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Repurpose System and Need Value replacement Parts

xaeniac

xaeniac

Golden Member
Presently have an i3-2100, RAM, HDD, and microatx motherboard that I will repurpose out of my current desktop for a HTPC.


Looking to purchase another similar performance CPU/Mobo/RAM for non-gamer. Not sure if I should just buy components for the HTPC, but figured my desktop should be more powerful than my HTPC. Still using PSU from 2007. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934. Still seems to work fine. Should I replace this as well?
 
The i3 would work well for a HTPC setup, I would ditch the PSU and pickup something better... a Corsair CX430 or something similar.

If you are looking for suggestions on components for the replacement desktop, answer the questions in the sticky and let's see what we can do. 🙂
 
Charlie98 said:
The i3 would work well for a HTPC setup, I would ditch the PSU and pickup something better... a Corsair CX430 or something similar.

If you are looking for suggestions on components for the replacement desktop, answer the questions in the sticky and let's see what we can do. 🙂
Click to expand...



1. PC will be used as a basic application system, streaming, and file sharing device. Will not be gaming

2. My budget is ~$400.

3. I am in the USA

4. No preference in brands (Not a fanboy)

6. Plan on using optical drive, SDD, and HDD (possibly the PSU thoughts?)

7. Do not plan on overclocking.

8. 1920x1080 resolution

9.Plan to build it as soon as I decide on the components and purchase them

Do not need to buy windows as technet is still active
 
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Easy enough, given the budget and the reusable components...

Basically, we're talking an Intel Pentium processor and a H81 or B85 motherboard. Find a case you like, throw in a Corsair CX430 or similar PSU, reload your OS and go to work. Even the Pentium's iGPU is capable of normal streaming and whatnot... no GPU needed.

Intel Pentium G3220, $62 (on sale, Newegg,)
ASRock H81M-HDS, $57 (with USB3.0 header and HDMI out, Newegg,) or
ASRock H81M-DGS, $46 (if you don't need USB3.0 header or HDMI.)
Team Zeus 2x4GB 1600 RAM, $61 (Newegg,)
Corsair CX430M, $25 (AR)
Pick a case... I like Fractal Design, but there are a lot of nice cases... The Core 1000 is a nice basic mATX case as long as you don't need a lot of HDD space. $35 ...but that price range in mATX and ATX cases is flooded with fair choices.

$205 plus a case.
 
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Charlie's build is good, but it does put you in the perverse situation of having a slightly faster processor in your HTPC than in your main PC. You could honestly keep what you've got in your desktop and put the CPU/mobo/RAM from his build into your HTPC.
 
mfenn said:
Charlie's build is good, but it does put you in the perverse situation of having a slightly faster processor in your HTPC than in your main PC. You could honestly keep what you've got in your desktop and put the CPU/mobo/RAM from his build into your HTPC.
Click to expand...

I thought about that, too, but wondered if USB3.0 and a more efficient processor might be worth the cost of admission.

As it shakes out, I think he is going to put the G3220 in his HTPC build... :biggrin:
 
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