HTPC build

[KHg8m3r]

Check that your dad has the latest video drivers from Intel (google search Intel Driver Update Utility)

[Anthe]

I had to update his drivers as the video drivers were responsible for breaking the sound (lol). My findings:

- DKCR runs too fast. Need to up the resolution.
- MKWii runs slow if not run in native resolution. (bummer)
- M&SaOWG runs only in direct3d. It doesn't render anything but a white or a black screen in OpenGL. Not that I play the game a lot.
- SMG runs fine but gets slow when a lot of objects are loaded. This is the only game which is not able to be handled by the HD4600.

To me it sounds like a waste of money to buy a separate card if Super Mario Galaxy is the only slow game. Mario Kart Wii's slowdown makes me doubt though.

[Shonumi]

Both SMG games are notably intensive on the GPU. MK Wii is fairly taxing on the GPU as well, especially on certain courses. If you have any other games you're looking to play, we can probably tell you if they're going to be demanding on the GPU or not. It might help you decide if you want to play enough games that require a stronger GPU.

[Anthe]

I really can't go without my Mario Kart. Mario Kart is my life. (not really. maybe like half of my life). I completed Super Mario Galaxy 2 but I'd still like to do Luigi Galaxy 1. Donkey Kong Country Returns, Kirby's Epic Yarn, The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess and Skyward sword. Mario and Sonic Olympic Games (always fun with friends). Mario Party 4 through 9, Mario Power Tennis, New Super Mario Bros Wii (heavy game!1!1!), Smash Brothers, Super Paper Mario and the whole series of games starting with 'Wii' (even Wii Music..).

Please note that the maximum length of my graphics card I can fit in the case is 235 mm. (I can't change the case. Dad really wants one with a display and fancy buttons. So be it :p)

Thank you for your help

[Anthe]

I think I'm going to stick with the integrated graphics. The rig would become too big and noisy for an HTPC and most games will just run fine. If I ever want to play Mario Kart or Galaxy, I can use a Wii U (which will be probably there by then).

Thank you everyone for helping me out

[slarlac249]

sorry to dredge up an old thread but i thought i'd add something useful.

i built a htpc recently and purchased a gtx 750 which oob didn't fit, so i purchased a gt 730 and swapped the heatsink and fan over and it's been working fine, no overheating at all. double slot > single slot.