noobienick

Estimable
Mar 8, 2014
3
0
4,510
I'm planning on a new HTPC build. Mainly intended for videos, some streaming and music. No plans for gaming. Budget around $500 or so..

What do folks think about this configuration: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1olw8

Would this allow for future expansion for tv tuner?

Thanks
 

geofelt

Distinguished
I like the case, the most important part of a HTPC.

I think you can do better on parts.

1. haswell and socket 1150 is stronger and more power efficient.
For a cpu budget of $125 you can get a i3-4130 54w cpu that is stronger with better graphics.
2. A B85 motherboard like this will do http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135356
3. The stock Intel cooler will do. It is relatively quiet until it is under heavy load.
4. No need for tall heat spreaders or ram faster than 1333.

The motherboard has both pcie and pci slots for tuner expansion.
 

geofelt

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No, but the A10-6800 is a 100w tdp chip vs 54w.
The cpu/motherboard combo is also a bit more expensive.

Fast action games will be better on the apu, but the intel graphics is entirely suitable for strategy gamel like civ.

 

babachicken

Honorable
Aug 14, 2013
24
0
10,570


agreeable, but his 380w is enough for my build. and it is still cheaper.
 

noobienick

Estimable
Mar 8, 2014
3
0
4,510





Thanks to both, for your quick responses. I'll do some work and expand my knowledge base on Intel and AMD cpu options.

To use a wifi connection would I also need a wifi card or is it integrated within the mobo. My apologies for noobie question...all new to this.
thanks
 

geofelt

Distinguished
Some motherboards may have a wifi output, but they add to the cost.
You are probably better off adding a wifi card with a good antenna. They are not expensive.
USB wifi dongles are possible, but sometimes they are not all that strong.

The Intel build will run on 100w. I have no problem with the antec 380w psu.
I might have used a Seasonic 300w psu like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151086
 
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