[djglenn]

I am planning to build a HTPC to play 1080p content via XBMC, and would appreciate some feedback.

I have looked at G840's, i3-2100, but for a HTPC I feel the AMD X2 should have more than enough grunt...but I am open to opinions!

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 - 260 - 3.2GHz
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-MA78LMT-US2H 760G Socket AM3
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333MHz
GPU: Sapphire HD 6450 512MB DDR3 HDMI
PSU: Seasonic S12II-380 380W PSU
SSD: OCZ Onyx 32GB
COOLER: Scythe Big Shuriken
CASE: Silverstone Milo ML03B

Total Cost (inc delivery): £350

I am considering trying to save money on the PSU (£54), but I am struggling to find cheaper options which people claim are silent...

I am scared of making a noisy build, so would like to avoid that if possible.

All feedback is welcome.

 

[BradleyW]

7.

An i5 2500k on a micro atx board and a AMD 6770 would have been better

As for power consumption, it's perfect. Very efficient.

 

[hick]

That build work work good. Also check out the intel G620, you wont need a GPU and may save you a few $$. Either way you should be fine.

Edit- if you plan on going linux with xbmc (via live or full linux) go with a cheap Athlon II x2 and a nvidia gpu.

 

[trumpet-205]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradleyW;14920324
7.

An i5 2500k on a micro atx board and a AMD 6770 would have been better

As for power consumption, it's perfect. Very efficient.

We are talking about HTPC, so i5 2500K isn't exactly the perfect choice here.

I personally would've pick Pentium G840 or G630T (for low power) without discreate GPU. Intel QuickSync can transcode media without loss of quality or speed.

If you do go with Linux, pick up a Nvidia GPU so Linux can utilize its VDPAU.

Do NOT save money on the PSU, or you will regret it. You want your PSU to be healthy in the long run.

 

[djglenn]

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated!

I do think a i5 2500k + 6770 would be completely overkill for me as all I plan to do is watch media. My main rig will be used for Gaming etc...

Sorry I should have made it clear, I plan on running XBMC on Windows 7, purely for the reason of being able to network & connect to it from my main rig.
Quote:

Originally Posted by trumpet-205;14931037
We are talking about HTPC, so i5 2500K isn't exactly the perfect choice here.

I personally would've pick Pentium G840 or G630T (for low power) without discreate GPU. Intel QuickSync can transcode media without loss of quality or speed.

If you do go with Linux, pick up a Nvidia GPU so Linux can utilize its VDPAU.

Do NOT save money on the PSU, or you will regret it. You want your PSU to be healthy in the long run.

Would a G840 with no GPU be better than a X2 with a 6450? It works out the same price for me either way, but if I add a GPU to a G840 build its mounting up the price.

Also if utilising the graphics on a G840 would I need a specific motherboard, or would a H61 suffice?