Help with building Skylake HTPC

[janas19]

Hello all. It's been a while since I've been active on these boards. Came back because you are all so awesome! I truly hope to hear your thoughts and advice.

The purpose of this HTPC will be primarily for Dolphin/PCSX2 emulation. Right now, I use a G3258/GTX 650 Ti which runs PCSX2 perfectly. The reason for switching to Skylake is all for power efficiency. The idea is to use the least amount of power and a smaller PSU and case.

Here's what I've chosen so far:

CPU: Pentium G4400 3.3Ghz*
Memory: 4GB DDR4 2133Mhz (1.2V)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110N
Storage: Samsung 850 Evo M.2 SSD (120GB)
GPU: Nvidia GT 740 1GB GDDR5
Monitor: Asus VE205N widescreen 900p (already own)

*BTW, if emulation weren't so processor intensive I would choose the 35W G4400T.

The main question is about the PSU and case. I have several options but unsure which to choose. The first option is for a "thin client ITX" chassis with dual PCI expansion and PicoPSU, eg the Morex 2766. A second option is the Geeek A10 acrylic case and FlexATX PSU. A third option is the Apex MI-008 and single slot GT 740.

Right now I'm heavily favoring second the Geeek A10. One, it is inexpensive which is important. Two, it's PSU is entirely internal and goes to higher wattages than the PicoPSU. Three, no modification is required for the installation.

I like the size and look of the Morex 2766 much more than the A10, but I dislike the age and wattage limits of PicoPSUs (5 years old at this point with no innovations), the external brick, and the price ($74 USD for 150W PicoPSU and 180W brick).

Please share your thoughts/suggestions.

 

[K888D]

If you are concerned about the power usage then you may be better off selecting a GTX 750 (55w TDP) instead of the GT740 (64W TDP).

I believe the 750 is made with a more efficient chip than the 740, so you will get more performance, lower temps and lower power usage.

 

[janas19]

If you are concerned about the power usage then you may be better off selecting a GTX 750 (55w TDP) instead of the GT740 (64W TDP).

I believe the 750 is made with a more efficient chip than the 740, so you will get more performance, lower temps and lower power usage.

Great idea. Wasn't even looking at the 750. The only issue is size and fitting in the Geeek A10. But the full size card would fit in the Morex 2766.

Hmmm, still not sure. Morex 2766 or Geeek A10. Debating whether the low profile 750 Ti would be worth in cost. My 650 Ti already outperforms the PCSX2 at 900p. The extra GPU power wouldn't be necessary, it's more a form factor/efficiency solution I require.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Soul_Est]

Hello all. It's been a while since I've been active on these boards. Came back because you are all so awesome! I truly hope to hear your thoughts and advice.

The purpose of this HTPC will be primarily for Dolphin/PCSX2 emulation. Right now, I use a G3258/GTX 650 Ti which runs PCSX2 perfectly. The reason for switching to Skylake is all for power efficiency. The idea is to use the least amount of power and a smaller PSU and case.

Here's what I've chosen so far:

CPU: Pentium G4400 3.3Ghz*
Memory: 4GB DDR4 2133Mhz (1.2V)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110N
Storage: Samsung 850 Evo M.2 SSD (120GB)
GPU: Nvidia GT 740 1GB GDDR5
Monitor: Asus VE205N widescreen 900p (already own)

*BTW, if emulation weren't so processor intensive I would choose the 35W G4400T.

The main question is about the PSU and case. I have several options but unsure which to choose. The first option is for a "thin client ITX" chassis with dual PCI expansion and PicoPSU, eg the Morex 2766. A second option is the Geeek A10 acrylic case and FlexATX PSU. A third option is the Apex MI-008 and single slot GT 740.

Right now I'm heavily favoring second the Geeek A10. One, it is inexpensive which is important. Two, it's PSU is entirely internal and goes to higher wattages than the PicoPSU. Three, no modification is required for the installation.

I like the size and look of the Morex 2766 much more than the A10, but I dislike the age and wattage limits of PicoPSUs (5 years old at this point with no innovations), the external brick, and the price ($74 USD for 150W PicoPSU and 180W brick).

Please share your thoughts/suggestions.

The reason PicoPSUs have gone on that long with "no innovations" (from mini-box.com at least) is because they are meant for enterprise, industrial, or commercial applications which value such consistency. HD-Plex and PicoBox (on AliExpress) have their own PSUs which may interest you if you do wish to go with the Morex 2766. There is a low-profile GTX 750 Ti that would fit in the A10. You can also look here for some ideas: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/retrobox-the-game-preservation-machine.1189/ . Going to tag in @doogie and see if they and help you out more.

 

[janas19]

Looking at the A10 which may be my best option because of cost and parts availability. Going with the Skylake G4400, DDR4, and low profile GT 740 to fit, what size PSU is ideal? The issue here is the 40mm fan on FlexATX power supply units. Would a 220W fan be spinning high while using PCSX2? Anyone know?