I'm planning on upgrading the GPU and CPU on my HTPC so I can use it for gaming on a 1080p plasma TV. Here are the current specs:
CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50GHz LGA775
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA775
Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps
Memory: A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC17 SST-LC17B ATX
Optical drive: LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner
OS: Windows 7 RC
My plan is to get a HD 7850 2GB and replace the E5200 with a Q8300. I realize the quad processor and 7850 (rather than 650 Ti) is a bit overkill, but I want this system to last me at least another 2 years, preferably longer.
My main questions are about the CPU. I'm wondering if that's the right one to go with and whether I can get by with the stock cooler if I don't plan on overclocking. I'm assuming my 450W power supply can handle this upgrade, but wanted to confirm that.
My budget is $250. I posted here about a month ago about my upgrade plans and got great advice, but now that I'm about to buy the parts I wanted to make sure these parts will work with my setup.
CPU: Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50GHz LGA775
CPU Cooler: Stock cooler
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA775
Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4670 GDDR4 512MB
HDD: Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB SATA 3.0Gbps
Memory: A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K
PSU: Corsair VX450W CMPSU-450VX 450W
Case: SilverStone Lascala LC17 SST-LC17B ATX
Optical drive: LG Black Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner
OS: Windows 7 RC
My plan is to get a HD 7850 2GB and replace the E5200 with a Q8300. I realize the quad processor and 7850 (rather than 650 Ti) is a bit overkill, but I want this system to last me at least another 2 years, preferably longer.
My main questions are about the CPU. I'm wondering if that's the right one to go with and whether I can get by with the stock cooler if I don't plan on overclocking. I'm assuming my 450W power supply can handle this upgrade, but wanted to confirm that.
My budget is $250. I posted here about a month ago about my upgrade plans and got great advice, but now that I'm about to buy the parts I wanted to make sure these parts will work with my setup.