250 watt CPU ok for a beginner ??

BruceG · **31st July 2008, 02:39 PM**

I am thinking of gutting my 6 yo ATX PC, and converting it to a 'prototype' HTPC, hoping to use the existing case and PSU (250 watt), as well as DVD burner.

Have not yet decided what new mo, CPU, etc. to get, but they will be good enough to do all the usual (web browsing, DVD, record free-to-air, etc) {Plan to buy a Samsung Series 7 40", with ethernet inlet, etc.)

But .......................... at this point I want to merely get a simple HTPC up and running to convince 'she must be obeyed' (aka the WAF) that my simple version works ok on our current CRT. (Due to recent hospital bills, I need to keep costs low). (Also, my son-in-law-to-be probably had sufficient better PC bits that I might be able to scrounge bit further down the track).

So --------------- in terms of a simple HTPC, will a 250 watt CPU be ok to begin with ???.

Thoughts appreciated. Thanks

Bruce G

aanda6 · **31st July 2008, 02:47 PM**

I do not know what the power supply is, but I think you will find that the connections on new motherboards are different than on an ATX.

TheRob · **31st July 2008, 02:58 PM**

The 250W power supply (not CPU as your heading suggests

) will be plenty with if you use a low power CPU, mobo with on-board graphics and a single hard drive.

Your biggest problem will probably be getting the right output to connect to your CRT. If it doesn't have a computer VGA input then you'll need a graphics solution which supports component out or s-video, whichever your TV supports. Quality will be lower with s-video. Some mobo do come with this option, but you may need to have a separate graphics card - more power but you should still be OK.

Before you go down the 'simple' starter route it's worth considering that the majority of problems with HTPCs seem to come from using older pre-Vista hardware. Drivers may not be up to scratch, and this can give you all sorts of headaches.

If you're after WAF, then having a box that stutters and freezes or produces a picture that looks like sh!t won't help. Indeed it might turn SWMBO right off the media centre experience entirely.

So just be careful what you 'economise' on. The PSU is one thing, but other bits like the tuner, and even having a quiet case and fans, will be critical to the overall experience.

Good luck.

TheRob · **31st July 2008, 02:59 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aanda6

I do not know what the power supply is, but I think you will find that the connections on new motherboards are different than on an ATX.

Yes. Good point. You'll definately need to check this out too.

BruceG · **31st July 2008, 03:21 PM**

Thanks folks, and well-spotted TheRob.

I wasn't minding my P's and C's ... and S's.

All of Your points are well taken.

If I factor-in a possible free/new/bigger PSU (say again, PSU) from the son-in-law-to-be (I mentioned ho$pital bill$, and forgot about the fa$t-approaching wedding, and our contribution to it!), that only basic key bit missing will be the case. ..................... Now, if s i-l 2b 'happened' to buy a PSU and case, my beloved may not smell the conspiracy. Hmmnnn !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ....................... .

Looks like a conspiratorionial way forward after all.

BladeRoNNeR · **31st July 2008, 08:03 PM**

Yeah it does depend on what you are running, but basic PCs dont need much wattage. If you are unsure then you can always try one of the online PSU calculators. This is one.

Basic PSU if you need more don't cost much at all these days, maybe 30-40 bucks for a 350watt. Maybe even cheaper if you look around

Just incase you need an ATX or AT PSU depending on your system.