Need some advice on new HTPC build

[jmac12]

Hi everyone!

I'm new to the forums. I'm looking to get some advice whether to just buy a TiVo or build a HTPC?
Some info I want the system to do is: will be using a cable card for HDTV, 4 tuners to record 4 shows at once, lots of extra storage and stream netflix. My budget: I would like to stick around $600-800.

If I go with TiVo, I would get the Premiere XL4 - total cost $800 with system and lifetime service.

I've been browsing the forums for a couple of days a saw some HTPC setups that I liked. I also really like how much the HTPC would be able to do over a TiVo but I just don't know how reliable the computer would last.

- HTPC Setup 1:

CPU: Intel Core i3-3225 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H77M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($35.57 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 400W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) - $89.98
TV Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV 4 PCIe - 4-channel Internal Cable TV Tuner Card for CableCARD - $200

Around Total: $865.50

- HTPC Setup 2:

CPU: AMD A6-5400K 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.49 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: A-Data Premier Pro SP900 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec Neo Eco 400W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHES212-08 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($82.28 @ TigerDirect)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
TV Tuner: Ceton InfiniTV 4 PCIe - 4-channel Internal Cable TV Tuner Card for CableCARD - $200

Around Total: $843.50


Thanks in advance for your help!!

 

[jmac12]

Any suggestions on HTPC setup?

 

[cutebeans]

Both would be good. I think Intel would be better though.

If you bought a Quad Core APU then that might be a different story.