[darwin619]

So I'm not new to building computers. I have done it for years, but I've only recently become interested in a dedicated htpc. I figured I could build it myself, but my build price quickly spiraled out of control because I'm not 100% what I need to meet my requirements. Hopefully someone can help point me in the right direction.


What I want to make sure I can do is playback high bitrate video files (including sbs and full iso 3d) with no chopiness. I was looking at the AMD A8 cpu and a micro atx build, but my build quickly climbed to $500+. I would like to achieve the above requirement as cheaply as possible. I don't necessarily have a budget. I will pay the $500 if it is what required for the desired performance, but I have a feeling I'm over doing it.


Any help is appreciated.

 

[ElJimador]

Are you including the Windows license and extra hard drive as as part of your cost? Otherwise I'm not sure how you're topping $500 with the build you have in mind. Just looking on NewEgg, I'm seeing the A8 for around $100, mATX FM2 boards around $50. Don't know what you have in mind for a case but if you're on a budget I'd think could a decent one + 4GB RAM + PSU for another $100 or so tops. All that only puts you half way there, then add an SSD and you still shouldn't be topping $350 even after tax.


Maybe you could post your build list and you could get some suggestions that way? BTW, I don't know minimum requirements for 3D ISO playback w/AMD so I can't confirm that the A8 can handle it without choppiness. With Intel I've heard you need i3 or better but someone else will have to confirm on AMD.

 

[darwin619]

Thanks for responding.

http://pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/ is my pared down build at about $420, but I have no confidence in high bitrate playback, and I'm skeptical of the case/psu despite decent reviews.

 

[ElJimador]

Thanks but the link just takes me to the PCPartPicker start page and not your own build list.


As far as high bitrate playback though, you really don't need as much processor for that as you probably think. In fact according to the advice I found in this thread, the quad core A8 you have in mind may be if anything a bit overkill. -- http://www.avsforum.com/t/1438867/looking-at-a-new-cheap-htpc-build-a4-3400-3d-playback-questions

 

[darwin619]

 http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3cTy6


Sorry for the bad link. I did take the CPU fown in this build, but concerned it will struggle with bluray and full ISO 3d playback.

 

[Mfusick]



Quote:
Originally Posted by darwin619  /t/1523344/total-noob-needs-advice/0_100#post_24504427


So I'm not new to building computers. I have done it for years, but I've only recently become interested in a dedicated htpc. I figured I could build it myself, but my build price quickly spiraled out of control because I'm not 100% what I need to meet my requirements. Hopefully someone can help point me in the right direction.


What I want to make sure I can do is playback high bitrate video files (including sbs and full iso 3d) with no chopiness. I was looking at the AMD A8 cpu and a micro atx build, but my build quickly climbed to $500+. I would like to achieve the above requirement as cheaply as possible. I don't necessarily have a budget. I will pay the $500 if it is what required for the desired performance, but I have a feeling I'm over doing it.


Any help is appreciated.

CPU : $125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116946


4GB DDR3: $36
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104261


Motherboard: $48
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157450R


Silverstone HTPC case: $74
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163239


Samsung SSD: $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147247


PSU: $39
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151086


$400 or so shipped if you catch a coupon or deal.

 

[Mfusick]

windows license you can buy windows 7 PRO x64 key and just use the ISO download to install it from USB. I know a guy that sells the codes for $50. I've registered them and not had a problem. MS validation works. Cheaper than $80 for the Home retail disc kit.

 

[ElJimador]



Quote:
Originally Posted by darwin619  /t/1523344/total-noob-needs-advice#post_24507229

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3cTy6


Sorry for the bad link. I did take the CPU fown in this build, but concerned it will struggle with bluray and full ISO 3d playback.

I see. You were including a 3TB and bluray reader in the cost too. That would explain it.


I think you'll be fine w/the A6. Renethx is one of our resident experts here and if he says that will handle 3D then I would trust that. And if you're still trying to bring the cost down you might want to consider 4GB RAM instead of 8 and whether you're really going to use that optical drive. Other than that though it looks like you're on the right track.

 

[ajkrishock]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ElJimador  /t/1523344/total-noob-needs-advice#post_24509523


I see. You were including a 3TB and bluray reader in the cost too. That would explain it.


I think you'll be fine w/the A6. Renethx is one of our resident experts here and if he says that will handle 3D then I would trust that. And if you're still trying to bring the cost down you might want to consider 4GB RAM instead of 8 and whether you're really going to use that optical drive. Other than that though it looks like you're on the right track.

Yeah, I'll second the optical drive thing. Both my HTPC's have bluray drives, and I don't think I've used either of them even once. Most of the time, I'm playing back mkv files made from bluray disks. Easier that way.