HTPC build for friend

[SquattingDawg]

Hello,
EDIT: didnt use format
My friend is asking me to spec an HTPC and if the price is ok for him, he'll have me build it.

1. What YOUR PC will be used for.
Music and video playback on 1080p 48" TV. Doesnt have a TV service, he uses Netflix and Hulu and YouTube

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
$500-600 (if you suggest something that puts it over $600, give me the reason its worth it)

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I have not

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
I don't plan to OC

8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Next few weeks

What do we think, any changes or additions to put in it? Totals $584

Case: Silverstone Sugo SG06BB-450
Mobo: Biostar TH61 1155
CPU: Pentium G620 @ 2.6
Mem: Corsair XMS3 (2X 4GB) 1333
HDD: WD Caviar Blue 1.5TB
ODD: Sony Optiarc CD/DVD burner
Wireless Adapter: Premiertek PT-H5DN
Keyboard/mouse: Gear Head KB3750W

[Arinoth]

I see a big problem. The G620 CANNOT playback 1080p content and struggles to playback 720p. I'm speaking from personal experience. Either get a dedicated graphics card (like the 5450) or go to an i3 processor.

If its just going to be for media playback, you could look at the PIVOS AIOS, I have one, its about 100$ and can playback 1080p and nearly all video formats (mkv included)

[SquattingDawg]

I thought that might be a problem. Would an AMD APU be able to playback 1080p? Was thinkin the A4 flavor

[Arinoth]

It shouldn't have any issues, as that's what AMD has been marketing them as. Just thought I'd help you avoid going down the same frustrating path that I did with the Pentiums in the SB Line

[techman95]

yes the AMD apu's can play back 1080 even the e-series so i would strongly suggest right now for an HTPC

[SquattingDawg]

Thanks guys! That helps a lot. I'll re-spec then

[SquattingDawg]

Ok so a couple changes to make switch to an APU and to keep price down
case: Lian-Li PC-Q07
PSU: Coolmax CX-300
mobo: ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe
CPU: A6-3500

New total: $580

Think I have all the bases covered.

[MARSTG]

I would also go i3 on the Intel side. If you want AMD I guess best way is the Llano way, a dual core unit like the A4-330 and a micro ATX mobo like the Asrock A75M should do the job. Just in between you and me, the integrated radeon from the 785G/880G/880GX series also plays flawlessly everything 1080P, bluray included so you could also go on older technology and a triple core Athlon II X3. You could also settle down to only 4GB of RAM.

[Bond007]

A dedicated HTPC is one of the few things I would recommend an AMD build for. As mentioned above, you can pretty much pick and choose any AMD system for an HTPC as they run 1080p great (I had my computer running to my TV @1080p with integrated 780g before I got my video card and it worked great. That said its your call for exactly what parts you want to use. You A6 based choices are great, except for the power supply. Definitely swap that for something of higher quality.

Quick look on newegg and I would suggest any of the following

Earthwatts 380w

or Seasonic 300w OEM

or Corsair builder 430w

or Antec Eco Neo 400w

or Seasonic OEM 300w rear fan

[JJThomp]

Originally Posted by Bond007

A dedicated HTPC is one of the few things I would recommend an AMD build for. As mentioned above, you can pretty much pick and choose any AMD system for an HTPC as they run 1080p great (I had my computer running to my TV @1080p with integrated 780g before I got my video card and it worked great. That said its your call for exactly what parts you want to use. You A6 based choices are great, except for the power supply. Definitely swap that for something of higher quality.

Quick look on newegg and I would suggest any of the following

Earthwatts 380w

or Seasonic 300w OEM

or Corsair builder 430w

or Antec Eco Neo 400w

or Seasonic OEM 300w rear fan

Personally I would grab the corsair or the antec because they are black and it will look a little bit nicer. Also I would get this case for USB 3.0 it's the same price anyways

Newegg.com - LIAN LI PC-Q11B Black Aluminum Mini-ITX Tower Computer Case