New HTPC/slight Gaming build... input welcome!

[Guest]

Here's what I have:
-Apex DM-387 MATX Black Micro Case
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=A355-2012
-Patriot G 4096MB DDR2 800MHz
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=P33-6095
-ASUS M4A785-M AMD 785G Socket AM3
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=A455-2881
-AMD Athlon II X2 250 3Ghz 2MB AM3 CPU
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=A79-0250
-WD Caviar 500GB Serial ATA HD 7200/16MB/SATA-3G
-Sony AD-7240S-0B Optiarc DVDRW

The case speaks for itself. It's a gorgeous and very sleek looking, with affordability in mind.

I went with the M4A785-M since it was a SMOKIN' deal on a very versatile mobo. I plan on using the Hybrid Crossfire tech to upgrade it later. I possibly may go quad core as well, later in the future.

The Athlon II X2 3ghz is quite an upgrade from my laptop's T7200 2ghz (Core 2 Duo). My current Inspiron E1505 has suited me well for the last 4 years or so. I also went with recommendations from this site to go with the 250 vs the 240 or 245, so I did.

What do you think? I know for standard computing it's just fine. Only gaming I plan on doing is playing Starcraft 2 (which I've waited 12 years to play lol) and possibly hop-on and see how WoW has changed over the last year or so.

I know "a few more bucks could get you...", but, I am trying to be as... hmmmm... cost-efficient as possible LOL!

Hit me back with thoughts folks!
-James

EDIT: Added links

 

[Guest]

I dunno, I've actually seen Intel mATX mobo's with full Crossfire. So I know they're out there. I like the case that I have and plan on sticking with it for a while. I don't mind upgrading the PSU. I expect to, when I install whichever GPU I go with. I am heading out to the field tomorrow, but, when I get back I plan on testing out SC2. THAT will be the deciding factor lol

Anyways, here's a pic of the setup and how I want the look to be..
http://www.mediafire.com/?eeqsn52bkrivk6d

I love the footprint and it's very sleek looking. Oh, and I'm still setting up/cleaning up cables sooo yeeeah...

 

[Guest]

There are some low profile GT 240s available: eVGA GeForce GT240 512MB $80 and $30 rebate
It looks like they're doing really well in SC2 and that is a really nice price.

And there is supposed to be a HD 5670 low profile on it's way to market but I didn't find anywhere it was available for sale: MSI R5670-PD512 HD 5670 low profile
It kinda looks like it might be wider than the usual single slot video card.
http://eu.msi.com/uploads/5_pictures/five_pictures5_20100720172329.jpg


And if you do opt for a more powerful TFX PSU there are some 9800GT low profile cards: SPARKLE GeForce 9800 GT
This is also a wider than single slot video card.

I totally reviewed that card And i really like it!

 

[Guest]

...yeah I really need to cleanup the cables lol

 

[WR2]

I had a lot of hope for Hybrid Crossfire early on. I was thinking at least you'd have the option of the big GPU powering down when not needed and then the hybrid boost when doing some thing 3D like gaming. It just never worked out since the only cards that work with Hybrid CF aren't ones you'd pick for anything other than very light gaming.

The best hybrid CrossfireX combo (HD 4250 + HD 4350) cant touch the 3D gaming performance of even a HD 4550 let alone a HD 4650 or better GPUs.

 

[False_Dmitry_II]

Like some laptops do with their IGP and discrete cards? That could be cool I suppose.

 

[WR2]

AMD/ATI haven't even updated it's CrossfireX Combination Options Chart with the 785G chipset.

http://game.amd.com/us-en/content/images/crossfirex/CF_combo_chart.jpg

 

[Guest]

Okay, new mobo incomming!
Check this out...
http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=15176&sku=M452-6090&srkey=MSI%20890GXM-G65
and I can still upgrade GPU to full crossfire and I believe an SLI combo.
I also can keep my memory, CPU, and all other stuff.
What do you think?
What type of PSU upgrade should I go with??

 

[False_Dmitry_II]

Not SLI only crossfire.

You've got a sort of specialty size PSU in that thing. The biggest they come in is 300 watt. I don't think there are two cards with crossfire that you'd want to bother crossfiring that can fit in that power size. That's why I said to go with a diff case.

 

[jaydoubledub]

Yeah... I'm getting really tired of having to re-register every 48 hours.... Where's my confirmation email????

ANYWAYS, I really like the case I picked, but, the PSU thing seems like it is going to end up being an issue. I planned on changing the case, when I upgrade/add more GPUs. I just haven't found one that I really like yet.

I know this is a noob question, but, how do i go about calculating power reqs for the entire system?

 

[WR2]

Looks like a pretty nice motherboard. MSI 890GXM-G65 review

There are ALWAYS issues with small form factor (SFF) builds. Like heat build up in OC'd CPUs and use of gaming video cards with weak PSUs.

