Hi guys,
I'm looking to build a new dedicated HTPC. I'm currently using a full tower with an old single core cpu. I'm replacing my entertainment center with a minimalistic cabinet and mounting the tv on the wall so I want the HTPC to look nice sitting on the cabinet rather than off to the side looking out of place. I figure while I'm at it, I should rebuild the HTPC to keep up with the times.
I want 1080p video over HDMI and the capability to run many/most modern games on med-high graphic settings.
I also do a lot of streaming of networked media so perhaps I should consider an upgraded network card. Thoughts?
I have a motherboard and 2 graphics cards I'd like to use, if possible, to minimize cost.
an ASRock N68C-GS FX motherboard (AM3+/ AM3/ AM2+/ AM2)
a PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 550 Ti
a Galaxy GeForce GT 520 2 GB
I don't know if the gtx 550 or the gt 520 will fit in an HTPC case, so I'll definitely need help finding a case that is small and sleek but will fit one of these cards.
I also need cooling suggestions for HTPC cases.
I'd rather not spend any more than about $300 total (for the cpu, ram, case and cooling)
Thanks in advance!
-Adam
I'm looking to build a new dedicated HTPC. I'm currently using a full tower with an old single core cpu. I'm replacing my entertainment center with a minimalistic cabinet and mounting the tv on the wall so I want the HTPC to look nice sitting on the cabinet rather than off to the side looking out of place. I figure while I'm at it, I should rebuild the HTPC to keep up with the times.
I want 1080p video over HDMI and the capability to run many/most modern games on med-high graphic settings.
I also do a lot of streaming of networked media so perhaps I should consider an upgraded network card. Thoughts?
I have a motherboard and 2 graphics cards I'd like to use, if possible, to minimize cost.
an ASRock N68C-GS FX motherboard (AM3+/ AM3/ AM2+/ AM2)
a PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX 550 Ti
a Galaxy GeForce GT 520 2 GB
I don't know if the gtx 550 or the gt 520 will fit in an HTPC case, so I'll definitely need help finding a case that is small and sleek but will fit one of these cards.
I also need cooling suggestions for HTPC cases.
I'd rather not spend any more than about $300 total (for the cpu, ram, case and cooling)
Thanks in advance!
-Adam