Looking to build a HTPC Sandy Bridge i5/7 asap

[z2akuma]

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP

Budget Range: 600-1000 (cheaper the better

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Emulation/Gaming, HTPC, Browsing

Parts Not Required: Mouse, kb, Monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg, (anything else you suggest)

Country of Origin: USA/NJ

Parts Preferences: Intel preferred, im ok with AMD if you really think it better suites me. Looking for a reasonable SSD price/performance

Overclocking: Yes

SLI or Crossfire: Yes / Maybe

Monitor Resolution: 1920/1080

Additional Comments:
-I am heavy into emulation and the reason I am even thinking i7 is to due to the poorly written software on some of the emulators. The better hardware makes up for the poorly coded software.

-Additionally I would prefer an HTPC case but I realize this doesnt go hand and hand with a gaming capable pc. I am ok with a case that lays sideways unlike a tower, ultimately I really just want it to fit into my entertainment center like a DVD player or VCR would.

- As far as media goes, I will make my current system a server to host the 10 of files I have and ill stream everything over a hardwired gigabit network.


If i have to go over 1k for whatever reason (as long as it makes sense) Ill do it.
Thanks for your help and I am open to suggestions!

 

[mosox]

Intel Core i5-2500K + ASUS P8P67-M PRO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.635172
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231425
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204
Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371021
SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum / 0.8mm SECC Grandia Series GD05B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163166

$655.93

Video card

XFX HD-685X-ZDFC Radeon HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150515
or
XFX HD-687A-ZDFC Radeon HD 6870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-521-_-Product

$880.92 with the second card.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

What about the i3 2100T for a HTPC system.

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

What about the i3 2100T for a HTPC system.

The Intel® Core™ I3 2100T at 35 watts this is great processor and will work well in a HTPC. It comes with a very nice low profile heatsink/fan that will nice to go into a Mini-ITX case or other thin form factor cases. Heck, Newegg even has a combo deal with the Intel Core I3 2100T and an H67 or H61 based board.
Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[z2akuma]

Intel Core i5-2500K + ASUS P8P67-M PRO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.635172
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231425
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185
ASUS Black 24X DVD+R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827135204
Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371021
SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum / 0.8mm SECC Grandia Series GD05B
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163166

$655.93

Video card

XFX HD-685X-ZDFC Radeon HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150515
or
XFX HD-687A-ZDFC Radeon HD 6870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-521-_-Product

$880.92 with the second card.

Thanks for the reply, good info - any other case suggestions?

These are the cases I am currently looking at..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&SID=u00000687

and

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=c6a9eje0ws4a

I am open to more suggestions..

This is the TV stand I have. I will put the PC on the right or left side w/o a shelf so ill have that entire square area

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Whalen+F...&skuId=8781366

If you think a normal case will fit, or im better off thats fine too.

 

[Soundmanred]

What about the i3 2100T for a HTPC system.

He wants to game as well, so I'd skip that one.

 

[mnewsham]

He wants to game as well, so I'd skip that one.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/289?vs=288

That is the 2100 (non T) vs the 2500k and in gaming they are close (for many games) so calling the i3 not a gaming CPU is fairly incorrect, sure in CPU intensive games you will be more limited but TBH the GPU is the determining factor for most games.

 

[pantsaregood]

Core i5 2500T would probably be a good choice if you want to use a small case with limited airflow and/or limit power consumption. It is only 45W.

 

[ViRGE]

Core i5 2500T would probably be a good choice if you want to use a small case with limited airflow and/or limit power consumption. It is only 45W.

The problem with the 2500T is that it's impossible to find. Only OEMs seem to have access to it.

The best you can do on low-power quads would appear to be the 2400S, a 65W part that is readily available.

 

[pantsaregood]

http://www.google.com/#q=core+i5+%222500t%22&hl=en&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=xWO-Tf6JL5Gztwf-mtjXBQ&ved=0CDwQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=322f6580c95c8bfc&biw=1899&bih=981

 

[z2akuma]

Can you guy suggest a good SSD for the money? Mostly just going to run the OS, 64gb is ok larger preferred if its a good deal.

Additionally I am unsure if i should look into a sound card? I want to use optical out my Amp is 7.1 capable although I think im going with 5.1

 

[dma0991]

A 60GB SSD like the Corsair F60, OCZ Vertex 2 or Crucial RealSSD C300 are good choices. Get a sound card only if you are willing to spend money on it.

 

[z2akuma]

A 60GB SSD like the Corsair F60, OCZ Vertex 2 or Crucial RealSSD C300 are good choices. Get a sound card only if you are willing to spend money on it.

I am willing to spend money on it if you think its necessary? I have a really good amp and speaker system.

