HTPC build upgrade advice

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trubner1981

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Jan 15, 2018
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510
Hi all,
I don't game but I do stream live TV quite a bit from my HTPC. To the point-my build has served me well for about 2 years, but I'm looking to upgrade. Main concern-I can stream relatively well from my HTPC (Plex Live TV) but only in 720P @ 4MBPS and even at that setting playback (especially live sports) is choppy. I would like to upgrade to a more stable, less choppy, and higher resolution picture. I'm looking for advice to accomplish this. Budget is not necessarily an issue, neither is staying with AMD CPU/compatible motherboard. I'm really looking for expertise that will help me improve this rig, whether it's a complete overhaul or simply upgrading one or more components in the build. Thank you in advance for any advice! Here is my current build:
PCPartPicker part list: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xhvtm8
Price breakdown by merchant: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xhvtm8/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD - FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($104.39 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus - M5A97 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard
Memory: (x2) Crucial - Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.00 @ Newegg Marketplace)
Storage: Samsung - 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: ECS - GeForce 8400 GS 1GB Video Card
Case: Sentey - Stealth ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair - Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft - Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($89.89 @ OutletPC)
External Storage: Western Digital - easystore 8TB External Hard Drive ($205.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $687.11
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-01-15 12:53 EST-0500
 
Solution
serge44
Ok. Two thoughts.

First of all, I would make sure that the origin of the choppy video is indeed your PC. Many, if not most, of the local streaming problems come from the Router you're using. It's easy to figure this out, if a monitor or tv connected by wire to the tv shows the same choppy video, then proceed to point 2. If local video is fine, then focus on upgrading your router. Even with the best routers, try to have at least one wired connection (client or host) to it. It'll improve a lot your streaming quality.

Now, if the router is not the problem and you want to upgrade, most of your build looks good, except for 2 things.

The video card you're picking is literally ancient. It's around 12 years old. And even at its day, it...
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serge44

serge44

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Mar 16, 2011
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18,860
Ok. Two thoughts.

First of all, I would make sure that the origin of the choppy video is indeed your PC. Many, if not most, of the local streaming problems come from the Router you're using. It's easy to figure this out, if a monitor or tv connected by wire to the tv shows the same choppy video, then proceed to point 2. If local video is fine, then focus on upgrading your router. Even with the best routers, try to have at least one wired connection (client or host) to it. It'll improve a lot your streaming quality.

Now, if the router is not the problem and you want to upgrade, most of your build looks good, except for 2 things.

The video card you're picking is literally ancient. It's around 12 years old. And even at its day, it wasn't a particularly good card (8800 if I remember correctly, was indeed very powerful). But man, not anymore, I even find it surprising that you'd still be able to get it. I'd get something much newer. The current generation is particularly good for HTPC since it's such low power hungry compared to the previous ones. I even believe there are some that work on passive cooling. Since you don't game much, my choice would be a 1050, I've tried the EVGA with the ACX 2.0 and unless you're pushing it, it'll work super cool and silent: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/sc4NnQ/evga-geforce-gtx-1050-2gb-acx-20-video-card-02g-p4-6150-kr

Now, the CPU wouldn't be my first choice either. That CPU generation is also dated, AMD has a current lineup that are much more efficient and fast. Since it's a non-gaming HTPC, for almost the same price than the one you quoted, I'd get this one: https://pcpartpicker.com/product/TX4NnQ/amd-ryzen-3-1300x-35ghz-quad-core-processor-yd1200bbaebox

Hope this helps!
 
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Solution
T

trubner1981

Prominent
Jan 15, 2018
2
0
510


Thank you for responding serge44. I have verified that it is not the router; choppy playback exists on the machine with wired display, and I can streak 4k videos to multiple devices in my home using streaming services (i.e. Netflix) without issue. I should have clarified; the parts listed are my current build, from late 2015; the existing setup, not what I'm proposing to upgrade to. I will investigate the ryzen CPU and the graphics card you linked as well - thanks again for your response!
 
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serge44

serge44

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Mar 16, 2011
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Ah! Well that makes more sense. Although most of the setup seems quite up to date for your needs. My bet would be on going for a new video card. The CPU may not be at its best but it's a capable one for video playback, and considering that upgrading will definitely require a new MB and RAM as well, I'd first go for a video card, either the one I suggested or a 1060 if you have the extra cash. That should do it, IMHO.
 
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