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GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

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  • GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

    Hi Guys Just thought I would post about changing the CPUs on my boards to take advantage of certain features and for benchmarking. I know I need to determine the purpose of the PC first, then pick my parts, but sometimes that dosen't happen.
    I recently did a comparision at intel.com on my two CPU's. I have found that the Core 2 Quad does not support Virtualization Technology but the Core 2 Duo does. The Core 2 Duo and the EP45-UD3LR looks like a better fit due to the virtualiztion technology supported by both parts.
    Quad Cores are better at Video processing from what I have heard so it could flourish as a Video Editing PC or media center Correct?
    There are other ideas here such as overclocking and L2 cache as well. Thanks for you input Guys.
    Madmax2911
    Last edited by MadMax2911; 09-05-2011, 10:30 AM. Reason: editing
    BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

    Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB




  • #2
    Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

    Virtualization Technology is only good if you have software that use or requires it.
    If ou are overclocking the quad the DS3R seems the better choice for it.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

      Hi again I found something on another website that is of interest here.
      Here are some conclusions from Overclockersclub.com (E8400 review)
      "When compared to Quad Core CPU, the performance of the E8400 is overshadowed by the Quads. Taken on its own merits, the performance of the E8400 is very respectable. The way to try and equalize that performance is by overclocking the CPU to gain some additional power. You know we all love something "Extra." When it came time to overclock the E8400, it gave all it had to the tune of 4.5GHz; a 1.5Ghz overclock on air is pretty decent in my book. However, there is also a point where long term stability has to come into play since I'm not a huge fan of reloading the OS every week. This point was reached at 4.2GHz, with 1.45 volts needed to make this overclock Prime95 stable. At 4.2GHz there is a nice performance bump to be had. If you play at this voltage range be prepared for temperatures higher than you would like with a retail heatsink. By using a Tuniq Tower the temperatures were kept under control in the mid to high 50 degrees Celsius range. Aftermarket cooling will be a mandatory item for overclocking."
      (Wireless networking and lost connections-makes me long for the days of ethernet connections :( )
      MadMax2911
      Last edited by MadMax2911; 07-30-2011, 11:48 PM.
      BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

      Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



      Comment


      • #4
        Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

        1.C2Q Q8200 doesnt support vm, C2Q Q8400 does

        Q8200 on ep45 ud3 will go 500mhz cpu ref,x4=2000fsb,x7=3.5ghz cpu speed ,with the right memory and decent cooling for 24/7 operation.

        Q8400 on ep45 ud3 will go 500mhz cpu ref,x4=2000fsb,x8= 4.0ghz cpu speed ,with the right memory and decent cooling for 24/7 operation.

        http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ep-45-ud3.html

        nb Ive turned my fsb down for the last 4 months or so as I no longer have as many fans connected,different case etc ,performance difference is hardly noticeable.
        besides the 2.8 ghz ,3.8ghz and 4.8ghz progression in my sig looks kinda cool..:)
        Last edited by kick; 07-31-2011, 07:31 PM.
        Current Systems:

        Asrock p67 Extreme6.............. Gigabyte EP-45 UD3 ...................... Gigabyte 73 PVM S2
        Intel i5 2500k 4.8ghz................ Intel Q8400 3.8ghz......................... Intel D820 2.8ghz
        Zalman 10x cooler.................... Coolermaster V8............................ HP cooler
        8GB Gskill ripjaw ddr3.............. 4GB Gskill PI ddr2.......................... 4GB samsung ddr2
        60GB ssd/500GB HDD .............. WD 1TB hdd.................................... Seagate 160GB hdd
        GTX 460 1GB x2 SLI ................. Msi 9600GT 512MB(died) ........... Onboard gx
        Win7 64 ,750w psu(ocz)............ Win7 64 ,520w psu,seasonic...... Win XP pro ,400w psu

        HEC 6A34 case . ....................... Jeantec R2 case............................ Packard Bell case

        hoping to upgrade to http://www.thinkgeek.com/stuff/41/habicase.shtml
        http://www.flixya.com/video/140325/Animal-launching

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

          Originally posted by kick View Post
          1.C2Q Q8200 doesnt support vm, C2Q Q8400 does

          Q8200 on ep45 ud3 will go 500mhz cpu ref,x4=2000fsb,x7=3.5ghz cpu speed ,with the right memory and decent cooling for 24/7 operation.

