Need to build a mini pc fast and cheap. I ask for your assistance.

January 13, 2010 5:59 AM

Putting together a cheapy pc, help me source parts!

I picked up 3, Core2Duo LGA 775's from a fella on craigslist for $100. One's a 6400, one's a 6600, one's a 6700. Currently focusing on the 6600 and the 6700. (all are Conroe's)

Wanting to build inexpensive mini's out of them, think HTPC but not necessarily ALL the htpc functionality.

I only have the chips, I need MoBo, ram, case, power supply, hard drive, and possibly video/sound. I will not be gaming on the system but would like it to be able to toss 1080p over HDMI, but I also need a DVI port. I'm aware I can get a DVI to HDMI adapter, that's a fine option. Onboard video and sound are fine IF they're high enough resolution, like I said, no gaming.

I've found several decent motherboards at newegg that would work, but maybe you've got a better idea:
1, 2 (better). I haven't made any commitments.

Basically I'm looking for super inexpensive that will work. Right now I'm running an old Prescott 2.8 P4, so anything is an upgrade. I'll be building a new balls-out system in a few months, this is sort of an interim.

So...there's the challenge. I'm especially fond of ASUS and MSI mobo's, but I'm open to your suggestions. System will be running either Win7 or MS Home Server 2008. Bonus points for teeny weeny (ITX is fine if it can handle the goods!) and inexpensive.

posted by TomMelee to Computers & Internet (8 answers total)

Directron is usually a pretty good source for motherboards. Here is their socket 775 selection for micro atx. Prices are more or less comparable to newegg for the Asus. This Biostar board has the same chipset as the ASUS board you picked out for $10 less.
posted by plinth at 6:23 AM on January 13, 2010

What's your price range? I've had pretty good luck with Shuttle barebones systems.
posted by electroboy at 8:13 AM on January 13, 2010

Response by poster: Yea, I <3>
Good thought though. I really thought this question would get more responses.
posted by TomMelee at 8:25 AM on January 13, 2010

ASRock tends to be a bit cheaper and ASUS and is their budget line. I've had had good luck with ASRock boards so far in a server configuration. to be honest, my last system features an ECS motherboard - they're cheap as dirt and this one seems to be OK, but I wouldn't use the brand for something I was building for someone else. for the most part (at least looking at Newegg), most of what you're looking at is going to be either an Intel G31 or an Intel G41 chipset-based board, either should be OK for video (the CPUs you have are fast enough to be OK for that anyway).
posted by mrg at 9:08 AM on January 13, 2010

HTPC previously on Ask.MeFi: some on the cheap, some not focusing on price.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:19 AM on January 13, 2010

Ars Technica runs a regular column on building your own box from the ground up, at differing price levels (Budget, Hot Rod, God Box) using current technology. Every few months, it updates with the latest tech, and compares it to the latest model. It's not always the cheapest tech, but it's rather the best value for your dollar for the given price range (i.e. - they will spend 5% more on a video card if it gives you a 50% performance boost).

http://arstechnica.com/hardware/guides/

I've used them in the past to build a few boxes, and have been very happy. I think there may even be a HTPC guide in there.
posted by GJSchaller at 10:52 AM on January 13, 2010

Mini PC's are hard to find cheap.

Last time I got in on a deal for a Shuttle K45 (Case, mobo, PSU) for $50. It has a single PCI if you want to toss an older card in. Otherwise has VGA only. You may want to look at the K48 also.

Another cheap mini case only would be the Antec Minuet (case, PSU) which can be had for under $100. Fry's currently has a refurb Minuet for $50 + shipping.
posted by wongcorgi at 11:42 AM on January 13, 2010

Have you tried the AMD route? The motherboards come (mostly) with ATI graphics cards, often specifically thought with HTPC use (HD video decoding) in mind.

I got myself a gigabyte motherboard and paired it with an AMD Athlon x2 7750 BE, dual core that performs really good. But with now 170$ (i guess, i am converting from euros) i can upgrade (keeping the same mb) to a phenom II x4 955 BE (uber overclockable) that, before intel Core i7, was the fastest thing on Earth (now million people will come with benchmarks and 1st shooter experience that the Core2Quad was faster, but you know what i mean).
posted by madeinitaly at 2:25 PM on January 13, 2010