Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator - Forums

I want to build a budget htpc that's quiet, isn't power hungry, and can sit on my TV stand inconspicuously.  The most intensive program it will be running is, of course, dolphin. Other than emulators it will be running Kodi on a HDTV.  Can't think of anything else I'd use it for so I don't see the point of dropping a large sum of money on something to play games and watch movies on.

Part List: http://pcpartpicker.com/list/MHMXHN
Power Supply: https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Box-picoPSU-160-XT-Power-Mini-ITX-Supply/dp/B005TWE6B8
OS: Ubuntu???

Upgrade path: 
AMD Polaris RX 460 / 470 (waiting on benchmarks to make my final decision) when it is released tomorrow. 
When kabylake processors are released I'd look at them. 
Could always get 16GB of RAM when prices drop for DDR4.

Any suggestions are welcome.

You don't need an AMD 460/470 for Dolphin if Dolphin is the hardest thing you're going to run on it.

A 750 TI will do fine. Using the integrated intel GPU will not.

(06-29-2016, 12:43 AM)Helios Wrote: [ -> ]You don't need an AMD 460/470 for Dolphin if Dolphin is the hardest thing you're going to run on it.

A 750 TI will do fine. Using the integrated intel GPU will not.

Well the AMD 460 is expected to cost about the same as the 750TI.  I'm waiting on benchmarks.  I'm kind of hoping it's passively cooled too.

Quote:I'm kind of hoping it's passively cooled too.

Is it even necessary ? I barely hear any noise from my GTX 750/750 Ti and my room is extremely quite
If RX 460's power comsumption is similar to GTX 750 Ti (65W) then you shouldn't worry about it . Not sure about RX 470 though

Default fan profiles for most GPUs tend to be very conservative. My 980 TI ran very quiet (and hot!) until I adjusted the fan profile.

Dolphin won't really push any GPU to overheat even on default fan profile, so you should be fine.

(06-29-2016, 01:04 AM)admin89 Wrote: [ -> ]Is it even necessary ? I barely hear any noise from my GTX 750/750 Ti and my room is extremely quite
If RX 460's power comsumption is similar to GTX 750 Ti (65W) then you shouldn't worry about it . Not sure about RX 470 though

Just found this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-750-ti-review,3750-22.html

So maybe the 750TI will work.

Top of the line cards tent to run very hot . Low end cards are different .
55C at full load here . Room temperature is about 20C~
I use somewhat low profile card as it does not have 6 pin connector . Here is the TI version :

Passive cooled 750TI is soooo expensive
https://www.amazon.com/Palit-Geforce-Kalmx-Silent-NE5X75T00941-1073H/dp/B00LMC66X0

I've dealt with Passive Cool card in the past (Asus 7300GT ~ 30W)
This card was very durable but it run too hot even though my PC was full size ATX . Not even the fan case could help it run cooler

I would just get the fan cooled 750 ti...

Seriously, it's super quiet.