Cheapie Build

[MaxPayne]

Haven't posted since the fall since putting together my first midrange E8400/P5Q-E rig (which is a beaut, and still going strong :D), but I've now got another build in mind for a family member. They're going to be using it for the basics - internet, Word, organizing photos, etc. - so this thing won't need any real firepower. I've budgeted about $500 CDN dollars, so the only real requirements that it be small form factor. Browsing around, I've been thinking about going along the HTPC route centred around the Antec Minuet 350. Possible build so far:

CPU: Intel Dual Core E5200 ~$84
RAM: Mushkin EM PC2-6400 4GB ~$61
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-EG31-ES2L mATX ~$60
GPU: Powercolor HD 4650 Low Profile ~$71
HDD: WD Caviar SE16 640GB ~$78
CASE: Antec Minuet 350 mATX ~$121
DVD: LG GH22NS30 DVD-Burner ~$26

It comes out to ~$580 with accessories (keyboard, mouse, etc), shipping, and price matching.
If anyone has any experience with the Minuet, is the stock cooling (HS, fans, etc) sufficient to keep it cool, and is it quiet?
The HD 4650 seems a bit overkill, but I'd rather have something capable of some minor gaming if the opportunity came up. Any idea how far the E5200 can be overclocked on stock air cooling with small form factor?

Any suggested changes?

Thanks!
MP

[ImmaPC]

That's a solid build you have there, the only thing I would change is bump up the 4650 to a 4670. It's roughly equal or better than a 9600GT and will do you justice. The 4650 is not overkill, and "light" gaming nowadays is almost nonexistent (unless you mean like playing Halo or CS).

Apparently some boob on the NCIX forums managed to get his to 4GHZ on the EG31M-S2 or something like that, it was like an early version of the board you have now. If you want to OC yours, just pick up a Vendetta II, they're prety cheap, only like $30 or so.

[Realityshift]

The E5200 has been overclocked to 4ghz on a G31 motherboard so you should have plenty of potential =)

Imma, try and find a low profile 4670 on NCIX and maybe hed buy one ;) Im really not to sure about a V2 fitting inside the minute case, but you should be able to hit 3.4ghz or so on stock cooling or just under. I wouldnt really overclock to extremely in a HTPC case though, Id aim for 3.2ghz and be happy with it.

[ImmaPC]

Right, right right lol sorry, major F**k up on my part for 2 reasons: The case is Low Profile, and there are no low profile 4670's. Although, there's the Low Profile 9800GT (ironically), and then there's multiple low-profile 9600GT's. which aren't that bad, and can totally do some light gaming at any point.

I just realized that I messed up again in advising the OP get the Vendetta II, becuase it's a low profile case. Damn, I'm an idiot.

[Realityshift]

Its ok imma, not the normal build we've been seeing the last while, I agree the 9800GT LP would be pretty sweet but from the OPs originall post it really doesnt sound like this builds meant for much gaming so the 4650 will probubly be fine, the 9600/9800s are pretty expensive. Otherwise normally id agree with you, you can get a 4670 for the same price as his 4650 =P

[MaxPayne]

Thanks for all the input guys!

I'm totally with you Imma - I'd love to toss a better card in especially given some of the price points - but unfortunately there's some size constraints. Would a 9600GT LP be a noticeable step up over the 4650, since the 9600GT isn't too far off the price of the 4650? [*UPDATE* Whoops, I just realized those Newegg prices were US dollars... I might be sticking with the 4650] When I say 'minor' gaming I'm just speaking about low-res settings on some yet to be released RTS and RPG games by a certain company, and older titles like C&C generals, etc. I could even get away with running on the integrated GPU (ugh) but I'd rather not. Heh, I've got the Vendetta II on my other rig and it's been working wonders - but I realllllly don't see it fitting in this 9.4cm tall case. Oh, and a 3.2Ghz OC sounds perfect

I'll go take a look at the NCIX thread you mentioned.

[Soultribunal]

For cooling, get something downdraft, Zalman has a lot of solutions like that, and they work wonders for what they are.
The bonus of the Downdraft as well, is they will cool all the MOFEST/VRM's around the CPU socket as well.
THat would be your best bet for it.
I don't have Small Form Factor experience so I can't suggest anything in that regard, but that does look solid.

Regards,
ST

[Dave510]

Originally Posted by MaxPayne

Thanks for all the input guys!

I'm totally with you Imma - I'd love to toss a better card in especially given some of the price points - but unfortunately there's some size constraints. Would a 9600GT LP be a noticeable step up over the 4650, since the 9600GT isn't too far off the price of the 4650? [*UPDATE* Whoops, I just realized those Newegg prices were US dollars... I might be sticking with the 4650] When I say 'minor' gaming I'm just speaking about low-res settings on some yet to be released RTS and RPG games by a certain company, and older titles like C&C generals, etc. I could even get away with running on the integrated GPU (ugh) but I'd rather not. Heh, I've got the Vendetta II on my other rig and it's been working wonders - but I realllllly don't see it fitting in this 9.4cm tall case. Oh, and a 3.2Ghz OC sounds perfect

I'll go take a look at the NCIX thread you mentioned.

Newegg.ca - DIAMOND 4770PE5512 Radeon HD 4770 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$127, very solid price card. It'll very likely be able to play Starcraft II and Diablo III. It's also very easy to overclock the card to 4850 levels (or better).

[geokilla]

Originally Posted by Dave510

Newegg.ca - DIAMOND 4770PE5512 Radeon HD 4770 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
$127, very solid price card. It'll very likely be able to play Starcraft II and Diablo III. It's also very easy to overclock the card to 4850 levels (or better).

I believe that can be had for cheaper. I recall seeing it for around $100 before.

[Realityshift]

Dave.... read the thread before you post please... hes looking for LOW PROFILE... Imma already made that mistake.

OP, you probubly would see a decently noticable return from going to a 9600GT, it will be able to run atleast sc2 and more then likely diablo. I realize what your trying to do here, and its a fun project, good luck I think youll be happy with the E5200 for this budget build =)