Building my HTPC and the adventure that goes along with it

[storm-chaser]

My first post was somehow lost in the shuffle while the forum was offline so here we go again.

I already have a thread going on this build over in the Intel CPU section but since the build itself has changed dynamics I figured I'd repost here where it belongs and clarify my response. So far, this is where we are at:

-CPU upgrade: Upgrade from the stock Pentium E5800 to a Core 2 Extreme QX6850
This involved getting a custom BIOS made to remove the CPU blacklist

-Video card upgrade: We went from the stock Intel X3100 graphics to a Radeon HD 6450 with 1Gb onboard memory
This will allow me to run some of the older games and also allow support for dual monitors

-Memory upgrade: Corsair XMS3 4Gb kit, DDR3 1066 timings of 7-7-7-20

-Hard drive upgrade: Ditched the mechanical drive for an 80GB Intel SSD

-Last item on the list is going to be a CPU cooler upgrade. I've chosen the Reeven "Brontes" a 100mm low profile cooler that should provide enough cooling for the beast of a CPU known as the QX6850


So we are nearly there. I will update this thread with more pictures and data as the build takes shape. Stay tuned!

Here is the new CPU cooler...

 

[storm-chaser]

 

[storm-chaser]

Finishing up the project. I set aside time to get the CPU cooler dialed in so that's what I did.

Involved taking the motherboard out for a second but nothing major - installation was pretty straightforward.

Next step involves getting a DVI to VGA splitter to so I can get dual monitors working with my HD 6460 1GB.


Enjoy some pictures

 

[Alaric]

Will the 1 GB card be enough for streaming to two monitors? (asks the guy with a 2 GB card in a streaming rig. LOL)

 

[storm-chaser]

Will the 1 GB card be enough for streaming to two monitors? (asks the guy with a 2 GB card in a streaming rig. LOL)

Not looking for any ultra high streaming quality so it should be good enough or at least that's the hope (not to mention I only have VGA monitors coupled to this system). The video card was $15 IIRC with shipping included... combined with a $20 SSD and $40 CPU it's made for one economical build.

EDIT: You might notice I have the cooler reversed 180*, this is to leave the overlapping part over the VRM area in an effort to get some cross flow and help keep those things cool. Need I all I can do to keep the heat away since this is a 130W TDP CPU.

 

[Alaric]

Yeah, I have a 1045T and 4 GB of DDR 3 in my bedroom rig for streaming, with a R7 240. I'm all about the budget movies. LOL I can stream from my do-everything rig, which has movies, a TV tuner, etc. in it.

 

[habbajabba]

The work laptop runs @ 4Ghz ? Interesting.

 

[storm-chaser]

The work laptop runs @ 4Ghz ? Interesting.

Only for benching or specialized work

I run 3.4Ghz or 3.6Ghz for 24/7 use.

I was contemplating the 1066Mhz FSB mod but the x9000 was cheap so I just stuck with it.

EDIT: Here it is at the 4.2Ghz mark (recent development)