Hi all,
I'm looking to purchase the final components as soon as possible, but first I wanted to kindly request any recommendations or suggestions on my potential setup. Here are my requirements for this machine (in priority order):
1080p flawless playback, whether it's bluray or .mkv downloaded HD content. I want to never see a stutter again while playing (Fast forward/rewind stutter OK). Other than this requirement, not looking for a beast-of-a-machine.
Upconversion: I want to enable software upconversion to 1080p for all of my existing DVDs
Power: Lowest power consumption available while meeting performance requirements
Games: I want to be able to play games on this computer, but it's not a necessity. I don't want to play hardcore 1080p games, I just want to be able to play Call of Duty 4 at medium quality/resolution. However, I think this will have to wait with the hardware choices I made.
DVR: Eventually I'm going to get a QAM tuner hooked up. I do have free digital cable and OTA signal in my area.
HDMI: I've got a 50" Sony SXRD projection TV that will only go 1080p on an HDMI connection
Audio: No real audio requirements, I just have an old school Receiver with no digital connections.
Price: trying to save pennies anywhere possible. So far I've put together these pieces has hot deals have arrived
Overclocking: I'll certainly do some minimal overclocking for the processor, but nothing crazy.
Hardware (going to buy):
Processor: intel E7200
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel
hardware (own already)
Western Digital 500gb Caviar Sata 2
4 gigs DDR2 800 OCZ memory (I think they're 800)
Antec 430 earthwatts PSU
Old ATX case
Software: Need to do some research here, because I really don't know what is available. I have a copy of XP Media Center, that's just because like I said, I really don't know what I should be putting on here.
(Everything to be bought in USA)
Budget for motherboard/processor: ~$250, but very flexible.
So as you see, really this hardware decision has come down to motherboard and processor, although if necessary I can swap out the other parts listed if needed.
My other consideration was going the ATI 790GX route, and I really wanted to because of the built-in mid-range gaming possibilities. However, reading reviews on the processor that would top the E7200 (i believe the Phenom quad 9600(??)) consumed much more power, didn't beat the e7200 by much, and the e7200 could be overclocked to surpass it. I only read one review though. However, it is a little bit cheaper to go the AMD route. I don't know, it's a tough call.
It looks like going the intel route will require me to purchase a discrete graphics adapter in the future, but I don't mind waiting for a 8800 GT to come down to around $50-60 and pick one up.
Well, what do you think? I'll look forward to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance!
I'm looking to purchase the final components as soon as possible, but first I wanted to kindly request any recommendations or suggestions on my potential setup. Here are my requirements for this machine (in priority order):
1080p flawless playback, whether it's bluray or .mkv downloaded HD content. I want to never see a stutter again while playing (Fast forward/rewind stutter OK). Other than this requirement, not looking for a beast-of-a-machine.
Upconversion: I want to enable software upconversion to 1080p for all of my existing DVDs
Power: Lowest power consumption available while meeting performance requirements
Games: I want to be able to play games on this computer, but it's not a necessity. I don't want to play hardcore 1080p games, I just want to be able to play Call of Duty 4 at medium quality/resolution. However, I think this will have to wait with the hardware choices I made.
DVR: Eventually I'm going to get a QAM tuner hooked up. I do have free digital cable and OTA signal in my area.
HDMI: I've got a 50" Sony SXRD projection TV that will only go 1080p on an HDMI connection
Audio: No real audio requirements, I just have an old school Receiver with no digital connections.
Price: trying to save pennies anywhere possible. So far I've put together these pieces has hot deals have arrived
Overclocking: I'll certainly do some minimal overclocking for the processor, but nothing crazy.
Hardware (going to buy):
Processor: intel E7200
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel
hardware (own already)
Western Digital 500gb Caviar Sata 2
4 gigs DDR2 800 OCZ memory (I think they're 800)
Antec 430 earthwatts PSU
Old ATX case
Software: Need to do some research here, because I really don't know what is available. I have a copy of XP Media Center, that's just because like I said, I really don't know what I should be putting on here.
(Everything to be bought in USA)
Budget for motherboard/processor: ~$250, but very flexible.
So as you see, really this hardware decision has come down to motherboard and processor, although if necessary I can swap out the other parts listed if needed.
My other consideration was going the ATI 790GX route, and I really wanted to because of the built-in mid-range gaming possibilities. However, reading reviews on the processor that would top the E7200 (i believe the Phenom quad 9600(??)) consumed much more power, didn't beat the e7200 by much, and the e7200 could be overclocked to surpass it. I only read one review though. However, it is a little bit cheaper to go the AMD route. I don't know, it's a tough call.
It looks like going the intel route will require me to purchase a discrete graphics adapter in the future, but I don't mind waiting for a 8800 GT to come down to around $50-60 and pick one up.
Well, what do you think? I'll look forward to any and all suggestions. Thanks in advance!