric is load power draw. The GTX 660 Ti uses about 40W less power, which also translates to 40W less heat that you have to dissipate. In a tiny case like the Sugo, that's important.

OK thanks, that makes sense.

Im worried about one thing, looking at the specs of the case it says it allows a card unto 10 inches, however im not so sure how long this gtx660ti card is but i have a feeling that it might be longer then 10inches?!

Anyone have a take on this?
 

Killer Nads

Junior Member
Apr 18, 2013
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ok thanks, i really needed the one that was going to be the quietest and coolest - is this going to be the: EVGA GeForce GTX 660Ti FTW Signature 2 2048MB PCI-Express Graphics Card?

or something else