          Q8400 on ep45 ud3 will go 500mhz cpu ref,x4=2000fsb,x8= 4.0ghz cpu speed ,with the right memory and decent cooling for 24/7 operation.

          http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte...ep-45-ud3.html

          nb Ive turned my fsb down for the last 4 months or so as I no longer have as many fans connected,different case etc ,performance difference is hardly noticeable.
          besides the 2.8 ghz ,3.8ghz and 4.8ghz progression in my sig looks kinda cool..:)
          As for the Virtualization tech my UD3LR board and my C2Duo do support Virtualization Technology, so they should be paired. I may explore this technology, so having the board setup proper is key.
          The purpose of this thread is to outline using the DS3R board with a Q8200 for use as a video editor or possibly a gaming rig. I may overlock this DS3R and need a place to share results. I bought the UD3LR board as a backup system primarily, and to hold some important data and pictures etc. Hope this clears things up. Thanks for the info on OCing the Quads it is informative. Ya summer is not the best time to overclock if the cooling parts are not very good and room a/c is a must. :)
          Max
          Last edited by MadMax2911; 09-05-2011, 10:27 AM. Reason: edit something
          BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

          Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



          Comment


          • #6
            Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

            Cooling parts are not very good? Doesn't get much better then the Mugen 2 when it comes to air cooling.
            You may be ble to OC 2.7GHz with stock vcore, or more if you are lucky.
            With x7 CPU Ratio temps not gonna be extremely high.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

              Edited out some unrelated information stating this picture is of another system that i was talking about.......
              Attached Files
              Last edited by MadMax2911; 02-19-2012, 11:25 AM. Reason: Editing information
              BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

              Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



              Comment


              • #8
                Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                Hi Guys I am reporting back on the EP45-DS3R progress. I have it set up with Windows XP SP 3. Most of the drivers are current as of the last 2-3 months and some software has been installed. I also have my recent BIOS settings for a baseline testing session. Here they are:
                Code:
                BIOS 4 2011 settings for Tweaktown forums
                9:25 AM 10/8/2011
                R G B       auto
                CPU Ratio   7x
                CPU freq    2.33
                CPU clock   enable
                CPU H freq  333
                PCI E freq  100
                CIA 2       dis
                ADVANCED CLOCK CONTROL PAGE
                CPU Clock drive   800mv
                PCI E Clock Drive 900mv
                .....             0
                .....             0
                XXXX XXXX PAGE
                Perf Enhance  Standard
                E M P         Disable
                Freq Latch    333MHz
                System Memory Mult  3.20B
                Memory Freq   1066
                Dram timing   manual
                CAS 5  RCD 7  RP  7  RAS 24
                Advanced Timing Control E - > 4-4-8-68-4-2
                Static Tread value 8
                Driving stregth Profile 1066
                Motherboard V Control
                CPU V core  1.26250
                CPU Term    1.200
                CPU PLL     1.5
                CPU Ref     auto  (.76)
                MCH core    1.100
                MCH Ref     auto
                MCH/DRAM R  auto
                ICH I/O     1.5
                DRAM V      2.0
                DRAM term   0.890
                C A Ref     auto
                Ch B Ref    auto
                Advanced BIOS Features
                First Boot Device HD
                Second      CDROM
                Third       Disable
                Boot Floppy Seek dis
                Boot numb lock   on
                Password check   setup
                HDD Smart cap    enable
                Limit CPU ID m-3 dis
                no execute memory protect enable
                CPU enhanced halt         disable
                C2/C2E state support      enabled 
                C4/C4E state support      enabled 
                CPU thermal monitor2      enabled 
                CPU EIST function         enabled 
                Delay for HDD (hard drive) 0
                Full screen logo show     dis
                Backup BIOS image to HDD  Dis (need to enable)
                Init Display first        PEG
                ICH SATA c Mode IDE
                SATA Port 0-3 Native Dis
                USB Controller enab
                USB 2.0        enab
                USB keyboard   enab
                USB mouse      enab
                Legacy USB S D enab
                Azalia Codec   disable (looking 4 sound card)
                Onboard H/W 1394 dis
                OB H/W Lan1      dis
                OB H/W Lan2      dis
                XXXX LAN         dis
                OB IDE contr     enable
                OB Serial port 1 dis
                OB Parallel port dis
                PC Health Status
                CPU warnign temp  60/140F 
                CPU fan fail warning enable
                system fan2 fail      enable
                power fan fail       dis 
                system fan 1 fail    dis
                CPU S fan control    auto
                I am finishing with installing a sound car in the PCI slot. I need to install drivers as well. Thanks for watching :) Will update the BIOS with full template soon. Still running F11e BIOS as it seems OK
                Last edited by MadMax2911; 10-13-2011, 08:04 AM. Reason: sp
                BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

                Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                  Hi Guys I am installing test programs and am finding that I may need to upgrade the video card. Some of the tests are hanging and also some give low scores. Win XP is loaded and updated and yes I am thinking of upgrading to Win 7 HP (64 bit possibly not sure about 64 bit). Here is a screenshot of my latest test. Right now the 8800 GTS is testing in my other PC for now. This may be a media storage and viewing rig and the UD3LR will most likelly be a GaMeR RiG :)
                  Attached Files
                  Last edited by MadMax2911; 10-17-2011, 07:55 AM. Reason: sp
                  BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

                  Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                    Cooling parts are not very good? Doesn't get much better then the Mugen 2 when it comes to air cooling

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                      Look into the 560 Ti and 6950 video cards for an upgrade. I've had a lot of fun playing with my 460 SLI setup. If you go with an Nvidia card, spend a little more to buy the "full" version, not the "crippled" lower priced cards. You might want to wait a bit and check out the new Radeon 7xxx video cards.

                      Do a web search on: windows family pack 7
                      It can be bought for about $125 for 3 licenses. You can install the x32 or x64 version on each system.
                      I installed the x64 version on two of my systems and have had no problems moving from win2k to win7 Home Premium. Check out my results in my new ssd thread link in my signature, where I did a custom install on each system because you can't upgrade from XP or earlier systems to win7. There are several excellent custom install tutorials on the web.

                      Win7 x64 does nicely with 4 or 8GB of memory.
                      Add an ssd and your systems will really fly.

                      If you don't mind waiting until mid to late November, there are some excellent hardware buys during the holiday season.
                      Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
                      P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
                      4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
                      MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
                      Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
                      WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
                      Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
                      SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
                      Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
                      Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
                      Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
                      MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
                      Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                      win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
                      HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
                      CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
                      E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
                      Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
                      Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
                      HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                      win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
                      .

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                        Originally posted by depuepedro View Post
                        Cooling parts are not very good? Doesn't get much better then the Mugen 2 when it comes to air cooling

                        OK so I mistated the problem the CPU did not overheat but other parts like the UD3LRs southbridge may have gotten hotter than I prefer due to its being outside at the time in the sun. The northbridge has a mini cooler on it with velcro holding it to heatsink. The Mugen 2 has a huge fan on it as well(takes a while to start up spinning too) I forget exactly what happened, but I know I went to hospital with a family member and came back to a idling hot pc outside(due to no a/c inside). I take back the comment on the cooling parts thank you and goodbye.
                        Edit: I seem to remember the screen displaying wierd colors which indicated a malfunction possibly with the video card ???
                        Bye the way thanks Professor Jim for you info - I have seen single upgrade s to win7 HP for 99.00 where did you see the threepack?
                        Max
                        Attached Files
                        Last edited by MadMax2911; 10-20-2011, 03:39 PM. Reason: add info
                        BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

                        Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                          I bought my win7 family pack from Newegg, but I didn't see it there right now.
                          That's why I said:
                          Do a web search on: windows family pack 7
                          Click on the "shopping" link in the search results window and you should find Amazon and others that are selling the win7 3-pack software. The included license is good for three win7 installations. The boxed win7 software comes with two DVDs; one for x64 and one for x32.

                          A web search using: custom install tutorial windows 7
                          should turn up quite a few sites. The best site I found included EVERY screen-shot along with detailed instructions for each step of the install.
                          Check out Clean Install Windows 7 - Windows 7 Forums and Paul Thurrott's http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/cle...rade_media.asp

                          IMPORTANT!!! Each installation is a full retail version, so you don't run into problems with the "single use" O.E.M. versions of win 7 when you eventually change hardware in your system.

