help me build an HTPC

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Kevin Wolters

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Apr 9, 2014
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So I have close to 150 dvds/blu rays I want to back up onto a computer, and I have recently been using my 6 year old HP computer as an HTPC but its slow and buggy and ive been wanting more. So i think i want to build an HTPC, and I have a couple questions.

1. how much storage would I need to back up all the movies.(about 50 are blu ray and 100 are DVD).

2. should I get a high core count processor, like an AMD, to help with the ripping and encoding?

3. would i bet able to get a mini itx board for a multi core processor?

4. can you recommend a build that would be best for me?? my budget is between $500-$600
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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1. I think you'll be good with a 1TB, 2TB would be even better

2. Intel has Quick Sync which can encode using dedicated hardware but quality is a bit worse than software and not sure about ripping. I suggest AMD apu

3. yes mitx is fully featured these days

4. brb :)
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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Nice powerful HTPC

If you want more GPU power you can get a dGPU

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.67 @ Mwave)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: PNY XLR8 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($63.31 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($42.99 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($55.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $524.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
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K

Kevin Wolters

Reputable
Apr 9, 2014
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4,510


Thanks!!! and just to make sure, the i3 you suggested would get me better performance for ripping and encoding and streaming HD movies than something like an A10 would?
 
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stickmansam

stickmansam

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Oct 30, 2011
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streaming HD, both would be fine

GPU in games in the one area Intel is a bit behind but HTPC, isn't much of a concern

ripping is all CPU/storage so Intel should be faster

encoding really depends on your specific program.

Basically speed wise VCE(AMD) >=Quicksync (slightly lower quality I think) > OpenCL > Intel CPU > AMD CPU

AMD would be better for a $400 HTPC but at $500, Intel can differentiate itself
 
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