HTPC Build - Chose one from these 2 builds!

[malakhov]

I want some feedback on this, if you had the choice between these 2 setups as a HTPC, wich one would you chose? The only need other than 1080p playback is the ability to rip your blu-rays in 1080p and convert them through handbrake. I've read that the a4-5300 can't decode h264 from hardware, what does that mean for an htpc?

CPU: AMD A8-3870K 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-A75M-S2V Micro ATX FM1 Motherboard
Memory: Patriot Viper Xtreme 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: OCZ Vertex 3 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply
Optical Drive: LG CH12LS28 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer

or

CPU: AMD A4-5300 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A55M-E33 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard
Memory: Patriot Viper Xtreme 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory
Storage: OCZ Vertex 3 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Silverstone ML03B HTPC Case
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply
Optical Drive: LG CH12LS28 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer

Thank you

 

[stevydinho]

I use an A4-5300 in my desktop and I've been able to play h.264 encoded video. I would go for the first build though, because at times I've watched video with the A4 where I've thought, "this could be a bit smoother".

If I was you, I wouldn't bother with 1866MHz RAM, 1600MHz is more than adequate. I would use the SSD money to get an A10-5800K however, because (and I know from experience), the APU is always going to be the bottleneck, not the RAM, HDD or PSU.

 

[malakhov]

I already have the SSD, bought it for 49$ during black friday. Have all the components already, the only choice left is between the a8-3870k or a4-5300.

So sometimes you get lag during 1080p playback? Hmm..

 

[stevydinho]

Do you have the mobo yet? If so what socket is it? the A8-3870K is FM1 whereas the A4-5300 is FM2

 

[malakhov]

Nope, mobos and cpus left only.

 

[stevydinho]

Well... the A8 is a better APU, but FM2 is the newer socket, which will be used by the 3rd Gen APUs in June. Depends if you want to upgrade later on.