                          Official Microsoft family pack link for win7 Home Premium: Windows 7 Special Offers | Find Special Discounts on Windows 7 Products

                          Additional Note: The Home Premium version is fine for most users. There are some limitations in the Home Premium version that might affect some. Check out the feature's list chart to ensure that you don't need a more expensive version of win7.
                          Last edited by profJim; 10-18-2011, 10:05 AM. Reason: added official microsoft link
                          Q9650 @ 4.10GHz [9x456MHz]
                          P35-DS4 [rev: 2.0] ~ Bios: F14
                          4x2GB OCZ Reaper PC2-8500 1094MHz @5-5-5-15
                          MSI N460GTX Hawk Talon Attack (1GB) video card <---- SLI ---->
                          Seasonic SS-660XP2 80 Plus Platinum psu (660w)
                          WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data)
                          Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD (boot)
                          SLI @ 16/4 works when running HyperSLI
                          Cooler Master 120XL Seidon push/pull AIO cpu water cooling
                          Cooler Master HAF XB computer case (RC-902XB-KKN1)
                          Asus VH242H 24" monitor [1920x1080]
                          MSI N460GTX Hawk (1GB) video card
                          Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                          win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium
                          HT|Omega Claro plus+ sound card
                          CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD UPS
                          E6300 (R0) @ 3.504GHz [8x438MHz] ~~ P35-DS3L [rev: 1.0] ~ Bios: F9 ~~ 4x2GB Kingston HyperX T1 PC2-8500, 876MHz @4-4-4-10
                          Seasonic X650 80+ gold psu (650w) ~~ Xigmatek Balder HDT 1283 cpu cooler ~~ Cooler Master CM 690 case (RC-690-KKN1-GP)
                          Samsung 830 128GB SSD MZ-7PC128B/WW (boot) ~~ WD Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB (data) ~~ ZM-MFC2 fan controller
                          HT|Omega Striker 7.1 sound card ~~ Asus VH242H monitor [1920x1080] ~~ Logitech Z-5500 Digital 5.1 Speakers
                          win7 x64 sp1 Home Premium ~~ CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD U.P.S
                          .

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                            Thanks tons sorry my Internet is offline temporarily.
                            Max
                            BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

                            Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: GA-EP45-DS3R and Core 2 Quad Q8200

                              Click image for larger version

Name:	3DM06.JPG
Views:	1
Size:	25.6 KB
ID:	751637Hi again Guys I have been so busy lately but I am not giving up on this thread yet. Looks like this build is holding its own as it is built, but there is room for improvement. Yes I need to upgrade the Operating System, but waiting for a good deal seems more appealing right now. Upgrading the graphics card is a must, but I have been testing with 3D Mark06 with success. I have a few screen shots as well for 3D Mark06. Again shopping for a good deal is a good idea.
                              Requirements for a media PC are different than what I have in this build. I have realized that a media PC will need to be quiet and cool and fit in with the other components in the living room. Here is a link to some of my research on Media Pc's
                              Maximum PC | How To: Build a Media Server
                              Fastest CPUs are not required for Media PCs although they do help with video processing and other CPU intensive tasks. Media PC's need lots of storage space to hold the movies that may be downloaded to the rig from Netflicks or recorded TV programs.
                              The case will be similar and smaller than a regular PC case. My case is huge, its a thermaltake Tsunami Dream case(ATX) My case has lots of fans that make much more noise than a regular media PC would make by design. The case will be small quite posibly mini-ATX and will fit into the media center shelf(whatever your dimensions would be on the shelf).
                              The Media PC would have a tuner card that would be capable of picking up over the air channels or connect to a cable system(if you subscribe to that service).
                              I could make this a Media PC yes, but it would not meet the requirements that a true media PC would require. This PC was built at a time when I was more into Gaming than I am now. Looks like the video card is working fine for the moment as well. P
                              Update to post Sound card went bad and now I am using Onboard sound. I am posting a Memset picture for reference and more if I have time.
                              MadMax
                              Last edited by MadMax2911; 02-12-2012, 09:12 PM. Reason: add info
                              BUILD #2 GA-EP45-DS3R [Rev1.0] BIOS Flashed F11e, CPU=INTEL Core2 Quad Q8200 Yorkfield-4M LGA 775 with Mugen2 cooler RAM= Mushkin 996599 link 2 x 2GB, Hard drive=WD 6400AAKS, DVD=HP dvd1160i OS=Win 7 SP1 64 bit Video=BFG 8800GTS OC edition CASE=Thermaltake Tsunami Dream P.S.=Antec TP3-650

                              Build #3 GA-EP45-UD3LR__rev 1.0__ BIOS F11, CPU Core2 Duo E8400 3.157GHz WMugen2 Cooler, Power Supply: Antec EA-500D 500 W, RAM: Corsair 2 GB Hard Drive: WD 160 GB OS: Win XP SP3 Video: MSI GTS450 2GB



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