custom building intel pc questions

[maccaquacker]

hi guys,

im looking into my first build and decided im gonna go for an intel setup.

cpu Intel Sandybridge i5-2500K
motherboard Gigabyte Z68AP-D3
memory Corsair 8GB 1600MHz DDR3 (2x4gb)
hard drive Sata III caviar blue
dvd-rw 24x sony thing
case Coolermaster HAF 922 Mid Tower Chassis

that is what I have so far and I have a few questions.
I mainly would use this PC as a basic home entertainment system, not for gaming (thats what an xbox is for!)

1) the case I have chosen seems to have good reviews but does anyone know if it is silent (or as near as)
2) will the included fan with the i5 be quiet or is there a better one which you can recommend (bearing in mind I will not overclock, just want same cooling power as stock but quieter)
3) the most performance impacting tasks I will do is play 1080p content onto my tv via HDMI. The motherboard already has some graphics capabilities but do I need a graphics card and if so how good
4) with the exception of the processor how long are the standards for things such as graphics cards going to be the same (eg. upgradability onto the motherboard)
5) i have a wireless G+mimo wireless router in the house and would like this to work with my rig. can anyone recommend a good wireless pci card that also supports N as there is a good chance I will upgrade this router in the next few years.
6)how big a power supply will i need

can people answer any of these q's, reply even if you can only help with one thing, i need as much info as possible and any other advice would be greatly appreciated

 

[tw33k]

1) The HAF 922 with stock fans is a pretty good choice. You'll be happy with the cooling and the sound levels
2) If you're not overclocking then the stock cooler will suffice. I can't comment on how loud it is tho
3) If you're not gaming then it's worth checking out if the on-board graphics meets your needs. You can always get a card later if you want
4) You'll be right for a good few years I'd reckon
5) I recommend this TP Link wireless card
6) If I were you I wouldn't get anything less than a 500w PSU. This will future proof you. I recommend Corsair or Seasonic PSUs. You don't want to skimp on the power supply. It's crucial you pay for quality

I hope this has helped.

 

[OmegaZab]

1) The case is a great choice. Personally only ever dealt with the full tower but i'd guess the midtower will be just as great.
2)I'd say give the fan a chance and if not a future upgrade can always be fun. The case having great airflow so if anything just turn up the speakers
3)I will agree that on board video will probably do you right for displaying hd video content. That will probably be the time you hear your fans kick on though. If anything squeaking by with a cheap 50 dollar card could be an alternative and then you will have a separate cooling for your graphics but still may be overkill for what you describe.
4) I reckon i'd agree with tw33k
5)Havent really used any desktop wireless i have a good blend of wired and wireless but desktops are all wired so i'll opt out of a real answer here
6) i'd say just plug in what ever you are getting to psu calc like Neweggs which spit out 269 w so a good 400-500w power supply will bemore than enough. I'll agree anything over 500 should keep ya happy for a few years and wouldn't need an upgrade til you need a new computer.

Good luck

 

[raven2510]

If your not gonna overclock, then I would get the i5-2400. Its the same, its just not unlocked. Will save you about $30.

 

[maccaquacker]

thanks for your help so far but
650 WATT Power supply Alpine Black 650 WATT Silent Quiet PC ATX PSU: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
i looked at this PSU which seems ridiculously cheap so im thinking here must be some drawback... any adive there

 

[maccaquacker]

if not the OCZ 600W ModXStream Pro Power Supply - UK
looks good

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Your intended PC with the on-processor graphics won't use even 200 watts.

I have a similar setup and it uses 144 watts under a heavy load by actual measurement.

If you are using it for home entertainment purposes, you are probably interested in low noise levels. The stock Intel cooler is unobtrusive at normal work loads, but has a bit of a high-pitched whine as it speeds up under a load. You may or may not find that objectionable. I did, so I replaced it with a Scythe cooler with a large slow RPM fan. You might want to go with the stock cooler to start with and upgrade later if you find it too noisy, but on the other hand it's always easiest to build it the way you want it initially if possible.

Regarding power supplies: most of them aren't made by the brand under which they are sold. Seasonic is a very high quality manufacturer and brand and SOME Corsair and Antec supplies are made by Seasonic. It's difficult to find out which however, so I'd go with a 400 to 500 watt Seasonic if possible. If Seasonics are unavailable, try to find Antec or Corsair. Many of the brands for sale at the typical retailer are mediocre at best.

You may want to replace whatever noisy fans are supplied with the case. High quality low noise fans are available from Nexus, Scythe, Noctua, and Yate Loon.

 

[stve]

I was going to build a HTPC myself until I saw my friends 50" plasma running of a cheap £60 media player I bought one & have been very pleased you do need an external hardrive.
futeko.com - Kaiboer H1055

If you do build you should not need a separate graphics card & for a media PC 4GB ram should be ample & you would probably be fine with a i3 CPU as well.