Need help picking mobo to build multimedia pc

Texaspeet58

Honorable
Jul 28, 2013
6
0
10,510
I want to build a pc that will be used to stream services like Netflix, playback HD videos from local storage, and play HD audio. Would like the following features:

Networking: Ideally either built-in wireless or ability to add in slot. Need more than wired Lan port. Would like ability to do 802.11AC at some point either built-in or in slot.

Video: Do not need gaming quality video, but will be playing up to 1080p HD videos

Audio: Playback of lossless music and videos with DTS/DD type audio. May add an outboard USB DAC.

Memory: Will be running WIndows 8.1 (not Pro) and would like ability to easily/cheaply expand later

Storage: one 3.5" SATA HD to start, would like to add at least one more later.
Storage: two external 5.25" bays to have DVD or Bluray drives

Case: Do not need or like the typical MicroATX cases and prefer at least a mini or midtower. Looking at ports on the Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI/FM2/FM2+ and not sure the cases I prefer will take this board. IT has built-in Wifi/AC and few slots due to size but lots built in

CPU: Don't think I need or can afford quad cores, maybe dual? Need suggestions of some good APUs to save money but have acceptable graphics ability to run the HD videos.

I like this board from Gigabyte going for around $100 USD, but not sure if I can find case to fit it. Not sure if I should be an APU type CPU or use separate CPU & GPU? Seem to find several AMD & Intel chips/boards that use either. Need an HDMI port and DVI to run to Samsung monitor and Tv.

Finally and very important right now: Have to minimize cost and buy one part at a time. Would like something that when assembled will run my HD multimedia nicely. Will connect video via HDMI to HD Tv and audio eventually to stereo or powered speakers.
 
Solution
dont buy parts one at a time. put the funds into savings and then buy them all at once. most newer cases will fit micro atx and atx mb. micro atx mb have 6 standoffs on them the larger atx have 9. right now both amd and intel are going to be dropping newer cpu this year. intel dropping newer i3 and haswell refresh and latter in the year there newer broadwell cpu will be dropping. for the money the g line of broadwell with two cores is a lot more powerfull then amd apu cores. (intel ipgpu are getting faster on each new cpu). for the wifi a lot of people now use usb sticks. the realtek audio chipset now are not bad on most mb. if you dont like the sound you can add a asus or creative labs card latter. look at the r200 case for cosair it...
dont buy parts one at a time. put the funds into savings and then buy them all at once. most newer cases will fit micro atx and atx mb. micro atx mb have 6 standoffs on them the larger atx have 9. right now both amd and intel are going to be dropping newer cpu this year. intel dropping newer i3 and haswell refresh and latter in the year there newer broadwell cpu will be dropping. for the money the g line of broadwell with two cores is a lot more powerfull then amd apu cores. (intel ipgpu are getting faster on each new cpu). for the wifi a lot of people now use usb sticks. the realtek audio chipset now are not bad on most mb. if you dont like the sound you can add a asus or creative labs card latter. look at the r200 case for cosair it small but can take full size video card and it not bad for it size. if you like a larger case look at the r300. there is a window version of that case. also nxzt drop a a set of new cheaper colored cases. intel mb look at the b/h and a fixed non k cpu. if your looking at amd look at there fm2 mb and newer apu.
 
Solution