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Need Help with AMD HTPC Part Selection

R

rcashier

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 2, 2008
Messages
163
Hello, a friend of mine wants to build an HTPC but doesn't want to get a GPU unless it is necessary.

He want's to go with an AMD build to save some cash and not go too crazy. I'm a Network Admin and typically understand this stuff fairly well. But I haven't built a PC from scratch in about 7 years, my old build is still going strong.

His list he has built so far: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/2E5UYH14AL64U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_ws_W40ryb2300BXP

Desired OS: Windows 7 (For Simplicity and might be subject to change)

Desired OS Drive Type: SSD

Desired Data Drive Type: Something Quiet - I was thinking maybe a Western Digital Green Drive 1tb or 2tb

Desired CPU: AMD FX-8370 with AMD Wraith cooler Vishera 8-Core 4.0 GHz (4.3 GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W FD8370FRHKHBX Desktop Processor

Desired Case: Thermaltake CORE V21 Black Extreme Micro ATX Cube Chassis CA-1D5-00S1WN-00

I've already told him I would suggest a modular PSU, and that I would suggest he change his MoBo selection as it doesn't have much support for Windows 10. We also talked about 4k possibilities and that they may not be able to be reached on an integrated GPU.

I think he's wanting to spend around 500bux so any suggestions are appreciated.

TIA
 
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Just my 2c but for a htpc your best bet is going with either an apu like the 7700k or better or an intel chip i3 or gXXX series. The main benefit here is going to be the native h.264 decode and the power savings over that 125w chip in the 8350. AMD's current sockets are also almost completely dead with the zen architecture coming out any day now. If you are dead set on that chip I would recommend a discrete gpu to cover the gap like a gtx 950, 1050 or a rx460.
 
I would ask what he wants in terms of sound--he'll need Windows 10 if he wants dolby surround sound from the Netflix app (which is my only reason for getting Win10). Also for $30 more he could get a Corsair RM550x which has a zero rpm fan mode when wattage demand is low so its generally quieter. I personally don't like Gigabyte motherboards since the last one I used (GAH97N wifi) Gigabyte could never get the fan control software working properly even after several versions. I now stick with ASUS since their fan control utility is rock solid, but that's just me. He also might consider a Silverstone Grandia 09B case for around $20 more since it will take a full size motherboard and he won't be limited to MicroATX.
 
I'm a huge advocate for HTPC's, been building them for over a decade with a whole 22U rackmount solely dedicated to my HTPC equipment. However, for 4K and simplicity at the price point, you aren't going to beat the Nvidia Shield Android TV. For ~$200, you get 4K with HDR, Dolby Atmos, etc. It is insanely easy to setup, use, and maintain. Use it with apps like Emby, Kodi, Plex, VUDU, Netflix, HULU, DirecTV Now, SlingTV, etc and it's a no brainer. There's no messing with driver issues, sleep mode issues, software incompatibility, format incompatibility, noisy fans, or any of the host of usual issues that come with a HTPC.
 
The problem with the Shield is the lack of storage. If you have some other system in the house to hold your media, this isn't a problem. But if the system is intended to be completely standalone, then something with a local disk is more appropriate.

First, a question - what is your friend's situation on the sound front? Does he have any kind of surround sound system? If so, does it accept HDMI audio or does he need digital audio output on the motherboard?

For me, the #1 priority for a HTPC is noise level, with #2 being power efficiency and #3 being non-HTPC performance.

I don't have as much experience with the latest AMD platforms, but I'll try and put together some options here both Intel and AMD.

On the Intel front, something like this:
CPU: Intel Pentium G4400 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($57.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI B150M MORTAR Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($75.18 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($49.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Toshiba 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($68.50 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone GD09B HTPC Case ($72.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($56.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $381.41

A few notes:
  1. The motherboard on this list was chosen because it's the cheapest board I could find that has optical S/PDIF audio output. If that is not needed, then $25 can be saved going with a less expensive board like the GA-H110M-A
  2. I've omitted the SSD entirely. You can add one back in if you want, but if this is truly going to just be a HTPC, once you're booted up and into Kodi or the media playback software of your choosing, the speed of the disk is irrelevant.
  3. I've added a different case, this one specifically intended for use on a HTPC. Obviously you can choose whatever case you want, but I'm a big fan of the Silverstone HTPC cases.
  4. I have not included an optical drive since *your* chosen case the V21 doesn't have a bay for it. The SilverStone does have a bay for it though, and if DVD/BD playback is something you want, then get the Silverstone case and add an appropriate black-colored DVD or BluRay drive.
  5. The onboard HDMI only supports 4K @ 24hz. Fine for media playback, but not for driving a desktop at that resolution.
On the AMD front, something like this:
CPU: AMD A10-7700K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($94.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock A88M-G/3.1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($69.33 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($51.29 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Toshiba 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($68.50 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone GD09B HTPC Case ($72.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($56.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $413.87

Essentially, all of the notes from above also apply here.
This motherboard was again chosen because it has optical S/PDIF. There's a few bucks to be saved if that's not needed, something like the GA-F2A68HM-HD2

Overall, comparing the two systems they're pretty similar. The AMD based system will use a little more power, but would have significantly more prowess in non-media playback roles such as light gaming.
 
I don't see any mention of those supporting HDCP 2.2. Were you able to find if it does somewhere other than the product manual?
 
I would presume not. However, if that becomes an issue in the future, either of these systems would support a low-profile HDMI 2 / HDCP 2.2 GPU in the future. For now, I wouldn't worry overmuch about 4K support unless your buddy has an absolutely gigantic 4K-enabled TV, which given his $500 budget I would assume he doesn't.
 
I have several APU systems. My HTPC a 7870k with win7 and a HD TV tuner. The only drawback is the HDMI it's not HDMI 2.0b. I would have to go to an RX460 if I wanted that feature. Right now though my tv is 1080p so I'm set. The APU systems are great. The Zen based APUs in the future I would assume have HDMI 2.0b functionality and able to push tv's at 4K 60hz.
 
You can get an apollo lake NUC or other pic, + ram + ssd for under 300.

Then you have hdmi2, much less wattage, and silent. Why is he wasting time with buildlists on amazon?
 
I have a G3220 with a 256GB SSD for OS and run a plex server. Works great as long as there are 2 or less connecting to it. Thinking of switching out
i5-4460 into it though
 
I'll chip in my 2cents with the OS - Windows 8 is my choice for HTPC. The interface is great for interacting with from the couch; the traditional Start menu really gets old for me from 10 feet away. Also Windows 8 gets you the Nextflix, Hulu, etc apps. You also get Windows Media Center for DVRing (which Windows 10 doesn't have).
 
Having done this with an APU (7850k), I'd recommend skipping AMD and going Intel :)
 
Do not get Windows 7. It is only officially supported through 2017. Who knows it will get any other updates other than security after that point until 2020.

I would recommend an upcoming Kabylake system. It will have native support for HVEC and 4k without a separate video card. My recommendation would be Windows 10 with lifetime Plex membership. This will allow you record TV from a tuner (HD Homerun Prime), although you cannot view live TV yet.
 
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