HTPC build...trying to decide on CPU/Mobo

[Syphon Filter]

Chaps,

I'm looking to build an HTPC but am struggling to decide between an AMD APU or an Intel i3. This will likely be an always on unit so I would like to keep the power consumption down.

Secondly, I would be looking at using onboard graphics (iGPU). In terms of video this is fine, I think both the APU/i3 solution will deal with faultless 1080p playback. However, the system MUST support bitstreaming of HD Audio (DTS-HD-MA and DD-THD). Is this down to the CPU I choose or the motherboard capabilities?

Currently I am looking at the following items:

Intel:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-493-IN

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-461-GI

AMD:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-356-AM&groupid=701&catid=1967&subcat=1944
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-331-AM&groupid=701&catid=1967&subcat=1944

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-482-GI&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=2230

What's the difference between the A8 and A10??? They're priced the same. Will both the APU and the i3 support bitstreaming of HD Audio over HDMI?

If anyone can offer some advice it would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

sf.

 

[NickS]

I actually just pieced together and ordered a HTPC last night.

I went with the Intel Celeron G1830 (2.8GHz, Dual Core, Haswell based) for its low TDP of 53w. I also plan on undervolting the crap out of it if the motherboard supports it.

For a board, I went with an ASRock H81M-ITX board. IIRC, Intel chipsets since the H55 series have supported full 7.1 bitstream over HDMI, so H81 should be no different. On a few websites with HTPC guides, they have mentioned these processors and boards so I chose this.

Then I went with a stick of 4GB DDR3, an Antec ISX300-150 case and I have a few 2.5" HDD's laying around. Oh and I have a PCI-E WiFi Card laying around too. Picked up a logitech K400 keyboard on eBay for $25 shipped brand new buy it now. Total project cost is under $260 incl. shipping.

 

[SRTie4k]

If you want ultra low power consumption, I believe a Celeron 1037U will do 1080p playback, and it has a TDP of 17W. It's a pretty peppy little processor, although it can only be found embedded.

Unfortunately, no AMD APU will currently go below 65W TDP, unless you look into the Kabini models which aren't all that fast compared to their Intel counterparts. But the Sempron 5350 might do what you want and has a 25W TDP.

 

[NickS]

If you want ultra low power consumption, I believe a Celeron 1037U will do 1080p playback, and it has a TDP of 17W. It's a pretty peppy little processor, although it can only be found embedded.

Unfortunately, no AMD APU will currently go below 65W TDP, unless you look into the Kabini models which aren't all that fast compared to their Intel counterparts. But the Sempron 5350 might do what you want and has a 25W TDP.

I had a REALLY hard time not going with a 5150 or 5350 Kabini. GREAT processors. Damn near as fast as the G1830, and it smokes the Celeron in anything to do with gaming/graphics. I just wanted something a little more peppy in "raw" performance, and the extra 30w in power consumption under load didn't bother me a bit.

I do kind of regret it though, I was looking forward to playing with the AM1 platform. Kabini looks like an awesome choice, OP. On Newegg you can get a Kabini based Sempron, ASRock ITX board and CoolerMaster ITX case all for $99 in a special combo right now.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Thanks for the input chaps.

I should have noted that I am in the UK (no worries though the AM1 is cheap here too). Also, I'd like at least 3 (so 4) SATA ports as this machine is also going to be my NAS/fileserver.

Does that change anything? Also, does Kabini support bitstream of HD Audio?

 

[NickS]

Yes, Kabini does. As far as 4x SATA ports go, shop around. Some motherboards have two some have four. Not really chipset dependent, but board dependent.

I was originally going for a board with 4 but I said meh. If I want I can add a eSATA large external enclosure.

 

[Droogie128]

I'm having a really hard time not doing a Kabini build just to play around with. So cheap. The only thing that turns me off is lack of dual channel.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Yeah, I still haven't decided what to do or even whether to bother.

I am leaning towards something with a bit more grunt but then the TDP goes up...and the 24/7 running costs with it.

The other thing is, while XBMC is great for organising movies etc. I'm finding it a bit more painful for TV shows (in particular the special eps/extras).