Hi all, First post having lurker for quite a long time. I'm going to be buying a new system after Christmas, and am currently exploring the options. Essentially, I'm looking at the system initially being used as an HTPC/Gaming rig, with later demotion to HTPC/server duties when/if I decide to invest in Core i7. As such, the key requirements for this system are: Low Power Good FPS at 1680x1050 1080p video Underclockability (for future server duties) Obviously being able to game at decent FPS means it'll be able to handle HD video, but I need to bear in mind my intended upgrade path - when buying into another platform, I would prefer just to take the GPU out of this system and drop it into the new system, leaving this proposed box running just on the IGP. Alternatively, purchasing a low-end GPU would be an option in the future. So, my proposed spec: Mobo GA-MA78GM-S2H CPU X2 4850e RAM Corsair (2x2GB) TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400CAS 5-5-5-18 PSU 380W Antec Earthwatts (incl in case) Cooler Scythe Mini Ninja Case NSK 2480-UK GPU 1GB Asus HD4870, 3600MHz GDDR5, GPU 750MHz HDD1 WD1600BEKT Scorpio Black HDD2 HD103UJ 1Tb ODD Samsung SH-S223F/BEBE 22x DVD±R SATA BDD LG GGC-H20L Lightscribe SATA 16xDVD±R, READS Blu-Ray & HD DVD OS Primarily Linux (MythTV), booting into Vista-64 for gaming. When demoted to Server, most likely I'll switch to FreeNAS with MythTV on top Does anyone have any thoughts on this system individually, and my intended upgrade path? Thanks for anything you throw my way!
This rig is very similar to mine, Except ive gone the Intel route. The case is of excellent build and is nice and silent. The mini Ninja will keep any mid-high range cpu cool with little stress. I have a E5200 @ 3.5 which i run completely passive. I only have on fan in my system and that runs at 800rpm. Either way even under a gaming session it doe not have any issues. Ive been tempted to get a 4870 recently and ive been closely paying attention to its dimensions. The length of the card scares me as its 24cm long and the limit of the case within the mobo compartment is 24.5-ish give or take alittle. It will fit but at a squeeze with the PCI-E power connectors. TBH i don;t think the 380w earthwats PSU will cut it for the gfx card. As the wattage is too low IMHO. You can now get the new Corsair 450w modular PSU on sale now and that looks perfect for systems like ours. Taking the gfx card into account. TBH I would you rather go for a Intel based rig simply because It will run cooler and faster than most AMD rigs, not to mention will get better FPS in games. My rig is built purely for Silence and gaming in mind, I know you have a different path but the extra power required by the gfx card will require a better PSU. EDIT: Oh BTW the case gets DAMN heavy when fully loaded.
Thanks for your reply atanum141, good to know there's someone else with very similar goals in mind, and a successful build. Cheers for pointing out the PSU issues, I hadn't actually considered them properly. Fortunately, I've got an old Seasonic S12-550 around the place, so will test both that and the Earthwatts 380 for stability, cooling and noise when I pull the trigger, and see what suits my circumstances best. Can I ask what board you're using then? Given my option to just change the GPU later, I'm revising my decisions based on the IGP - I don't think this is such a major requirement anymore. So additional requirements are: - As many internal SATA ports as possible (server expansion plans, not in this Antec case!) - 1x eSATA backport - 1x Firewire backport - 1x SP/DIF (optical or coax) backport - Gb Ethernet Cheers.
I have a Gigabyte G33-DS2R(There's a HUGE thread about it on Hard OCP Forums) It is a older board sinse the P45 mATX have released its somewhat dated. That being said The G44/5 boards are excellent bit of kit. They usually come with 6-8 SATA's(or more). Gb Ethernet and some Sort of HD Audio sinse its an Intel chipset. Also the newer chipsets do have eSATA on the back port but it depends on which flavour of boards you choose to get. The only thing im not sure of is the Firewire as it seems to be a dieing trend of having that on a PC mobo with 10+ USB ports.
