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HTPC upgrade build

  • 29-01-2018 03:00PM
    #1
    Wheeker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 254 ✭✭


    1. What is your budget? €500 - €600

    2. What will be the main purpose of the computer? HTPC (Saorview/FreeSat/Torrents/Spotify etc)

    3. Do you need a copy of Windows? No

    4. Can you use any parts from an old computer? Case/SSD/2x Hard Drives/DVD Drive/2x TV Tuner cards (Blackgold BGT3540 & TBS 6981)/[Asus R7-240 Graphics Card (on-board video will prob be better)]

    5. Do you need a monitor? No

    5b. If no, what resolution is your current monitor and do you plan to upgrade in the near future? 1920x1080. No plans.

    6. Do you need any of these peripherals? [Keyboard/Mouse/Wireless Card/Card Reader/Speakers/etc.] No

    7. Are you willing to try overclocking? No

    8. How can you pay? Debit Card or Bank Transfer

    9. When are you purchasing? In 7-10 days

    10. If you need help building it, where are you based? South Dublin City

    So I'm going to strip-down my old Sony Vaio VGX-XL201 & reutilise the case, as per this project: https://sites.google.com/site/vaioxlgroup/tutorials/vgx-xl-redux-project-by-sinful. I am getting custom cables & back-plate made-up for me.

    This is my first build so bear with me :o. Here's my first attempt at a parts list: https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/DXKnm8.

    CPU- an i3? 8th Gen/Coffee Lake? This comes with a stock cooler, so I presume I won’t need the Noctua NH-L12S cooler, unless stock isn't low-profile enough.

    MB- has to be Micro-ATX. Connected to 5.1 Home Cinema system so I would like good Audio Codecs & need both Analogue & Digital Audio outputs (i.e. Line Out audio output as well as HDMI or Spdif). Onboard graphics capable of 4k Video would be good for future-proofing if/when I upgrade my TV.

    RAM- DDR4? Presume should be 8Gb at least, is it best to get 1x8Gb or 2x4Gb? What speed should I go for- the fastest the MB can support or would slower/cheaper be acceptable?

    PSU- has to be a TFX PSU (the only form factor that will fit). The BeQuiet seems to have the right dimensions to fit the case, is 300W & Gold rated, so presumably this is ok? I can get cable extensions separately.

    Any advice gratefully received :)


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