HTPC Build: AMD APU?

[Lumpyyyyy]

Spec'ing out a new HTPC build for a friend. Looking at a bunch of options, but keeping the price in his ballpark (<$400, not including OS and monitor) has proved a little challenging. I was looking into the AMD APU and they seem to fit very well for this purpose. I was wondering if I should restart using an AMD APU as the core of my build.

Usage: Movies, BluRay, Netflix, Streaming to Xbox

Any thoughts/comments are welcome.

 

[Wisecracker]

Don't do it.


You might like it.


Good deals on Llano/FM1. Trinity/FM2 could be arriving June/July or so is probably part of the reason.

 

[geekapproved]

Sure why not?

 

[nekulturny]

Absolutely would do a Llano build for an HTPC, I disagree with wisecracker... Theres no logic to his suggestion, its an HTPC not a gaming desktop that you need to upgrade... *facepalm*

Make sure you get 1600mhz or 1866mhz RAM, since your RAM is your video memory, spend the extra couple bucks for the higher speed.

 

[einterlan]

Sure!

 

[dontcrosthestreams]

the on board graphics are great for blue ray. made an htpc for my gf with left of psu, dvd player, hdd. total cost of new parts was 280.

 

[DEY123]

I have an APU for my HTPC and it works great.

 

[Lumpyyyyy]

Best answer selected by Lumpyyyyy.

 

[Wisecracker]

Llano APUs and sFM1 motherboards are quickly coming down in price because Trinity/sFM2 will be here soon.

And for your uses you may be able to snag an SSD with a AMD E350 and stay in budget.

Like the ASRock E350M1 AMD E-350 APU