[New Build] Need verification on HTPC for browsing, streaming

[chance1117]

This build is going to replace my E machines er1402. My current HTPC struggles with any multitasking and sometimes streaming via chrome.The new build will mostly be used play .avi video, stream video from various sites and basic web browsing at 1080p. It it will be powered on 24/7 so less power consumption is good. I have a spare 750 GB, no monitor needed or keyboard and mouse. I will be installing windows 7. Using Amazon because Amazon prime member.

■G.SKILL 8GB (2 x 4GB) Ripjaws X Series DDR3 1333MHz (PC3-10666) 240-Pin. Desktop Memory F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ISXB4C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=AJA746BHQ7SCI $43.00

■Asus 24xDVD-RW Serial ATA Internal OEM Drive DRW-24B1ST (Black) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033Z2BAQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER $21.48

■APEX DM-317 mATX Desktop 275W 1 1 (1) Bays USB 2*FAN P4 C2D System Cabinet - Black http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PRP44K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=A364K5Y86J4MV2 $40.81

■ASRock A55M-HVS FM1 AMD A55 FCH Micro ATX AMD Motherboard http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LF8BB4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER $53.99

■AMD A6-3500 APU with AMD Radeon 6530 HD Graphics 2.1/2.4GHz Socket FM1 65W Triple-Core Processor - Retail AD3500OJGXBOX http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005I2YL4G/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER $74.99

Total: $234.27

 

[willze7]

If you were considering and intel option here is a slightly faster build
CPU: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Pentium-Dual-Core-Processor-BX80623G850/dp/B00520I9VA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337659543&sr=1-2 $85.24
Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GA-H61M-DS2-Intel-Micro-Motherboard/dp/B005PX3UYA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337659789&sr=1-3 $54.99
It's $11 more, but is a bit faster. You may also want to consider downgrading to 4gb of ram. That will make up for the difference in price for the intel parts. 4gb should be enough for web browsing and videos, 8gb is what you will find on most gaming computers.

 

[chance1117]

If you were considering and intel option here is a slightly faster build
CPU: http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Pentium-Dual-Core-Processor-BX80623G850/dp/B00520I9VA/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337659543&sr=1-2 $85.24
Motherboard: http://www.amazon.com/GIGABYTE-GA-H61M-DS2-Intel-Micro-Motherboard/dp/B005PX3UYA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1337659789&sr=1-3 $54.99
It's $11 more, but is a bit faster.

What build would have the better CPU and GPU? I would assume the higher clock speed would be more valuable than the 3rd core? I plan on keeping integrated graphics to keep power consumption low and price down. I won't be doing any gaming on this machine.

 

[willze7]

The intel is faster. A closer competition for the G850 is the A6-3650 in which the Pentium wins again. Also that you're correct about the clock speed vs. # of cores. Unless you are doing a lot of multi-tasking the Pentium is the way to go. About the graphics cards I chose this specific Pentium since it has an ok integrated graphics card, which is plenty for videos, but can't really handle games.

 

[chance1117]

The intel is faster. A closer competition for the G850 is the A6-3650 in which the Pentium wins again. Also that you're correct about the clock speed vs. # of cores. Unless you are doing a lot of multi-tasking the Pentium is the way to go. About the graphics cards I chose this specific Pentium since it has an ok integrated graphics card, which is plenty for videos, but can't really handle games.

I do prefer Intel overall so I might go that route. The MB you chose doesn't have HDMI out. Would this work fine instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157256

 

[willze7]

Yeah that's a good one. Most motherboards you find these days are for the i3 at minimum so almost any board will work with a Pentium.

 

[chance1117]

I do have some room for a more expensive processor. How much of a difference would it make for me to jump up to a i3? Also how big of a difference is there between Intel's 2000 and 3000 integrated graphics? I would be be well within my budget to get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115090

Edit: The more I read the more I feel like going with the amd a6 3500 would work better for a htpc. The CPU isn't as powerful but GPU is better. Could someone else give an opinion?

 

[willze7]

I do have some room for a more expensive processor. How much of a difference would it make for me to jump up to a i3? Also how big of a difference is there between Intel's 2000 and 3000 integrated graphics? I would be be well within my budget to get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115090

Edit: The more I read the more I feel like going with the amd a6 3500 would work better for a htpc. The CPU isn't as powerful but GPU is better. Could someone else give an opinion?

If the i3 is within your budget you should definitely get it. It can beat the FX4100, and works well with high end graphics cards in case you ever needed to do anything more than hd video. You are correct about the A6 having a better video card, but once again if all you are doing is watching videos then you only need little to no graphics card.