I also need a good motherboard suggestion if anyone can help. I am willing to spend money if the extra perks/features are worth it.

 

[ViRGE]

http://www.google.com/#q=core+i5+%222500t%22&hl=en&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=xWO-Tf6JL5Gztwf-mtjXBQ&ved=0CDwQrQQ&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=322f6580c95c8bfc&biw=1899&bih=981

None of those guys actually have it (pre-order now!); it's been that way for months.

 

[deathbyburrito2]

If you want to overclock and use Intel you will need a k processor like the 2500K and a p67 board.
How will you hook your computer to your amp? Analog or digital?

 

[z2akuma]

I have chosen the i5 2500k, ill need a p67 board? Ok. Any suggestions?

Im thinking ill hook my computer up to my receiver via optical out. So digital.

 

[z2akuma]

This is where im at right now...

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135204
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$20.99


HITACHI Deskstar 0S03230 3TB 5400 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822145493
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$149.99
$139.99


Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ...
Item #: N82E16817371021
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$50.00 Instant
$129.99
$79.99
1

i-shop Gift
Item #: N82E16800995066
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.99 Saving
$5.99
$0.00


Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Item Refund Only Return Policy
$11.98


G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBXL
Item #: N82E16820231425
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$44.99


ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131701
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$239.99
$229.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Item #: N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$224.99


Patriot Xporter XT Boost 8GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) Model PEF8GUSB
Item #: N82E16820220252
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$31.98
($15.99 each)


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$34.99


Thermaltake Black SECC Japanese steel LANBOX Lite VF6000BWS Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
Item #: N82E16811133044
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99
Subtotal: $909.88

 

[Termie]

This is where im at right now...

ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Item #: N82E16827135204
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$20.99


HITACHI Deskstar 0S03230 3TB 5400 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822145493
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$149.99
$139.99


Antec TruePower New TP-650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.3 / EPS12V V2.91 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE ...
Item #: N82E16817371021
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$50.00 Instant
$129.99
$79.99
1

i-shop Gift
Item #: N82E16800995066
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.99 Saving
$5.99
$0.00


Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007
Return Policy: Consumable Item Refund Only Return Policy
$11.98


G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-4GBXL
Item #: N82E16820231425
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$44.99


ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131701
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$239.99
$229.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Item #: N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$224.99


Patriot Xporter XT Boost 8GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) Model PEF8GUSB
Item #: N82E16820220252
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$31.98
($15.99 each)


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$34.99


Thermaltake Black SECC Japanese steel LANBOX Lite VF6000BWS Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
Item #: N82E16811133044
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$89.99
Subtotal: $909.88

You've chosen an ATX motherboard and a micro-ATX case. Not going to work. Try this Asus: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131707. Seems Asus is the only one building Micro p67 board, which allow overclocking. If you're not going to overclock, skip the p67 entirely and just get an h67, like this AsRock: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157233

Also, Arctic Silver 5 is no longer considered a top TIM. Skip it and get a better brand: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/thermal-interface-roundup-1_12.html#sect0

I assume you're using the 3TB drive for storage. That's fine, although you pay a huge premium for 3TB over 2TB. Unless you really need the space, consider a Samsung F4 2TB for around $80: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152245

For the OS drive, use a 60GB SandForce, like this Corsair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-124-_-Product

That Thermaltake case you're considering is more of a gaming box, with some pretty high-rpm fans in it. It's an older design, so for the same money, you might consider this more purpose-built Lian-Li case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811112222. It has larger, much quieter fans, and is a newer, more elegant design.

For the graphics card, the HD5850 is currently $30 less than the HD6850, but performs more like an HD6870: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102932&Tpk=5850 xtreme.

You don't need a 650w PSU for the equipment you're considering, so save $20 and get Antec's 550w unit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...371016&cm_re=antec_550-_-17-371-016-_-Product

 

[z2akuma]

Termie - thanks for your help and catching my mistakes. I took some of your advice, I really do want 3tb because im maxed out (9tb total) but I went with the 2tb anyway for savings.

Heres what I hope will be my final build. Thanks again everyone for your help.

This is my setup, I plan on moving ahead with this asap. Let me know if you think there is anything I should change. Thanks again.

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price


LIAN LI PC-V351B Black Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811112222
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
$109.99
$94.99


SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152245
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$89.99
$79.99


Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817371016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$15.00 Instant
$79.99
$64.99


ZALMAN ZM-STG2 Thermal Greases
Item #: N82E16835118055
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$9.99


ASUS P8P67-M PRO (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131707
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$149.99
$139.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Item #: N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$224.99


Patriot Xporter XT Boost 8GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) Model PEF8GUSB
Item #: N82E16820220252
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$31.98
($15.99 each)


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$34.99


Corsair Force Series CSSD-F60GB2-BRKT 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820233124
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$136.49
Subtotal: $818.40

 

[Termie]

Termie - thanks for your help and catching my mistakes. I took some of your advice, I really do want 3tb because im maxed out (9tb total) but I went with the 2tb anyway for savings.

