Need to build a super budget htpc

[stevo1210]

I want to build a super dooper budget HTPC from rummaging around with whatever shit I have here. The only "new" thing I will get is a desktop case (the type where you pop the monitor on top) and that's it.
Only problem is that they only take mATX boards and not ATX boards, so I'll probably need a second hand one of those things too.
So far I have...

* An Intel P4 775 3.6GHz CPU 2MB 800MHz FSB & L2 cache I think it is. Supports 64 bit codes if I am not mistaken.
* 1.5GB of DDR400 RAM
* A HIS dual slotted HD4670 AGP 1GB graphics card
* LG Blu-Ray & HD-DVD drive combo thing
* Creative X-Fi sound card
* 200GB Seagate ATA HDD

Now to the board... as you can see, I'm stuck with AGP and DDR400 so I'll have to find an AGP/775 board. Tossing around VIA or SiS chipsets...

VIA or SiS? Gigabyte or Asus?

[stevo1210]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

Three board models I am considering... cost is $55 each.

Gigabyte GA-8I865GME-775
Foxconn P4M800P7MB-RS2H
Gigbyte GA-8S661FXM-775

[ncovert]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

Okay, I found a decent combo deal on Newegg (shortened with Bitly)
http://******/yL3Cih

This is good if you're looking to build with newer components

[Scenic]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

ASRock 775i65G or 775i65GV. Socket 775, AGP, DDR-RAM, µATX.

The 775i65G Rev. 2.x supports Core 2 based CPUs as well, which is unique to this board because it uses the i865G Pentium4 chipset which pre-dates all Core 2 CPUs by a couple years..

I could look around locally to get one cheap. Shipping would be ~20aud with DHL

[Newbie2]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

ncovert, stevo1210's in Australia. Newegg does not ship out to Down Under, plus stevo1210's looking at reusing as many older parts as he can.

stevo1210, out of the three motherboards that you listed, I would strongly recommend the Gigabyte GA-8I865GME-775. You want to stick to an Intel chipset, since VIA and SiS chipsets are just downright horrible (from my experience with them on ECS/PCCHIPS motherboards)

[ncovert]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

ncovert, stevo1210's in Australia. Newegg does not ship out to Down Under, plus stevo1210's looking at reusing as many older parts as he can.

stevo1210, out of the three motherboards that you listed, I would strongly recommend the Gigabyte GA-8I865GME-775. You want to stick to an Intel chipset, since VIA and SiS chipsets are just downright horrible (from my experience with them on ECS/PCCHIPS motherboards)

I knew that, but for anyone else who wants it, thats why I posted it.

[ratdude747]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

I suggest finding a p4 HP evo Dxxx in the mintower format... they can be converted into a desktop quite easily (can be used as a tower or desktop) and albeit bulky make decent HTPCs.

[brethin]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

I have a new in the box Mercury PI865GVM7 Micro ATX Intel 865GV/ICH5 Chipset.

http://www.mercury-pc.com/product-sp...?productid=580

I can part with for $35 you pay shipping.

[stevo1210]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

I have a new in the box Mercury PI865GVM7 Micro ATX Intel 865GV/ICH5 Chipset.

http://www.mercury-pc.com/product-sp...?productid=580

I can part with for $35 you pay shipping.

Thanks for the offer, but I need a board with an AGP slot unfortunately.

[ratdude747]

Re: Need to build a super budget htpc

Thanks for the offer, but I need a board with an AGP slot unfortunately.

It DOES have an AGP slot... look at the spec page.

Most boards of that generation had PCI-E. this one is a rare exepetion.