[Keith483]

This is my first HTPC build - will be used mostly just for HD streaming and Blu-ray. Can you guys check out my setup and let me know if you have any suggestions or anything I should change before I order?


MOBO - BIOSTAR A880GZ AM3+ AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138345 ) - $59.99


CPU - AMD A6-3500 Llano 2.1GHz (2.4GHz Max Turbo) Socket FM1 65W Triple-Core Desktop APU ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103951] ) - $79.99


RAM - Already have 4GB at home


HD - Western Digital AV-GP WD20EURS 2TB 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136783] ) - $116.99


Optical - ASUS Black 12X BD-ROM 16X ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135247 ) - $52.99


PSU - RAIDMAX HYBRID 2 RX-530SS 530W Modular ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152028 ) - $39.99


Case - SILVERSTONE Black Aluminum / 0.8mm SECC Grandia Series GD05B ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163166 - $89.99

TOTAL = $439.94


Thanks for any help!

 

[flocko]

Hey ... WELCOME to the forum

Might I make a first recomendation that you take a look at real good guide for your new build http://assassinhtpcblog.com/?page_id=160


I like the case and the hard drive . The rest of that list needs some work . You say you have some ramm already . What are the specs of it ? Before i go off and start listing some desirable choices , do you have a budget in mind for this build ?

 

[Zon2020]

I'd recommend a lower power, shorter length (for that case) and higher quality PSU. And I'd recommend an SSD for the OS and programs.

 

[jeffkro]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Zon2020  /t/1419302/my-first-htpc-build-how-does-this-look#post_22200790


I'd recommend a lower power, shorter length (for that case) and higher quality PSU. And I'd recommend an SSD for the OS and programs.

Yup, the antec earthwatts 380 makes a good inexpensive PSU for HTPC.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

 

[G--]

I have the same CPU and it is pretty awesome for a htpc. I have no problem playing anything, and transcoding bluray bitrate mkv to my iPad with remote potato works great. It does almost max out the cpu however, but works without a hitch. I will also echo the need for an SSD, especially if your planning on using a tv tuner. SSD make the guide scrolling buttery.

 

[C17chief]

I generally prefer intel stuff as of last few years, but that will certainly work too. One thing I would suggest though, if you have a microcenter nearby, get your cpu and motherboard from them. It's hard to beat their cpu prices, motherboards range from being as cheap as you can pick up at reputable places online to maybe $5 or $10 more....but the best part is their combo prices. For most AMD setups, $40 off cpu+motherboard has been the going thing, which should handily beat newegg and the like.



edit--and ditto the power supply comments. If you arent going to stick a high powered video card in there and plan on sticking with the on chip video, you dont need near that sort of power. I'd be more inclined to go with a lower wattage but higher quality power supply for the same money, if not a lower wattage and much cheaper while still decent one to save money. In other words, no $14 no name special, but you should be able to easily find something suitable for $30-$35 or so.

 

[ljo000]

A couple of suggestions:


1. The mobo you selected is AM3 whereas the A6-3500 is FM1. Get a BIOSTAR A75MG FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard instead. $10 cheaper and it has USB 3.0 as well and can support twice the memory (not that you need more than 8GB).


2. As others have suggested, get a SSD for the OS and progs (min 60GB). This will be the biggest performance booster over what you've selected in terms of noticeable difference (boot time, prog launch time etc).


3. Definitely check out microcenter. Even without the mobo/cpu combo, they have the A6-3500 for $59.99.