Budget HTPC Build. Look ok?

real world

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Feb 19, 2008
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Basic HTPC build that will not be used for any gaming. Strictly to stream content to my HDTV. Primarily XBMC. Thoughts? Thanks in advance.

OS: Windows 7 64 bit

CPU + Mobo Bundle - $100

A6 6400K Black Edition 3.9GHz Dual-Core Socket FM2 Boxed Processor
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.aspx?sku=617811

ASUS A78M-A Socket FM2+ A78M Motherboard
http://www.microcenter.com/product/429629/A78M-A_Socket_FM2_A78M_mATX_AMD_Motherboard

RAM - $38- G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231427&ignorebbr=1

PSU Corsair CX430 - $20 AR

I haven't decided on a case yet, but that's trivial really. I have two questions.

#1 - Will this mobo boot with a Richdale, or will I need a Trinity first?

#2 - I've read that these APU's are better served by faster RAM. I'll be using this as an HTPC (no gaming) so does that matter? IF so, should I spend a few bucks more and get 8GB's of 1866 RAM? This is on sale.

$71 - G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231550&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL040814&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL040814-_-EMC-040814-Latest-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231550-L010B

 
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I don't think the FM2+ board is very necessary unless you are planning on upgrading the chip to the new Kaveri apus, also, with apus upgrading the RAM to a faster speed is almost essential when doing anything video related (Gaming, TV, Movies, etc.) So you should get the faster ram, but other than that, it should be good!

TwistedFury

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I don't think the FM2+ board is very necessary unless you are planning on upgrading the chip to the new Kaveri apus, also, with apus upgrading the RAM to a faster speed is almost essential when doing anything video related (Gaming, TV, Movies, etc.) So you should get the faster ram, but other than that, it should be good!
 
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Duckboy_the_1st

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I recently build a pc with a A6 6600k, go for the fastest ram it will take with tight settings, and get a proper cooler for the cpu aswell, make sure the motherboard supports cpu voltage control as I had big problems with heat and the motherboard overvolting the cpu even at stock settings (I couldn't lower it).
 

real world

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Thanks for your replies everyone. In light of your posts, I've decided to bump the RAM up to 8GB's at 1866 or 2133.

These are the three I've narrowed it down to.

$71 -G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) 1.5v CL 9 Timing 9-10-9-28
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231550

$70 - Kingston HyperX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 Desktop Memory 1.5v CL 10 Timing 10-11-10
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104422

$70 - Team Zeus Red 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) 1.65v CL 11 Timing 11-11-11-31
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313431

Which RAM do you think is best? One of the 1.5v 1866's with the lower timings, or the 2133 at 1.65v and higher timings?



 

Duckboy_the_1st

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I don't know to much about memory so some else will have to tell you about that, but I would go with the 2133mhz then tighten it up as much as possible. it should be better than the 1866mhz (you could downclock it with even tighter timing maybe?) that's my 2 cents anyway lol