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01-27-2013, 06:17 PM
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#1 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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GOAL: A $500 Media Center (TWO OPTIONS)
So I'm finally cutting the cable... Looking to build a versatile media center that will give me flexibility as I find out what media/download sources work best for me -- but won't get obsolete too quickly.
I've seen two basic types of builds: with or w/o video card. Here are two examples: Option 1: AMD, no additional video card CPU: AMD A8-3850 Llano 2.9GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6550D Newegg.com - AMD A8-3850 Llano 2.9GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6550D AD3850WNGXBOX MOBO: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard Newegg.com - ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard RAM: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT O/D: LG Black 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal 12X Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29 - OEM Newegg.com - LG Black 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal 12X Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29 - Blu-Ray Drives SSD: Kingston HyperX 3K SH103S3/120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (Stand-Alone Drive) Newegg.com - Kingston HyperX 3K SH103S3/120G 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) (Stand-Alone Drive) P/S: Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply Estimated price $400, plus case, o/s, etc… Option 2: Intel, add video card CPU: Intel Core i3-2105 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I32105 Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-2105 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I32105 MOBO: ASRock B75M-DGS LGA 1155 Intel B75 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard Newegg.com - ASRock B75M-DGS LGA 1155 Intel B75 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard RAM, O/D, SSD, P/S: SAME AS ABOVE (Est. price so far +/- $400) VIDEO CARD: GIGABYTE GV-R667D3-1GI Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R667D3-1GI Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card ($50) Total estimated price $450, plus case, o/s, etc… Any thoughts about which way to go? Are parts OK? Appreciate comments!
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Intel c2d e3600/ asus p5b-e mobo/ corsair 1024 mb ram/ seagate 7200.10 2gb SATA hdd X2/ connect 3d x1800gto video/ win xp home |
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01-27-2013, 09:55 PM
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#2 |
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Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: KY, USA
Posts: 165
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I'm not big on AMD builds, so I'm sure one of the experts can pop along and let you know about the AMD side of things. However, I can give you a few suggestions that most builders go by these days. I would not recommend getting an ASRock mobo (perhaps for either AMD or Intel). I'd take a look at ASUS; I see that you're looking to keep the budget low, so I'm not sure on any specific motherboards to recommend. G.Skill RAM should be replaced by Corsair, for reliability and quality. Same with the SSD, I'd only recommend Intel 330 or 520 Series SSDs for stability. For the video card (if you are to go the Intel route) I'd look at an Sapphire Radeon HD 6670 or a HIS Radeon HD 6670.
I'm sure others will come along and help with the other items you have picked. I'm pretty sure you are okay with that PSU; I believe it is actually a SeaSonic PSU. Don't quote me on that, however.
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ASUS P7P55D-E | Intel I5-760 @ 2.8GHz | Corsair XMS3 8Gb @ 1333MHz | WD Caviar Black 1TB | HIS Radeon 6850 | Corsair 750TX 750W | ASUS 24x DVD Burner | Antec Nine Hundred | ASUS VW246H 24" | Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit |
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01-28-2013, 02:15 AM
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#3 |
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Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 40,384
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You shouldn't need a video card with the Intel build, the onboard 3000 graphics is adequate for a HTPC.
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01-28-2013, 02:53 AM
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#4 |
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Member (10 bit)
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: N. Calif.
Posts: 640
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You can pick up an Android based Mini PC that can play all your video/music from an external hdd, DLNA sources, etc... for less than $100. You can stream Netflix, YouTube and other sites as well. Some of these devices are only slightly larger than a USB thumb drive and plug directly in to one of the HDMI ports on your TV.
I have about $120 invested in one with a dual core processor that can play video @ 1080p and I have a remote mouse/keyboard for it that lets me control it from across the room. I can also play games or surf the web if I desire. It's more than adequate for an HTPC.
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Been using, building, repairing and programming computers for nearly 30 years now. Last edited by strollin; 01-28-2013 at 02:57 AM. |
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01-28-2013, 09:07 AM
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#5 |
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Moderator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 4,972
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The AMD APU are perfect for use as a media center / HTPC. You don't even need the A8 if all your doing is streaming netflix, hulu+ etc. You could get buy with a e350 APU for much less. Strollin brought up an excellent point as well. IT all depends on your intended use.
