I've decided it's time to build a HTPC and I've been trying to figure out what features I would like to be able to run and I am hoping some people around here could help me out. I've tried using the search function and looked through some threads but I haven't been able to find anything specific.
I am mostly interested in running some Gamecube games so that I can box up my gamecube and store it in my garage (which would have the added bonus of making my wife extremely happy), but if I could run a few wii games then that would be nice as well. I also want to be able to do some gaming with it (though not on maxed out settings)- Borderlands 2 when it comes out in september mostly, so keep that in mind when trying to help me navigate my choices.
I am going to be putting everything inside a Micro-atx case so that it fits in my entertainment center, and I will be playing on a 37inch 1080p LCD, that I am generally about 12 feet away from; although sometimes as close as 5 feet.
Games I would like to play
Gamecube
Resident Evil 4
Super Monkey Ball (target mode is hours of fun for 2 people)
Mario Kart
Tony Hawk 3 (would prefer 2 with a dreamcast emulator, but that isn't the forum for this so I won't ask)
Maybe the Zelda Games
Wii
Resident Evil 4 (otherwise will settle for Gamecube Version)
Wii Sports Games
Mario Kart
Goldeneye
Donkey Kong Country
There may be other games for Wii I would be interested in, but those are just off the top of my head.
My Current Options
1. AMD a8-3870- Basically the same as the 3850 but it comes unlocked in the bios and can be safely overclocked to 3.5ghz; would later add a Radeon 6670
2. Buy an am3+ board and put a Phenom II in it. It allows for better future proofing (I suppose) since I could later upgrade to a Bulldozer (think that's the codename) processor.
3. Spend the extra money for an I5 processor and get a board that will be upgradeable.
Option 2 and 3 would also use an Radeon 6670 for sake of discussion, (if I can even use a Radeon with an I5 MOBO, haven't looked)
If all 3 options will work I would prefer the a8 since it is the least expensive, and the majority of the time it will be funtioning as a HTPC (and the a8 should run the coolest). With 4-8 hour "gaming" sessions a couple of times a month tops.
I appreciate any help, and after I eventually get it all figured out and order I will be happy to post a thread with some gameplay details to help others out with their purchases.
I am mostly interested in running some Gamecube games so that I can box up my gamecube and store it in my garage (which would have the added bonus of making my wife extremely happy), but if I could run a few wii games then that would be nice as well. I also want to be able to do some gaming with it (though not on maxed out settings)- Borderlands 2 when it comes out in september mostly, so keep that in mind when trying to help me navigate my choices.
I am going to be putting everything inside a Micro-atx case so that it fits in my entertainment center, and I will be playing on a 37inch 1080p LCD, that I am generally about 12 feet away from; although sometimes as close as 5 feet.
Games I would like to play
Gamecube
Resident Evil 4
Super Monkey Ball (target mode is hours of fun for 2 people)
Mario Kart
Tony Hawk 3 (would prefer 2 with a dreamcast emulator, but that isn't the forum for this so I won't ask)
Maybe the Zelda Games
Wii
Resident Evil 4 (otherwise will settle for Gamecube Version)
Wii Sports Games
Mario Kart
Goldeneye
Donkey Kong Country
There may be other games for Wii I would be interested in, but those are just off the top of my head.
My Current Options
1. AMD a8-3870- Basically the same as the 3850 but it comes unlocked in the bios and can be safely overclocked to 3.5ghz; would later add a Radeon 6670
2. Buy an am3+ board and put a Phenom II in it. It allows for better future proofing (I suppose) since I could later upgrade to a Bulldozer (think that's the codename) processor.
3. Spend the extra money for an I5 processor and get a board that will be upgradeable.
Option 2 and 3 would also use an Radeon 6670 for sake of discussion, (if I can even use a Radeon with an I5 MOBO, haven't looked)
If all 3 options will work I would prefer the a8 since it is the least expensive, and the majority of the time it will be funtioning as a HTPC (and the a8 should run the coolest). With 4-8 hour "gaming" sessions a couple of times a month tops.
I appreciate any help, and after I eventually get it all figured out and order I will be happy to post a thread with some gameplay details to help others out with their purchases.