Hello everyone, looking to get some input/opinions on an old pc of mine. I had acquired this pc a few months back from a friend. More recently, i've had issues with it working properly (random blue screen), but i think i got everything working now. A system restore in windows seemed to have fixed whatever issue was going on.
Anyways, now that i believe it's working again, i would like to look into turning it into an htpc setup, for various media viewing. Just, i guess i am having the trouble first of all figuring out if this pc is worth turning into a media center pc or not. What are some minimum or required specs needed for a pc to be considered an 'htpc'? could any pc become an htpc? What are some recommended parts for one? I've yet to find any decent guides on the subject matter..
So that's why I ask the member's of tom's hardware. Is this pc good enough to be htpc-worthy? What could be done/modified?
here's my motherboard:
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M4A785M/
and here is the cpu that's in the board now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244
seems pretty good, though perhaps overkill for a build like this? not sure..
I also have this cpu in storage, and looks like its compatible with this board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103212
Right now, it has 2gb of 667 mhz ddr2 ram, and a measly 240-250w power supply. not sure, but looks like a generic psu. so, least i know that has to go.
My friend also gave me a low profile gpu: an msi radeon hd 6450 card, that has 2gb ddr3 ram.
So what i'm looking insight for:
of the two cpus mentioned, should i stick with the phenom quad core, or downgrade to the dual core? as mentioned, feel the phenom is overkill for just at most playing videos, but i could be wrong. Also, suppose for overall heat, the athlon would be preferred there..
the ram- upgrade sometime? or would 2gbs be fine? what about the 667mhz speed? from what i can tell, ddr2 ram is awfully expensive... guessing because it's no longer made? -shrug-
the gpu ok? if i'm going to be doing ANY gaming, its going to be like retro emulators, about it. I already have a gaming pc for the heavier stuff.
other notes-
the o.s. is win 7. ultimate 32 bit.
Just bought a logitech wireless keyboard/mouse all in one, mainly for this build.
Finally, given that this was a free pc to mess around with, i'm trying to be as frugal as humanly possible with it. lol so, i'd say a budget is $150, at most. If it appears it's just not worth upgrading this pc as is, i'll probably just keep it as a test rig still, or donate it somewhere.
What i'd like to upgrade- the case (have an old, bulky case that will just not do as an htpc!), ram if needed, and guaranteed the power supply!
Let me know what you think!
Brian H.
Anyways, now that i believe it's working again, i would like to look into turning it into an htpc setup, for various media viewing. Just, i guess i am having the trouble first of all figuring out if this pc is worth turning into a media center pc or not. What are some minimum or required specs needed for a pc to be considered an 'htpc'? could any pc become an htpc? What are some recommended parts for one? I've yet to find any decent guides on the subject matter..
So that's why I ask the member's of tom's hardware. Is this pc good enough to be htpc-worthy? What could be done/modified?
here's my motherboard:
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M4A785M/
and here is the cpu that's in the board now:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244
seems pretty good, though perhaps overkill for a build like this? not sure..
I also have this cpu in storage, and looks like its compatible with this board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103212
Right now, it has 2gb of 667 mhz ddr2 ram, and a measly 240-250w power supply. not sure, but looks like a generic psu. so, least i know that has to go.
My friend also gave me a low profile gpu: an msi radeon hd 6450 card, that has 2gb ddr3 ram.
So what i'm looking insight for:
of the two cpus mentioned, should i stick with the phenom quad core, or downgrade to the dual core? as mentioned, feel the phenom is overkill for just at most playing videos, but i could be wrong. Also, suppose for overall heat, the athlon would be preferred there..
the ram- upgrade sometime? or would 2gbs be fine? what about the 667mhz speed? from what i can tell, ddr2 ram is awfully expensive... guessing because it's no longer made? -shrug-
the gpu ok? if i'm going to be doing ANY gaming, its going to be like retro emulators, about it. I already have a gaming pc for the heavier stuff.
other notes-
the o.s. is win 7. ultimate 32 bit.
Just bought a logitech wireless keyboard/mouse all in one, mainly for this build.
Finally, given that this was a free pc to mess around with, i'm trying to be as frugal as humanly possible with it. lol so, i'd say a budget is $150, at most. If it appears it's just not worth upgrading this pc as is, i'll probably just keep it as a test rig still, or donate it somewhere.
What i'd like to upgrade- the case (have an old, bulky case that will just not do as an htpc!), ram if needed, and guaranteed the power supply!
Let me know what you think!
Brian H.
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