HTPC - light gaming config - 20k (without monitor)

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jaggernaut

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I intend to build a PC primarily for light home usage like internet, office suit, watching movies, media storage, audio analog 5.1 output, some tv recording and casual gaming usage. I have a budget of 20k (without monitor for components mentioned below).
I intend to use a 24" monitor full HD. I have narrowed down to the following configuration for the cabinet part. Will be purchasing from Nehru place, delhi and install windows 7.

CPU - AMD 550 Phenom II / 555 BE - Rs 5200 / Rs 5400
MB - MSI E-56 or Biostar a785ge 128 - Rs 5000 / Rs 4000
HDD - 1TB - Rs 4000
DVD writer - Rs 1100
RAM - DDR III - Rs 2500, DDR II - Rs 2200 for 2 GB
Zebronics dhoom cabinet - Rs 1500 (need a slim horizontal cabby)
cordless keyboard kit - Rs 1100

Total ~ 20000/-

Q1: is it gud enuf for normal pc usage at 1980 x 1080 res?

Q2: DDR3 vs ddr2 - thinking for going for ddr3 for future upgrade proof? if it is correct then which should be the best mobo for this use?

Q3: is it better to go for cheaper cpu, cheaper mobo to fit in a discreet graphics card for games or go with this and think about upgrading it after like 2 yrs time or so for me being only a casual gamer.

edit: I am not an overclocker.
 
jaggernaut said:
I intend to build a PC primarily for light home usage like internet, office suit, watching movies, media storage, audio analog 5.1 output, some tv recording and casual gaming usage. I have a budget of 20k (without monitor for components mentioned below).
I intend to use a 24" monitor full HD. I have narrowed down to the following configuration for the cabinet part. Will be purchasing from Nehru place, delhi and install windows 7.

CPU - AMD 550 Phenom II / 555 BE - Rs 5200 / Rs 5400
MB - MSI E-56 or Biostar a785ge 128 - Rs 5000 / Rs 4000
HDD - 1TB - Rs 4000
DVD writer - Rs 1100
RAM - DDR III - Rs 2500, DDR II - Rs 2200 for 2 GB
Zebronics dhoom cabinet - Rs 1500 (need a slim horizontal cabby)
cordless keyboard kit - Rs 1100

Total ~ 20000/-

Q1: is it gud enuf for normal pc usage at 1980 x 1080 res?

Q2: DDR3 vs ddr2 - thinking for going for ddr3 for future upgrade proof? if it is correct then which should be the best mobo for this use?

Q3: is it better to go for cheaper cpu, cheaper mobo to fit in a discreet graphics card for games or go with this and think about upgrading it after like 2 yrs time or so for me being only a casual gamer.

edit: I am not an overclocker.
Click to expand...

CPU - AMD Athlon II X2 240 : 2.9k approx
MB - Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H (DDR3) (onboard 785G enough for moderate gaming) : 5.5k approx
HDD - Western Digital Green 1TB: 4.5k approx
DVD writer - Sony or Samsung DVD burner : 1.1k approx
RAM - Corsair or Transcend DDR3 1333MHz 2x2Gb : 5k-6.5k depending on brand.
K/b+mouse : Logitech cordless desktop
Cabinet: not sure if CoolerMaster is selling any HTPC cabinets in India but do check with the retailer.

A1 : should be able to drive FullHD movie playback with ease and moderate gaming at lower resolution is possible but not at FullHD

A2: DDR3 is the way to go. Go for 2GB if cost overshoots budget and you can add another 2GB later.

A3: Gaming depends on CPU+GPU+Memory. what are the games that you intend to play?
 
ok, thanks desibond - got my major concerns addressed.

will go for 2gb ram only for now and can upgrade it later as per needs :)

and as per your post some moderate gaming is possible which this onboard gpu, so i guess no need for a discreet graphics card for me.

i am thinking of 550/555 for upto 5 years without upgrade. finding a compatible cpu for upgrade could be a problem after 2-3 yrs?
 
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