Heres what I hope will be my final build. Thanks again everyone for your help.

This is my setup, I plan on moving ahead with this asap. Let me know if you think there is anything I should change. Thanks again.

Qty. Product Description Savings Total Price


LIAN LI PC-V351B Black Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811112222
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
$109.99
$94.99


SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152245
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$89.99
$79.99


Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817371016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$15.00 Instant
$79.99
$64.99


ZALMAN ZM-STG2 Thermal Greases
Item #: N82E16835118055
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$9.99


ASUS P8P67-M PRO (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813131707
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$10.00 Instant
$149.99
$139.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
Item #: N82E16819115072
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$224.99


Patriot Xporter XT Boost 8GB Flash Drive (USB 2.0 Portable) Model PEF8GUSB
Item #: N82E16820220252
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
$31.98
($15.99 each)


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$34.99


Corsair Force Series CSSD-F60GB2-BRKT 2.5" 60GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
Item #: N82E16820233124
Return Policy: Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$136.49
Subtotal: $818.40

Great build. I don't see the video card, though - are you waiting on that for later?

Also, the Zalman grease is good, but if I wanted to be super-picky, I'd choose Arctic MX-4, which is brand new and considered the best in the business: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=arctic%20mx-4

Here's a review of MX-4: http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/986/pg1/arctic-mx-4-thermal-paste-review-introduction.html

And if you act REALLY fast, as in today, you can get this G.Skill 4GB DDR3-1600 memory set for $40, which is less than the 1333 set you picked: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231277. It's 1.5v, so it should work fine with Sandy Bridge even though it's an older set.

 

[Zap]

LIAN LI PC-V351B Black Aluminum MicroATX Desktop Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811112222
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$15.00 Instant
$109.99
$94.99


Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817371016
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$15.00 Instant
$79.99
$64.99


COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus RR-B10-212P-G1 "Heatpipe Direct Contact" Long Life Sleeve 120mm CPU Cooler Compatible Intel ...
Item #: N82E16835103065
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$34.99

That CPU heatsink won't fit in your chosen case.

There are better quality PSUs. You don't necessarily need a modular unit. Just buy a PSU with just the wattage you need and there will hardly be any excess cables.

 

[Termie]

That CPU heatsink won't fit in your chosen case.

There are better quality PSUs. You don't necessarily need a modular unit. Just buy a PSU with just the wattage you need and there will hardly be any excess cables.

Good point on the cooler clearance - but there's another problem that I didn't think of...the side-ejecting DVD drive won't work in an enclosed cabinet. So sorry OP - back to the drawing board on that one. Here's another option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163112. Still won't take a tower cooler, but with a 2500k with moderate overclocking, your really don't need a lot of cooling power. Honestly, that's a tough configuration to use for a high-powered rig. Plus in that enclosed cabinet, airflow will be a problem. You might want to go to the cases/cooling forum for some help on this one.

If I were building a system to fit in that cabinet, I'd skip going for power and I'd focus on size. Going with a mini-ITX board and case would allow you to build a really small system with enough space between it and the cabinet for airflow. You'd give up multiple video cards, but in that cabinet, you don't really have the cooling capability to handle dual cards. This article may give you some ideas: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/lian-li-pc-q08-silverstone-sst-sg07-cubitek-mini-tank,2864.html

As for the PSU, OP, just stick with your original idea - the Antec 650w model. It will give you plenty of reserve for dual graphics cards down the line. I think it's a bit higher-quality (and more efficient) than the 550w model too. I eat my words again!

 

[krunt]

This thread was doomed from the start because the OP does not want a HTPC that can handle some light gaming. Instead, the OP wants a gaming rig that can fit in a HTPC case.

To help we have to have you pick a case first. Once a case has been decided on then the board can have a look at what can and cannot be crammed in there. Which is more important, performance and a graphics card or fitting inside your entertainment center?

 

[z2akuma]

If i stick with the lian li case, is this an acceptable heatsink?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=qc6zg59zkm7k

It doesnt have to be a gaming rig but I want some raw power to run my wii emulator, in time i may be able to transfer this hardware into a larger case too which is why I opted for this setup.

 

[Termie]

If i stick with the lian li case, is this an acceptable heatsink?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...D=qc6zg59zkm7k

It doesnt have to be a gaming rig but I want some raw power to run my wii emulator, in time i may be able to transfer this hardware into a larger case too which is why I opted for this setup.

Edit: yes, that would work.