Building HTPC and looking for opinion

[Brandon H Supervisor]

I'm getting ready to build an HTPC and I have everything picked out but would just like to get some opinions on whether I should go Intel cpu and mobo or AMD cpu and mobo and what the advantages would be of each

I've never done much with amd before which is why I'm asking. I trust the intel i series but would the money I'd be saving going AMD be worth it?

here's the cpu and mobo I have chosen for intel

cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116774

motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130647

and here's what I've chosen for AMD

cpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106001

motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131871

I appreciate any feedback you can give me, this build is going to be replacing a crappy Gateway laptop that I got almost 4 years ago now for $475 that I now use as my media PC

[Jim K Global Moderator]

I would go with the Intel setup. Both systems would play HD content without issues...but for a sole purpose of HTPC usage...I would go with the lower wattage (lower energy usage/heat/quiet etc) of the Intel setup. I have a slower G630T and it runs XBMC, plays Blu-Ray ripped mkvs w/o issue.

[Jlobb2]

^{Intel. Not only for the lower power usage, but the integrated graphics in the cpu itself is pretty good, relatively speaking.}

[Jim K Global Moderator]

oh, and to add...there is a bunch of good information here...

http://www.avsforum.com/f/26/home-theater-computers

[Shannon]

The AMD chips are much better when it comes to matching the refresh rate to the actual video framerate. Intel graphics have been particularly bad at displaying 23.976 FPS content, which is what most movies are filmed at I believe. Long story shot, die hard HTPC enthusiasts recommend the AMD Trinity chips over the current Intel offerings for pure HTPC playback.

I'd get the AMD myself, thought the A8 is way too much power for what you need. The A6-5400K is very popular for HTPCs and is only has a TDP of 65W instead of 100W (less power, less heat). In fact, you could even get away with an A4. I'll be building a A4-5300 HTPC myself soon.

[Jlobb2]

oh, and to add...there is a bunch of good information here...

http://www.avsforum....eater-computers

I was just looking for that link as I was actually reading a lot of the info there last night. If the OP follows this link and checks out the Assassin's guide, it has good info on what to look for and why go with Intel over AMD. It seems a little dated since it still references Sandy Bridge and second gen i3, but the third gen i3 and Ivy bridge wont change the recommendation as they are even better than the previous generation.

[Brandon H Supervisor]

thanks for the help guys. it looks like the intel route is indeed the better road to take

should be interesting as this is my first time putting together a custom computer :)

[RDJ]

Dont forget the case :)

This is what I will probably use in my next HTPC build to replace my current PC-A01 (http://www.lian-li.c...=38&ss_index=98)

LIAN LI Black Aluminum PC-Q09FNB Mini ITX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811112359

SILVERSTONE ML03B Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163174

[Brandon H Supervisor]

oh don't worry, I already have everything else picked out. i was just wondering if it was worth saving a few bucks and going AMD

this is the case I'm going with if you were interested http://www.newegg.co...N82E16811163174

edit: which just happens to be the last one you listed :rofl:

[RDJ]

That silverstone is super sexy...

But Ive owned a few Lian Li's now and im totally biased towards them :):):)

[Brandon H Supervisor]

That silverstone is super sexy...

But Ive owned a few Lian Li's now and im totally biased towards them :):) :)

yeah, the C37U looks sexy, but it's not listed on any of the sites that sell the brand :(