Downgrading to HTPC

[ZeppMan217]

Hi everybody!

So, since I can't get my hands on all the parts for a dedicated HTPC I decided to convert my current PC (and turn a profit). And that's where I need some help: which parts should I keep, which ones should I replace? I intend to use the machine primarily for 2D/3D BD playback and some office work.

Thank you

 

[rtwjunkie]

Having put one together myself a few months ago, if that 7870 has HDMI you shouldn't need your sound card. The GTX 460 in mine plays sound wonderfully, and it's a couple years old. I just use mine for playback and as conduit for streaming movies from my server to watch in Media Center. Your system looks pretty good, including the size of the power supply.

 

[ZeppMan217]

Having put one together myself a few months ago, if that 7870 has HDMI you shouldn't need your sound card. The GTX 460 in mine plays sound wonderfully, and it's a couple years old. I just use mine for playback and as conduit for streaming movies from my server to watch in Media Center. Your system looks pretty good, including the size of the power supply.

I suppose I could buy an HDMI splitter and hook up my video card to both the TV and the monitor and then plug in headphones in monitor (sounded better in my head). Is splitter a feasible option?

I was also wondering if HD7870 could be replaced with something cheaper and passively cooled while retaining the ability to stream 2D/3D HD content.

 

[Aquinus]

Well, you can use what you have now as an HTPC. The question is what do you want out of it that it currently is doing poorly as a HTPC? That will dictate what you downgrade and what you replace.

Personally when I think HTPC, I'm thinking small, so mini-itx board and a small chassis and work around that. Seriously ask yourself, what's important for you. If you're not sure, tell us what is important to you and we can try and help you decide, but only you know what you want.

 

[ZeppMan217]

If you're not sure, tell us what is important to you and we can try and help you decide, but only you know what you want.

The video card. All the other components are not worth tinkering with since I won't be able to benefit financially from replacing them - which I understood only after I posted this topic.

I just think that HD7870 is too much for my needs and I could sell it for about $200 and buy something like GT610 and make $150 profit. And there's another thing - do I need a 1GB or 2GB version? Both my TV and monitor work at 1920x1080 but sometimes I use both of them simultaneously - streaming on TV and working on PC.

 

[Aquinus]

I would consider at least a 620 or 630 if you're going to be doing HTPC tasks as well as work on it at the same time. Unless you want to recoup 100 dollars, I would leave it the way it is. I would ask myself how important is that money where you're willing to gimp your GPU performance for it.