There are online 'PSU calculators' that let you get a rough idea of what size PSU is appropriate by plugging in your individual parts you'll be using. It's not the easiest thing to understand, some of those options aren't all that clear or easy to understand what the categories mean. It's still better than using a dart board like some people seem to do.
Of course it's a generic recommendation, and you have to consider other factors such as PSU quality too.
In larger desktop builds we can just toss a larger than required PSU at a problem build to cover some unknown or unusual condition. Not an option for a lot of SFF builds.

 

[jaydoubledub]

Awesome! Thanks WR2!
I used that calculator and went a bit overboard with specs. Meaning that I put "high-end desktop" for mobo. And I even put 6 USB devices (I don't even have 6 usb devices lol). For my GPU I used Radeon HD 4650, with Crossfire selected. That and all the other selections made the minimum at 252w and rec'd at 307w.
.......
Ah, I see what everyone was talking about power now.... I plugged in a QuadCore setup, with some HD5750's (XF) and rec PSU was above 400w. Something like that setup is what I wanna work up to, eventually.

Thanks again for the info. I see now that I am not a "Rig Master" yet. hahaha!
Onward with the case search!

 

[False_Dmitry_II]

Do you already have that case? If not I'd say to find a case that can fit all the space, temperature and power requirements of what you need to do eventually. Instead of replacing power supplies and whatnot.

 

[jaydoubledub]

Yeah, I already have the case. I am kinda thinking along the same lines as you are. I am trying to plan ahead so I don't have a huge hassle to deal with later on.

 

[shovenose]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144231
small case, but it takes a full sized psu (replace the one that comes with it, its crap)

 

[jaydoubledub]

I've seen that case before. Its a bit bigger than I expected. I like how much airflow it has though. I think it is sold at Fry's. I will probably check it out again when I get back Tuesday.

 

[shovenose]

btw the r101-p-bk and the r102-p-bk have the same metal body. the only difference is that the 102 has a different front.

 

[False_Dmitry_II]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119195&cm_re=elite_360-_-11-119-195-_-Product

That's the one I was talking about earlier. When I got it it was $30 at microcenter, and comes without a power supply, so you can just put a beefy enough one in there.

 

[jaydoubledub]

hmmm thanks for the 411 shovenose!
I looked at it and yea, it has a lot of cooling lol... I am just really looking for something a little more modern. I think that's the right word. Like, something discrete and not so "traditional" computer looking ya know?

 

[jaydoubledub]

I had a lot of hope for Hybrid Crossfire early on. I was thinking at least you'd have the option of the big GPU powering down when not needed and then the hybrid boost when doing some thing 3D like gaming. It just never worked out since the only cards that work with Hybrid CF aren't ones you'd pick for anything other than very light gaming.

The best hybrid CrossfireX combo (HD 4250 + HD 4350) cant touch the 3D gaming performance of even a HD 4550 let alone a HD 4650 or better GPUs.

Yeah I totally changed my mobo. I looked into what you said and I was a little bummed. you're dead on though! I found a NICE AMD mobo with full crossfire support though and now it's a case race for the best one to fit the look that I want.

 

[jaydoubledub]

I was more asking why that site in particular. It's not one I would particularly think of to go to for component level stuff.

You still can RMA stuff to a manufacturer after something like ebay, you just don't have the 30 days return to store thing. As long as the guy sending the part isn't stupid it should survive shipping just fine, and since it is used you know it will work since it has been for however long they've had it. The only real worry would be the possibility of them lying about their item, but nobody really gets away with that without negative feedback and then paypal taking back the money.

I've bought and sold many a time random parts, it's worked like a charm every time. A few times I sell something for more than I originally paid for it which is always funny.

HAHA! now that's fresh! I am on the prowl for GPU's now. I'm almost to the end on my case hunt and the next, impatient thing to do is look for GPU's. Ultimately, I am leaning towards a pair of 5750's..... I think I can give Ebay a quick gander.

 

[jaydoubledub]

Okay, here’s the setup:

CPU-http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=A79-0250
Mobo-http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=M452-6090
Mem (4gigs for mow)- http://www.circuitcity.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=P33-6095
Case- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163112
PSU- http://www.coolermaster.com/product.php?product_id=3738

GPU- I haven’t purchased my additional GPU card(s) yet, but, I want to eventually have a pair of HD5750’s or at least HD5570’s in the box.

I ended up getting the cube case for the airflow, PSU, and ventilation.
I also have 1 internal DVDRW drive and another external. I plan on making the external into a second internal drive. I’m also planning on putting a TV/Cable tuner in the system. If space doesn’t permit then I will use a USB tuner.

So, whaddya think?

 

[WR2]

Not liking that Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500 W Power Supply (review)
Have you already bought the parts?

 

[jaydoubledub]

Hmm... yeah I have actually lol. I'm actually playing MW2, while I wait for my mobo

 

[jaydoubledub]

I briefly read the review while in Fry's, on the way home. I decided on this one because I could easily just go to Fry's and replace it if it's bad. That and I was going for the name as well :-/
I'm not too concerned about the wattage, at the moment. Only as long as it's stable until I upgrade the GPU and, in-turn, the PSU.

 

[jaydoubledub]

Yeah! Mobo just came in! About time UPS! haha!