Small HTPC?

[Spit-wad]

gotcha, thanks for the quick responses.

last question probably... this cpu compared to the 4850e? Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e Brisbane 2.6GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

seems like just $6 extra for 2.6 vs. 2.5... which would be a better choice?

 

[Puddle Jumper]

The extra 100mhz won't make a noticeable difference in performance so I would stick with the 4850e.

There was a 2400 in that sentence too...

But I was actually talking about the Avivo HD technology...weren't they implemented with the 2400/2600? Hence why I mentioned them...

Sorry, I misunderstood you.

 

[hikaricloud]

Sorry, I misunderstood you.

It's all good.

And yeah, the 4850e will be plenty. You could get the next step up if you wanted, but you really won't notice much difference.

 

[Spit-wad]

what's the diff between itx and micro atx? why is itx a no-no?

 

[hikaricloud]

Different form factor, ITX cases need ITX motherboards, they are for super small computers. Micro ATX is probably too big for that case.

I honestly think the Apex I linked you to will serve you well, it's decently small too.

 

[Spit-wad]

Baez, you have the Apex? Most of the reviews (I know Newegg reviews are bad or w/e, but I can't ignore them) say the case fan is really loud. Also how's the spring for the front drive bay? Is it really cheap?

I also read that it only comes with one sata power connector... does this mean I need to add something else to have the HDD and DVD drive?

 

[Baez]

I've used that Apex in over 100 budget builds for clients spit. Not a single one has failed me. I've never had that with any other case. Maybe it's just rediculous luck but with that many I feel more inclined to say it's quality.

 

[Spit-wad]

Good enough for me - what about the sata power connection question?

 

[Baez]

Sorry was away the last couple days. Almost all motherboards come with 1 Molex to SATA power adapter so you should be fine.

 

[Spit-wad]

thanks, and no problem... I decided to tell my mom about it instead of making it a surprise and she was pretty convinced that she didn't want it lol... at least I didn't waste money.