This past weekend, I went up to Detroit and built my brother in law one for $315.00, complete (not including remote). I used the BIOSTAR A68I-350, 8 GB DDR3 1066, INWIN Case, 500GB WD Cavair Blue, DVD, and W7. We ran a cat5e cable to it and called it a day. We did try to use my Android mini PC (Minix NEO G4 108A ARM) but he has ATT DSL and the wireless connection just was not cutting it, however it works fine at my house. |
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01-28-2013, 05:48 PM
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#6 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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Thanks for your suggestions! I'm leaning toward the AMD build. Perhaps I should have said that I intend to do more than simply stream video, so the "thinnest" option isn't what I was looking for here (though it's certainly something to consider.) I'm happy to learn I don't need a video card (I was told differently). Maybe I should post my final proposed build in another thread?
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01-28-2013, 06:18 PM
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#7 |
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Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: KY, USA
Posts: 165
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Just post your final build before buying on this thread so the pros can give it the OK.
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01-30-2013, 04:29 PM
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#8 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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OK, here's my proposed "Most bang for the buck" media center build -- it comes in at about $400, plus case & o/s. I've listed two options for the mobo -- I see the Asrock is highly rated (though I've never heard of it), while the Asus (which I've used before) seems more or less equivalent(?) (Never used AMD either, but willing to try...)
Your comments on this build will be most appreciated! CPU: AMD A8-3850 Llano 2.9GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6550D ($80) Newegg.com - AMD A8-3850 Llano 2.9GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6550D AD3850WNGXBOX MOBO: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard ($90) Newegg.com - ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard --or-- ALTERNATIVE MOBO: ASUS F1A75-M LE AMD A Series Motherboard - Micro ATX, Socket FM1, AMD A75 Chipset, 1866MHz DDR3, SATA 6.0 Gb/s, RAID, 8-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, SuperSpeed USB 3.0, AMD Dual Graphics Ready ($90) ASUS F1A75-M LE AMD A Series Motherboard - Micro ATX, Socket FM1, AMD A75 Chipset, 1866MHz DDR3, SATA 6.0 Gb/s, RAID, 8-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, SuperSpeed USB 3.0, AMD Dual Graphics Ready at TigerDirect.com RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML4GX3M1A1600C9 ($25) Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CML4GX3M1A1600C9 O/D: LG Black 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal 12X Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29 - OEM ($49) Newegg.com - LG Black 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal 12X Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29 - Blu-Ray Drives SSD: Intel X25-M SATA Solid State Drive - 160 GB, 2.5 inches ($90) Intel X25-M SATA Solid State Drive - 160 GB, 2.5 inches at TigerDirect.com P/S: Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply ($40) Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply |
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01-31-2013, 07:53 AM
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#9 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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help(?)
No comments yet on final proposed build -- wondering if I should post the revised components list as a new thread?
Also, saw some not-good things about asrock mobo's. Here's another mobo alternative in add'n to the Asus listed above: MSI A75MA-G55 AMD A Series Motherboard - Micro ATX, Socket FM1, AMD A75 Chipset, 1866MHz DDR3 (O.C.), SATA 6.0 Gb/s, 8-CH Audio, Gigabit LAN, SuperSpeed USB 3.0, AMD Dual Graphics Ready http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...837&CatId=7243 Would appreciate your comments! Last edited by spudsky; 01-31-2013 at 08:59 AM. |
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01-31-2013, 09:11 AM
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#10 |
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Moderator
Staff
Premium Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 4,972
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Drop the ASRock motherboard for the Asus. If you are going with the A75 chipset, I prefer the ASUS F1A75-M PRO R2.0, worth the extra 10.00.
Intel X25's are old technology and why TD are pushing them is a mystery beyond me. You have a 6Gbs controller, why not take advantage of that and go with an Intel 330 or 520 series SSD? With the new BIOS updates on Asus A75 boards, the DDR3 1866 Corsair Vengeance is the way to go. I am not a fan of Tiger Direct. They tend to supply open box or distressed (liquidated) hardware. I have not ordered from them in a long time but they use to do it with regularity. I suspect still the same as they are pushing X25 SSD's. Don't get me wrong, X25's are solid for older motherboards but going with the 330 or 520 series are the better choice. I also noticed you do not have any storage drives listed. |
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01-31-2013, 09:57 AM
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#11 |
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Techphile.
