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Budget Cpus for HTPC? Beginner Builder

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  • CPUs
  • Basic
  • Processors
  • Build
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August 29, 2013 12:04:36 PM

Hi, I am looking to build a budget HTPC for my parents but I am unsure what CPU would meet my basic needs. The HTPC is going to have windows 7 on it and be used for HD playback on the TV. There is no need for gaming, 3D, or video editing.

I have been looking at processors and the AMD A6-5400 stands out for me.

A lot of people seem to go straight into the i3 route but I am unsure if this overkill for what I need. I looked at the I3-3225 which probably more than meets my needs but I am not very knowledgeable about processors in general. All I know it is a faster processor, more expensive, more efficient (than the amd), has hyper-threading, and can do 3D playback.

I looked into celeron and Pentiums but I am not too familiar with the processors. One that stands out and is similarly priced to the AMD A6 is the Pentium G2120. It doesn't have hyper threading or turbo boost, but I don't think my parents would use any applications that require it.

1.) Will either the APU or the Pentium meet my needs? Any other processors I should consider?

2.) Why would I consider a i3 over a weaker processor for a HTPC. I am wondering if I missing anything essential?







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a b à CPUs
August 29, 2013 12:22:16 PM

The A6 would be a good pick for a non-gaming system.

Even simpler, how about using a real set top box for streaming like a Roku or one of the Western Digital ones. http://store.westerndigital.com/store/wdus/en_US/compar... Would be 1/3 the price of a compter and easier to work with.
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a c 75 à CPUs
August 29, 2013 12:25:17 PM

The AMD A6-5300 should do fine, along with the MSI FM2-A55M-E33 motherboard. 4 GB of RAM will be enough, getting some that runs at 1866 MHz will help, because of the fact that it is an APU. For the power supply, 300W should be enough, 400W if you want to overkill it. Either one from Antec, Corsair, Seasonic or XFX.
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