Building a computer that is basically a console.

[reidhasguitar]

Hi guys.

I've been thinking about building a smallish sized computer (anywhere inbetween the smaller computers in this picture. I own the middle one).

I want to be able to run Stalker on at least slightly better than low, and also to be able to run all my awesome 90s games. I want to be able to connect it to a tv by RCA, I don't really care about HDMI that much, but I still want to be able to plug my moniter into it.

The last time I built a computer, I ended up binning most of it, so I thought I'd ask some more experienced computer builders. At this point I'm not worrying about budget.

Thanks for your help!

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by reidhasguitar Hi guys. I've been thinking about building a smallish sized computer (anywhere inbetween the smaller computers in this picture. I own the middle one). I want to be able to run Stalker on at least slightly better than low, and also to be able to run all my awesome 90s games. I want to be able to connect it to a tv by RCA, I don't really care about HDMI that much, but I still want to be able to plug my moniter into it. The last time I built a computer, I ended up binning most of it, so I thought I'd ask some more experienced computer builders. At this point I'm not worrying about budget. Thanks for your help!

you can pick those Dell's up for less than a 100.00 on Craigslist all day long. If you want build, what is your budget?

[glc]

Beware - those small form factor cases only have half height slots and a TFX power supply. This effectively removes the option for any video card that's significantly better than onboard video.

What country are you in, what is the approximate budget, and exactly what inputs DOES your TV have?

[reidhasguitar]

Originally Posted by glc Beware - those small form factor cases only have half height slots and a TFX power supply. This effectively removes the option for any video card that's significantly better than onboard video. What country are you in, what is the approximate budget, and exactly what inputs DOES your TV have?

I'm in New Zealand, my budget is somewhere around $800, and my TV has RCA inputs.

And I'm already aware of the problems with those machines, and their power supplies, I tried using a friends card, and I got a power warning because I didn't have the cable to power the card completely. I'm planning to stay as far away from dell as possible.

[glc]

What type of RCA - composite or component? No HDMI, DVI, VGA, or S-Video?

Could you please give us a link to a NZ online vendor so we can see what's available there and what the prices are?

[reidhasguitar]

Originally Posted by glc What type of RCA - composite or component? No HDMI, DVI, VGA, or S-Video? Could you please give us a link to a NZ online vendor so we can see what's available there and what the prices are?

Component is the one with 1 Video and 2 Audio right?

Here are a few links:
Computers for sale on trademe.co.nz
PB Technologies(Wellington) Ltd
Great deals on Apple ipods, laptops, notebooks, 3D TV, LCD and Plasma | Dick Smith Online Shopping

So glad someone's interested in helping.

EDIT: I just thought I should mention that as far as cases go, I'm not concerned about colour.

EDIT EDIT: The general consensus seems to be that I should avoid small form cases, so I guess I'll have to give up some space, but I'll try and keep it away from being chunky.

[glc]

1 video and 2 audio is composite. That's limited to 576i and I haven't seen a video card with composite output in quite a while. I just checked Newegg (a US vendor) and there's nothing newer with composite than a Radeon X1300 or GF 5200. I think it may be time to start thinking about a new TV! HDMI to composite downscalers are available, but they convert all the way down to 480i and they aren't cheap. Here's the only one I can find available in the US for less than $150 or so:

Amazon.com: HDMI to Composite 3 RCA / S-Video Converter Adapter: Electronics

I can't do an Intel system with current technology and QUALITY components for $800 NZD with a video card. If you can do $1000, here you are:

Cooler Master Elite 341 M-ATX Mini Tower Case, Bl : Ascent Technology

Asus P8H61-M LE Motherboard, Socket 1155, Intel H6 : Ascent Technology

Intel Core i3- 2100 2.93 GHz, Socket 1155, Retail : Ascent Technology

Antec EA-500D Green, 500W ATX PSU, Active PFC, Bla : Ascent Technology

Corsair Value Select CMV4GX3M2A1333C9, 2x2GB, DDR3 : Ascent Technology

Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX Hard Disk : Ascent Technology

LiteOn iHAS324 DVD Writer, DVD 16R/24W/8RW, CD 48R : Ascent Technology

HIS HD 5770 Fan v5 Video Card, Radeon HD 5770, 102 : Ascent Technology

I found a different vendor because the ones you linked don't appear to have much of a component selection. To go any cheaper with Intel, you would have to use stale technology. To go AMD, someone else would have to help you as I'm not up on their offerings - and even with AMD or stale Intel you won't be able to cut $200 without compromising quality.

[reidhasguitar]

Originally Posted by glc 1 video and 2 audio is composite. That's limited to 576i and I haven't seen a video card with composite output in quite a while. I just checked Newegg (a US vendor) and there's nothing newer with composite than a Radeon X1300 or GF 5200. I think it may be time to start thinking about a new TV! HDMI to composite downscalers are available, but they convert all the way down to 480i and they aren't cheap. Here's the only one I can find available in the US for less than $150 or so: Amazon.com: HDMI to Composite 3 RCA / S-Video Converter Adapter: Electronics I can't do an Intel system with current technology and QUALITY components for $800 NZD with a video card. If you can do $1000, here you are: Cooler Master Elite 341 M-ATX Mini Tower Case, Bl : Ascent Technology Asus P8H61-M LE Motherboard, Socket 1155, Intel H6 : Ascent Technology Intel Core i3- 2100 2.93 GHz, Socket 1155, Retail : Ascent Technology Antec EA-500D Green, 500W ATX PSU, Active PFC, Bla : Ascent Technology Corsair Value Select CMV4GX3M2A1333C9, 2x2GB, DDR3 : Ascent Technology Western Digital Caviar Black WD5002AALX Hard Disk : Ascent Technology LiteOn iHAS324 DVD Writer, DVD 16R/24W/8RW, CD 48R : Ascent Technology HIS HD 5770 Fan v5 Video Card, Radeon HD 5770, 102 : Ascent Technology I found a different vendor because the ones you linked don't appear to have much of a component selection. To go any cheaper with Intel, you would have to use stale technology. To go AMD, someone else would have to help you as I'm not up on their offerings - and even with AMD or stale Intel you won't be able to cut $200 without compromising quality.

Thanks