[JackJimson]

I'm trying to finalize my build before making my purchase.
Would like your thoughts.

MOBO: Asrock Z77 Pro 4 M
CPU: Intel Core i5 3450
RAM: G.Skill RipJaws X 2x4gb ddr3 1600 CL9 (F3 12800CL9D 8GBXL)
PSU: Corsair CX 430watts (CX430)
SSD: Corsair Force 3 60gb, sata3 (CSSD-F60GB3-BK)
HDD: 500gb WDC Caviar Blue (WD5000AAKX) 16mb sata3 hdd
MONITOR: Samsung S19A100 18.5in
OS: Win 7 Home Premium OEM 64-bit

Budget: $860-900

Will Reuse/Already Purchased
CASE: NZXT (Vulcan)
GPU: GTS 250 (Will reuse old one)
*If will not work, will get a GT430
MOUSE/KB: Will use old one

The PC is a back-up rig and HTPC (Originally it was dedicated only as an HTPC). I plan on using a dual monitor set-up, one for the monitor above, another will be hooked to the TV.
Looking for best performance for price. Not really looking for a powerful build.
Any thoughts?

I'm unsure if a 430 watt PSU will be enough. Though I don't plan on overclocking this. (at least not with the current setup)

[Mjolnir]

Psu more than enough. Use the onboard graphics perhaps?

Your entire machine as is using onboard will barely pull 100 w at max load. Any reason you're spending extra on a z77 board? For a non oc chip? There's an Asrock H77M board I believe that would suit your needs fine.

[JackJimson]

Thanks for the reply.
Will the onboard graphics be good enough to outperform a discrete card?

As for the Z77 board, there no particular reason other the fact its nice to have the option open. But I will look into the H77M Board.

[Mjolnir]

For htpc work yeah. You won't really be playing any major games on it though.. maybe later on get a HD 7850 for it for gaming . Only requires a single pcie 6 pin the corsair 430 has that. Easy gaming machine!!

[Knufire]

If you just want it as an HTPC, you can get an AMD Fusion build for a good bit cheaper than that. But it locks you out of an upgrade option if you ever want it to turn it into a gamer.

[JackJimson]

Originally Posted by Mjolnir

For htpc work yeah. You won't really be playing any major games on it though.. maybe later on get a HD 7850 for it for gaming . Only requires a single pcie 6 pin the corsair 430 has that. Easy gaming machine!!

I'm seriously considering just using the integrated 2500 graphics.
I'm kinda new to using integrated graphics, I'll be download drivers from intel's website right? Any special things to consider?

Originally Posted by Knufire

If you just want it as an HTPC, you can get an AMD Fusion build for a good bit cheaper than that. But it locks you out of an upgrade option if you ever want it to turn it into a gamer.

Yeah, I also considered AMD, but I find their processing power to be lacking. But since I waited for Ivy before building this, might as well Also the rig will serve more than a HTPC device.