MOBO 'chosen' - what next (Chicken and Egg)!

[BruceG]

Folks

Once a mobo has been chosen, what is the best way to choose the CPU, etc. ??

If the CPU chosen first, then what mobo should be chosen. ??


I have ready so many posts on members choices, I still remain confused.

Is there a simple template which shows we new users a priority list to follow:

1) Decide needs (music, DVD, internet, games, bluray, etc, etc)

1.1) if building for LCD/Plasma, decide HTPC needs for it.

2) Decide Case form factor (mATX, ATX, etc)

3) decide Intel or AMD, etc

4) decide software (XP or Vista, and then which version of Vista)

5) decide mobo (then CPU)

6) decide CPU (then mobo)

7) etc., etc.

ALL SUGGESTIONS to my dilema, and probably the dilema of others, most welcome.

Perhaps all suggestions c0ould become a STICKY ???


Thanks

BruceG

PS: What did come first, the chickin or the egg. I am too scared to cross the road to find out. Does that make me a HTPC chicken?

[bobafett_h]

Your list of steps seems about right for deciding the parts to go into a system. You always have to determine your wants and needs with the system first. What will the system be used for, where will it be situated and how well do you want to run the applications you require?

For most desktops where performance computing or gaming is sought after, the CPU or video card options are usually thought about first with a board chosen later that will keep all of the parts together and working stable. I would say that this is fine for these kinds of systems, but HTPCs are not so dependent on their CPU and video requirements so other parts should be the priority. You also need to think about what other components your computer will be connecting to such as screens and sound systems.

The motherboard is one of the most important parts of any computer, but is not usually thought about enough when people plan a system to build. Most modern HTPC targeted boards will have adequate connections for modern LCD and Plasma screens, but if you are using an older TV that perhaps has component as it's best out put, then you would need to look for an older board with such outputs, or a newer board and dedicated video card that supports component/s-video/composite output. Sound needs to be thought about too, but is usually a bit easier as SPDIF and analogue connections have been fairly standard for a few years.

The case should be thought about around the same time as this is what needs WAF and has to fit in with your furniture and room. The case also has to be able to fit the chosen motherboard into it or vice versa if the case is chosen before the board. The case also needs to be able to handle any and all storage you plan to include with it. Obviously they will need to support at least one hard drive and an optical drive (unless you prefer not to use physical media and just play all your movies and music from a hard drive) but if you wish to add more drives for storage or extra optical drives, you will need to make sure the case has enough free bays.

Chose the CPU after the motherboard. Most of the good HTPC suited chipsets at the moment are for AM2 CPUs, but the G45 from Intel is still pretty decent. You just need to decide what you prefer. The 45nm CPUs from Intel (such as the E7200) perform great and have lower power usage and don't generate a lot of heat. AMD's current range is a little cheaper but they only have a few models that are good for their heat and power consumption. The 4850e is a very good one for HTPCs, but some of the lower end Phenoms such as the triple core 8450 is good too. Low heat and power usages are always a plus.

The hard drives and optical drive are fairly easy pick. Either just go for a Blu-ray drive or DVD drive. 500GB and 1TB drives are good to go for if you plan to have all of your media files stored on the computer, or just a small drive for the OS and other software if you plan to stream it all. But try to avoid drives that run hot or are excessively loud unless you have a larger than normal case with great cooling.

In regards to OS, unless you already have a copy of XP Media Centre Edition or know where you can get one, then you are pretty much limited to Vista Home Premium or Ultimate if you want to use Microsoft's Media Centre software now since XP has been pulled from normal retail sale. And the 64 bit versions are only really useful if you have 4Gb of RAM or more.

[BruceG]

Bobaffet_h

What - more reading to do !

But seriously - thanks for your reply.

Certainly had forgot about the WAF factor - a key ingredient to a successful HTPC build, not to mention a successful marriage.

And, as my wife once told me, I NEVER did get that multi-function remote control going 'properly'.


BruceG

[wineds]

Lots of good stuff here too Bruce http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940972

Might need to register to get all the pics though.

[andczo]

My process is much simpler.... open pocket and see how much is left....
The get best bag for buck and make sure you have somewhere to go with it in the future... i.e. easily upgradable!