A8-3850 or i Core5 for HTPC?

[bluetsx]

I was researching to build my own HTPC unit and was debating between the two processors. I think i will go with this case: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GGUAUE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER so adding the graphic card is kind of tight in there.

I also know that the FM2 socket from AMD will be out, so going with the FM1 will be a deadend with no upgrade capabilities for me. That's why I started looking at the Intel.

I'm looking to spend around $ 500 for the whole system and am looking to do very light gaming, playing iso and ripped dvds stored on a NAS, netflix, hulu, amazon prime, playing music and pictures and simple blu-ray and dvd discs and all.

If going with the I Core 5, which MOBO and GPU would you guys recommend?

Thanks

 

[FinneousPJ]

The AMD has better graphics so as long as you're not doing anything CPU intensive I would go with that. It will run basic tasks as good as the Intel, really.

 

[naama]

Certainly A8. No point for i5 or even i3. The time you need/want to upgrade you just buy a whole new build. (Something like 3-7 years in your case). No need to plan for upgrading. Just invest in a good case and PSU. I bought silverstone grandia gd04 (silver) which has been a VERY good purchase.