HTPC Build - Need Input

[Skippman]

So I have an i5-2500k and a 120g OCZ Agility SSD laying around and was considering building them into a HTPC/Emulator machine for my home theater. I'm currently using a WDTV Live! and while it works, it's slow, won't scrape my media, and has a hard time playing back my HD content I have ripped on my NAS.

Here is the parts list I was looking at:

Mobo: ASRock B75 PRO3-M $63
RAM: G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB $64
PSU: Corsair 500W 80 Plus Bronze Recertified $30
Case: SilverStone Grandia GD09B $70

Total Cost: $227

Do you think this is enough horsepower video wise to run emulators up to 5th Gen? Would I be better served going to something like a NUC or a BRIX?

[KnightRid]

Should have PLENTY of power as most 5th gen can run on even older dual cores (some on single cores).

I would change the motherboard from a company that has no customer support or loyalty to a company that would be worth giving money too, but thats my opinion. ASSuck should be out of business and the the computer world would be better for it.

One other thought would be a graphics card. Should bee able to run most on the integrated but I do remember reading that some of the newer emus will use the gpu and run a lot better....not 100% sure on this as I have not run emus in a couple years though.

[Skippman]

Well, how about a GIGABYTE GA-H61M-USB3H then? That's actually cheaper at $50.

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-H61M-USB3H $50
RAM: G.Skill DDR3 1333 8GB $64
PSU: Corsair 500W 80 Plus Bronze Recertified $30
Case: SilverStone Grandia GD09B $70

Total Cost: $214

If you think I really need a GPU I could throw in something like this ASUS GT 730.

GPU: ASUS GT730-SL-1GD3-BRK GeForce GT 730 $57

Total Cost: $271

[KnightRid]

Excellent ;)

I dont know if you NEED a gpu. I would try it without first and then you can always throw one in if you see some of your emu's are stuttering, etc.

[camaroguy1998]

F you havent bought a case I have a case you may be interested in! Origen ae X-15 V.1
It is a Version 1 but heres a link for V.2
http://www.origenae.com/en/htpc_x15e.htm
Check your PM's!
PM me if you're interested

[Apoptosis]

V1 page - http://www.origenae.com/en/htpc_x15e_v1.htm

[camaroguy1998]

V1 page - http://www.origenae.com/en/htpc_x15e_v1.htm

TY Apop!