Budget build /w bluray

[Skruch]

Hey all! Just wondering if you can help me finalize a budget pc that I'm putting together for a relative of mine.

The main purpose is for basic office/internet/email, no gaming, but since the computer is in the den with the HDTV, he also wants to hook it up via HDMI to play blu-rays.

So here's what I'm thinking:

CPU: AMD PhII X3 720 BE
RAM: 2x2GB G.Skill PC2-8500
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA78GM mATX AM2+/AM3
HDD: WD Caviar Black 640GB
Optical Drive: LG CH08-LS10 Blu-ray
PS: either the Corsair VX450 or VX550
Monitor: LG W2343-PF 23"
HDTV: I'm not sure which model specifically, but it's a Sharp Aquos 45"

Since this build is replacing his 8yr old AMD machine, I'll reuse the case, keyboard, mouse, and pc speakers.

Questions:
- Will a 450W power supply be enough since video and audio are integrated?
- Is it possible to easily switch between the audio from the HDMI and the audio from the regular 3.5mm stereo (for the computer speakers), or will there be conflicts?

I think that's about it. Would appreciate any input.

[Kilauea]

450w will be more than enough for such a build. You could easily go with a quality 400w PSU such as this Corsair, this Seasonic or even this Sparkle. Of course, the 1st 2 are the most recommended, but for your build I doubt it would matter.

May I know what case you have. It would surely be nice to switch case, keyboard and mouse. You could always get a case like this Antec with an included PSU.

I am pretty sure you can switch where the sound outputs to without much problem.

[JD]

In Vista/7 is easy to switch between what you want the default audio device to be. In XP it's a bit more cumbersome IMO but still it's doable.

I'd suggest dropping down to the Athlon II X2 250 since you don't really need a tri-core judging by what's going to be done on the PC.

And I'd say go with the 400W Corsair. 450W at the most.

[Skruch]

I'll be installing Win7 RC1 until the full version is released. The tricore is still within budget and it'll probably bring a little bit more longevity to the system so I think I'll stick with that. The wireless keyboard and mouse combo that they have is quite good.

As for the case, that Antec case looks good and they also have a mATX version of it as well. I have no idea what the current case is, but now that I think about it, it would be nice to upgrade it.

380W is kind of cutting it close isn't it?

[Arinoth]

Originally Posted by jdrom17

In Vista/7 is easy to switch between what you want the default audio device to be. In XP it's a bit more cumbersome IMO but still it's doable.

And I'd say go with the 400W Corsair. 450W at the most.

+1 to both these comments, Vista/7 gives you a very easy audio out/in that is accessible straight from the volume control icon in the task bar

[JD]

Originally Posted by Skruch

As for the case, that Antec case looks good and they also have a mATX version of it as well. I have no idea what the current case is, but now that I think about it, it would be nice to upgrade it.

380W is kind of cutting it close isn't it?

Not really.

I use the Antec 380W EarthWatts (same PSU used in the case I believe) in my HTPC. That runs a X2 4400+ (s939, so 125W CPU I believe?), and I had a 7900GTO in it as well. No issues what so ever.

[Skruch]

Yeah, I realized that was a bit of a stupid question after I posted that. But a friend of mine recommended the Corsair cx400, so I got that with a Coolermaster Elite RC-330 case. Just placed the order... I love NCIX pricematching! Thanks a lot for the help!

[Silvgearx]

a 300W psu would be able to handle that system

[Evylldemon]

Originally Posted by Skruch

Yeah, I realized that was a bit of a stupid question after I posted that. But a friend of mine recommended the Corsair cx400, so I got that with a Coolermaster Elite RC-330 case. Just placed the order... I love NCIX pricematching! Thanks a lot for the help!

good call. Better case, better PSU. I still think you should get a dedicated video card but that's because I think a computer that is used for anything but gaming is blasphemy.