HTPC Advice

[bluetsx]

Looking to build a new HTPC system. Stuck between an Intel and AMD build and need help. I will be playing quite a few ISOs and ripped DVDs that are stored on a wired the network and watching quite a bot of XBMC stuff.

Approximate Purchase Date: This week

Budget Range: Around $ 500.00

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Stream audio and video and pictures to the main TV in living room, will be watching netflix-hulu-amazon, surf web, watch web-videos, xbmc, will be the main blu-ray player, most likely 3D as well

Are you buying a monitor: No


Parts to Upgrade: Everything is new

Do you need to buy OS: No - will be using using windows 7

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, amazon.com

Location: City, Los Angeles, CA

Parts Preferences: Stuck between AMD or Intel

Overclocking: Not Sure

SLI or Crossfire: Not SUre

Your Monitor Resolution: 47" LG TV, soon to be a samsung 55"

Additional Comments: I'm stuck between an AMD and Intel build. Looked at parts for AMD cause of pricing, but don't want to be stuck on a dead street cause AMD might not be able to upgrade once the new socket comes out. any thoughts?

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Just building a new system for living room. Would be open to TV tuner and recording as well.

Here is my AMD build, open for an i5 build as well - Can you guys also confirm that all the parts are compatible and will work. It's been a while since I build a system for myself.

CPU: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055ZCXVE?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER - $ 90.00
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157260 - $ 75.00
CASE: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GGUAUE?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER - $ 56.00
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023 - $ 40.00
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231455 - $ 55.00
HDD: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036Q7MV0?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER - $ 105.00
Blu-Ray Player: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136246 - $ 55.00


Total = $ 500.00

 

[mocchan]

You may want to consider this rig
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1018162&cm_mmc=SNC-YouTube-_-na-_-na-_-na
Select each part in this list individually minus the HD7770, and it should be ready to go!

I'm concerned that the PSU you have selected will not fit inside the case you have selected.

 

[Wolfshadw]

@bluetsx

You build looks fine with the exception of the power supply/case/optical drive. While the power supply will fit within the case, you need to make sure that there is enough clearance behind the power supply to allow room for your blu-ray drive and cables from both.

As far as TV tuners, I'd ask what your video source is. If it's cable with a required set top box, then I'd recommend going with a cable card solution. Otherwise, one from Hauppauge or AverMedia would best suit you.

-Wolf sends

 

[Wisecracker]

You should probably wait a month or so for Trinity/FM2.

With a decent OEM mobo, the FM2 socket will provide a Kaveri drop-in replacement (with BIOS update) in 2013.

Kaveri is the APU with integrated GCN Cape Verdi SIMD engine -- cut-down HD7750 -- with a likely update to UVD (the AMD Universal Video Decoder)

 

[bluetsx]

Any suggestions for the PSU/CASE/Drive so I'm confidant they will work?

Also, the price of the 1TB WD HDD dropped to $ 90.00.

I was thinking buying an SSD since this one had good reviews and priced decently:

http://www.amazon.com/OCZ-Vertex-2-5-Inch-Performance-VTX3-25SAT3-120G/dp/B004Q81CKY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1346694470&sr=8-1&keywords=VTX3-25SAT3-120G

Any suggestions?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Sorry, but the case/PSU/ODD issue is one you're going to need to run down your self. Just check the specifications of each component and make sure that if the case you select has the PSU located behind the ODD, then make sure the physical dimensions leave enough room.

-Wolf sends