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Francisco Bay
Posts: 6,293
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People here mostly go with Newegg for their hardware. Newegg's merchandise and service is much better than Tiger. In the years I have been here I have seen a number of things that Tiger Direct did that was legal but unethical, much of which is for not fully disclosing what they sold. A second alternative is Amazon if you see a big price difference between them and Newegg. Amazon has a no questions asked return policy and does not charge a restocking fee, as Newegg does.
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Asus P8P67 WS Revolution | Intel 2600K @ 4.7 GHz | Win 7 Pro 64 |8 gigs Corsair 1600 | Two Diamond 6990's in Crossfire| Corsair AX1200 | Thermalright Silver Arrow | Western Digital Black 2TB 64 meg cache | Lian-Li PC-A71B | Logitec Z-5500 | Three Asus 26" VW266H monitors running under Eyefinity | Last edited by David M; 01-31-2013 at 10:05 AM. |
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01-31-2013, 10:01 AM
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#12 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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thanks jdeb and david for your comments!
yes, I don't disagree about TD -- but on sale at $90, the ssd's seem a bargain, even if I later put them in another (older) machine and get better ones for the media ctr -- maybe cheaper in future, too thanks for the asus mobo recommendation -- that one looks good. likewise corsair ddr3. To be honest, another reason I was looking at TD was I had some trouble finding compatible mobos on newegg's site. and yes, no storage drives (yet). I may migrate one from another of my machines when necessary... |
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01-31-2013, 11:02 AM
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#13 |
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Moderator
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Premium Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
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In my opinion Newegg has the better selection and is easier to navigate.... here you go $415.00
Newegg.com - AMD A8-3850 Llano 2.9GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU (CPU + GPU) with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6550D AD3850WNGXBOX Newegg.com - ASUS F1A75-M PRO R2.0 FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS 8GB, they don't have 4gb 2x2 Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 Desktop Memory Model CML8GX3M2A1866C9B Newegg.com - Intel 330 Series Maple Crest SSDSC2CT120A3K5 2.5" 120GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) Note: this is not a burner Newegg.com - LG Black 10X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM SATA Internal 12X Blu-ray Combo Drive Model UH12NS29 - Blu-Ray Drives |
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01-31-2013, 11:13 AM
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#14 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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wow -- thanks! I will check those out!
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01-31-2013, 01:22 PM
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#15 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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I'm going with all those recommendations - how do you feel about this case (with p/s included)
Rosewill R363-M-BK Black Ultra High Gloss Finished MicroATX Computer Case with 400W ATX 2.2 12V Power Supply Newegg.com - Rosewill R363-M-BK Black Ultra High Gloss Finished MicroATX Computer Case with 400W ATX 2.2 12V Power Supply |
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01-31-2013, 02:11 PM
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#16 |
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Moderator
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Premium Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
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Nice looking case but not into the power supply.
What do you think of this? Newegg.com - Fractal Design Core 1000 Micro ATX Computer Case w/ 1 x 120mm fan and forgot the power supply earlier, this would be my first choice Newegg.com - SeaSonic SS-350ET Bronze 350W ATX12V V2.31 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies or that Antec Neo Newegg.com - Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W Continuous Power ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply Technically, you could easily get away with this even if you decided to add a HD6570 for dual graphics down the road Newegg.com - Antec Basiq BP350 350W ATX12V v2.01 Power Supply |
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01-31-2013, 03:22 PM
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#17 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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there is also this bundle (i know, it's TD... but still?)
Apex Vortex3620 Mini Computer Case and Ultra LS550 Black 550 Watt Power Supply Bundle - MicroATX Tower, Flex ATX, 2x 5.25" Bays, 4x 3.5" Bays, 2 Fans, 2x USB 2.0, Ultra LS550 Black 550W Power Supply Apex Vortex3620 Mini Computer Case and Ultra LS550 Black 550 Watt Power Supply Bundle - MicroATX Tower, Flex ATX, 2x 5.25 Bays, 4x 3.5 Bays, 2 Fans, 2x USB 2.0, Ultra LS550 Black 550W Power Supply at TigerDirect.com I've used the ultra p/s before and I've been happy w/ it so far... |
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02-01-2013, 07:47 AM
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#18 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 27
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update: pushed the "order" button
got the parts recommended (not the TD case bundle with p/s --though I have used the "ultra" p/s before w/ no problems) thanks to the forum members for thoughtful advice and guidance!
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