Best mobo w/ GPU/IGP + processor for HTPC build

[zalick]

I'm building a dedicated HTPC and I want to get opinions on the best core component setup. Some people say go AMD w/785G, others say i3. I would like a microATX form factor too.


TIME: ASAP

BUDGET: $250 for processor + mobo w/IGP or mobo + graphics card

USAGE: 1080p movies, Hulu, Netflix, no gaming

RESOLUTION: 1920 x 1200

AUDIO: 7.1 is not a factor, HD audio is fine

PARTS PREF: Newegg




So what core would you start with for a budget to midrange HTPC? IGP or not? AMD or Intel?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MadAdmiral]

I'd go with an AMD setup, mainly because it's cheaper. An Intel seup will cost $20-50 more and would be just about the same in terms of performance.

CPU: X3 440 $75
Mobo: Asus M488TD-M/USB3 $105

Total: $180

 

[rwpritchett]

Agree with admiral. Unless you want HD audio onboard, AMD gets the job done cheaper.

It's too bad intel hasn't released Clarkdale based CPU's around 2GHz with all of the integrated goodies. Something around $50-60 or so. The i3-530 is just overkill for HTPC.

 

[zalick]

Best answer selected by zalick.

 

[zalick]

I'd go with an AMD setup, mainly because it's cheaper. An Intel seup will cost $20-50 more and would be just about the same in terms of performance.

CPU: X3 440 $75
Mobo: Asus M488TD-M/USB3 $105

Total: $180

Thanks for the advice. I'm going with your suggestion!

 

[Hereisphilly]

Agree with admiral. Unless you want HD audio onboard, AMD gets the job done cheaper.

It's too bad intel hasn't released Clarkdale based CPU's around 2GHz with all of the integrated goodies. Something around $50-60 or so. The i3-530 is just overkill for HTPC.

Sorry to throw a possible spanner in the works, and bring up intel again, but they do a cheaper clarkdale processor, and its aparrently really quite good. (overclocks to like 5ghz if you want)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116283&cm_re=g6950-_-19-116-283-_-Product

That amd build looks good though

 

[rwpritchett]

Yeah, I'm aware of the G9650. The G9650 is neutered though. It doesn't support HD audio bitstreaming, only supports 1066 RAM, only two threads, less L3 cache. It sucks.