Using 42 inch tv as monitor

[Xenos]

I have a spare computer, its simple with an intel core 2 duo processor, a 600 watt power supply and an MSI mobo with onboard video and sound. I want to hook this system to a 42 inch samsung plasma tv to use as a monitor. The mobo has only one pci-e slot. Could someone suggest a good but not too expensive video card capable of driving the tv/monitor and possibly a good sound card as well? Finally, do you think this idea would work at all?

 

[manimal]

should work fine, get a ati 5450 for under 70 bucks. Get a keyboard with touchpad like the dinovo edge or the cheaper alternatives and your in business. I personally put better cards into my htpcs because all 5 game as well.

 

[pw38]

Just be sure to use the HDMI 2 slot as it's rated for PC use. Also, remember the Sammy 42" plasmas have funky vertical resolution so you might need to adjust accordingly or text will look funny.

 

[kowalabearhugs]

That power supply is mad overkill. If you can, swap it out for something almost half that wattage. You'll save on electricity and have less heat + noise.

 

[dakU7]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150447

/thread

 

[toyota]

That power supply is mad overkill. If you can, swap it out for something almost half that wattage. You'll save on electricity and have less heat + noise.

please explain how he will save on electricity with a lower wattage power supply.

 

[PingviN]

That power supply is mad overkill. If you can, swap it out for something almost half that wattage. You'll save on electricity and have less heat + noise.

Power supplies only put out what needs to be put out. If your computer has a 500w PSU, but the computer only uses 250W, only 250W will be drawn.

For heat and noise it's probably the other way 'round, higher spec'd PSUs have better component/fans making them more quiet when strain is not so high than a lower spec'd PSU.

 

[Xenos]

Thanks folk. Bought and installed windows 7 on my main desktop recently and thinking of using same disc and product key on this 'htpc' to upgrade from vista. Actually thinking of doing same on my laptop. Cant remember if this would be acceptable to Microsoft. How many personal systems am I allowed to use the same disc on? Hope its not just one system.

 

[Soundmanred]

Thanks folk. Bought and installed windows 7 on my main laptop recently and thinking of using same disc and product key on this 'htpc' to upgrade from vista. Actually thinking of doing same on my laptop. Cant remember if this would be acceptable to Microsoft. How many personal systems am I allowed to use the same disc on? Hope its not just one system.

just one system

 

[dpodblood]

please explain how he will save on electricity with a lower wattage power supply.

Look up power supply efficiency. Essentially a higher wattage PSU is going to use more power at idle than a lower power one. I believe there is a sticky on this very forum with explains it all.

 

[toyota]

Look up power supply efficiency. Essentially a higher wattage PSU is going to use more power at idle than a lower power one. I believe there is a sticky on this very forum with explains it all.

and there is zero chance outside of controlled lab conditions for that to have any measurable difference. he would never even recoup the money lost on selling the higher watt psu and buying a lower watt one with that minuscule difference.

 

[dpodblood]

and there is zero chance outside of controlled lab conditions for that to have any measurable difference. he would never even recoup the money lost on selling the higher watt psu and buying a lower watt one with that minuscule difference.

In this case I would agree. It's not worth buying a new PSU just to get a bit extra efficiency.