New HTPC Build using an AMD APU

Kenan Perjaya

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Jul 5, 2015
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I have a GTX 970 which is waiting to be replaced by a Polaris or Pascal GPU. In the meantime I plan on using an APU for my gaming needs, such as dungeon crawler and indie games that are not graphically demanding. I chose a motherboard with WiFi as I can control VLC using my phone this way. I was just truly in love with the case by Fractal. Comments, criticisms and suggestions are welcome. FYI my main complete rig is a 6700K and a GTX970. I can post my main rig, but I think I digress. Oh and I'm going to use Kodi and not Windows (blawh for HTPC)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($69.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG C7 40.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($96.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($32.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: A-Data Premier SP550 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($56.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Node 202 HTPC Case w/450W Power Supply ($129.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $416.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-23 12:07 EDT-0400

 
Solution
I honestly don't know if the AMD 5350 will handle it. If you like me some material i can try it for you on my AMD 5350 and i'll let you know if it has smooth playback - i'd imagine it will be fine but i'd rather check for you first.

My HTPC's don't have a DVD/Blu-Ray drive - streaming services are more popular than ever. Although the bitrate / raw data of bluray is outstanding i'm happy to watch streamed versions.

I own an intel and AMD HTPC (see my sig) if i could turn back time i'd own 2 x AMD 5350's and saved myself some money.

Jonathan Cave

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Oct 17, 2013
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Hello Kenan Perjaya,

I own 2 x HTPC's and i'm happy to share my experience with you and any questions you should have after this post.

To be frank , $416 on a HTPC is overkill.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard ($48.99 @ Micro Center)
Memory: Crucial 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($16.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Sandisk SSD PLUS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($42.92 @ Amazon)
Total: $147.89 + COST OF CASE / Laptop DC Cable - See Below!.
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-23 12:34 EDT-0400

1. I would recommend the AMD 5350 CPU/APU - it plays back 1080p video easily and only draws 25w from the wall and is good enough for indie type games.
2. You dont need an after market cooler if you go with the above CPU
3. That specific motherboard accepts a DC connection (Laptop Power cable!) therefore you don't need a PSU.
4. 4GB Ram is more than enough for Windows 10 / indie games , video playback etc...
5. 120GB SSD is more than enough for Windows / apps / games ?
6. Cases are subjective, but have you considered the Silverstone ML05b ? http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cases/2013/10/22/silverstone-milo-ml05-review/3
 

Ryan_78

Honorable
I mean a 240 would be more ideal. You can out more storage in it. Windows is +60 gb and drivers stuff etc will go . If you want to be able to store some games, like a good amount then it would barely fit.
Otherwise I fully agree with Jonathan.
 

Kenan Perjaya

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Jul 5, 2015
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The CPU is indeed interesting but the reason I went with an a8 APU is because my quad core i5 laptops with 4Gb of ram has always stuttered in playing the h.265 highly compressed codecs and 5.1audio channels with my 5.1 surround sound audio system, this is the reason why I just went all out and I don't understand nor know many AMD products, just that their APUs are much more powerful than built in i3 and i5 chips.


I do agree with the SSD, as I'll keep the system on 24/7 and inject whatever data and files I need. Thumbs up.

The case, however, the ML05 is too thick for my liking and I have checked out their Sugo and Milo lineup and none are as thin as the node 202. Granted, it has room for a slim disc reader, but it's just too thick. I don't mind wider cases, I just want them thin. Any other cheaper suggestions?

And the motherboard I chose previously has WiFi. That's why.
 

Jonathan Cave

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Hi Kenan,

The AMD A8-7600 will brute force any h 265 fine - Ram is not the issue even at 4GB - with ram being so cheap i guess 8GB couldnt hurt.

Case wise have you considered the SilverStone Petit PT13? You'll need a Thin Mini-ITX motherboard but it's very small indeed! - but you'll need an intel build.

[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQVHcG04EdQ"][/video]
[video="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO2EtsV5Msg"][/video]
 

Kenan Perjaya

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Jul 5, 2015
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Yes exactly where I was going at, but will the 5350 crush h.265? I know that the a8 7600 would definitely do so, but a cheaper alternative will not hurt.

Now I have seen those mini cases, they're just not wide enough to support a decent sized GPU. But they surely are thin and has good ventilation. And I don't feel like going the Intel route as at this price point I feel AMD is the better option, not to mention it's APU platform. I'm sorry that I'm very picky, but I might actually build a plexi case by myself if it comes to it. But I feel that I might actually go the Milo or Sugo series route for its disc tray and price.
 

Jonathan Cave

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Oct 17, 2013
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I honestly don't know if the AMD 5350 will handle it. If you like me some material i can try it for you on my AMD 5350 and i'll let you know if it has smooth playback - i'd imagine it will be fine but i'd rather check for you first.

My HTPC's don't have a DVD/Blu-Ray drive - streaming services are more popular than ever. Although the bitrate / raw data of bluray is outstanding i'm happy to watch streamed versions.

I own an intel and AMD HTPC (see my sig) if i could turn back time i'd own 2 x AMD 5350's and saved myself some money.
 
Solution

Kenan Perjaya

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Jul 5, 2015
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Idk 2 htpcs are not for me, and I feel like I just want to go a bit premium for my one HTPC. Anyways thanks a lot. I'll choose your answer as a solution for all the help.
 

Kenan Perjaya

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Jul 5, 2015
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Anyways it's fine. I have a 10 gigabit enabled home. That's why I'm planning to utilise it instead of a decommissioned laptop.