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Buidling my first HTPC / home server, which processor?

post #1 of 5
10/17/12 at 10:35pm
Thread Starter 
Going to build my first HTPC / home server (file storage). I will be adding on anywhere from 3-5 HDDs + a bluray player

Questions:
  1. Should I go with a Intel i3-3225 or a AMD A8-3870K?
    I won't be doing any overclocking or gaming, this is strictly file transfers and media viewing
  2. What's the difference between a mini ITX and a micro ATX?
  3. Since I'm going to be getting so many HDDs is there a case you guys would recommend?
  4. What about a remote? This won't be acting as a DVR or PVR (no tv tuner). Should I just go ahead with a wireless keyboard / mouse?

Probably going to go with this PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&name=Power-Supplies


I'm trying to keep my budget below 700 but preferably below 500
Edited by dudenell - 10/17/12 at 10:38pm
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post #2 of 5
10/18/12 at 8:11am
I use a silverstone grandia gd-08 with 5x3TB drives and a 320GB OS drive. You can see the other specs in my sig, it has worked out incredibly well for me. I needed so much storage because of 1:1 blu-ray rips.
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post #3 of 5
10/18/12 at 8:20am
  • 1. Personally, AMD A10, better all around APU (Good CPU and fasted GPU in one). To answer your question from you two choices, what ever one will be cheapest and will result in an overall combo system that will be cheapest (AMD system), as file transfer and movie viewing will not be pushing either CPU.
  • 2. Mini is the smallest form factor board and will have one pci-e slot. Micro is a bit bigger and usually will allow for a SLI/Crossfire configuration. Since you’re going with a CPU that also has a GPU, you won’t need a video card and mini build will result in a more compact build/smaller foot print case.
  • 3. I’d recommend the Bitfinex Prodigy, can hold at least 6 HDDs.
  • 4. Remote would suggest a TV tuner like the old ATI Wonder. Not really familiar to what is available now. Yes, a wireless keyboard/mouse would be a must.
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BitofHeaven
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post #4 of 5
10/18/12 at 8:32pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gunderman456 View Post

  • 1. Personally, AMD A10, better all around APU (Good CPU and fasted GPU in one). To answer your question from you two choices, what ever one will be cheapest and will result in an overall combo system that will be cheapest (AMD system), as file transfer and movie viewing will not be pushing either CPU.
  • 2. Mini is the smallest form factor board and will have one pci-e slot. Micro is a bit bigger and usually will allow for a SLI/Crossfire configuration. Since you’re going with a CPU that also has a GPU, you won’t need a video card and mini build will result in a more compact build/smaller foot print case.
  • 3. I’d recommend the Bitfinex Prodigy, can hold at least 6 HDDs.
  • 4. Remote would suggest a TV tuner like the old ATI Wonder. Not really familiar to what is available now. Yes, a wireless keyboard/mouse would be a must.

I checked out everything on your system and everything seemed to check out except that there is only 1 ITX motherboard available
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157273&name=AMD-Motherboards

and I only see 4 Sata ports on the board itself :-\

From what I see that one ITX board doesn't support the A10 series either :-\
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Kitten Destroyer
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post #5 of 5
10/18/12 at 9:28pm
Thread Starter 
NVM found this:
MSI FM2-A75IA-E53 - http://www.msi.com/product/mb/FM2-A85XA-G65.html
ASrock - http://www.asrock.com/mb/AMD/FM2A75M-ITX/

though if I wanted to go with one of the itx boards I would have to get a addon card for the sata connections, and the only one with wifi built in so far is the MSI. so many choices tongue.gif
Kitten Destroyer
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Kitten Destroyer
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