[wsume99]

Something like - Sandy Bridge i3 2100 + mobo + basic graphics card HD6570?

If you go for the combination above, you'll have stronger GPU for sure because AMD HD6550D in AMD A8-3850 is somewhat between HD6450 and HD5570 discrete GPU's.......here is the complete review on it- The AMD A8-3850 Review: Llano on the Desktop......

If you just go based on passmark scores for CPU and GPU then an i3-2125 and a GT430 are roughly equivalent. Probably 50% more $$$.

---

IMO the llano APUs fall into the jack of all trades master of none category. Inlel Celeron/Pentium SB chips beat them for pure HTPC duty and Intel i3/i5 + discrete GPU beats them for gaming. They seem like a good value except you'll be overpaying if you are just using them in a HTPC and you'll be underpowered if you are going to do gaming of any significance. The last thing I'd want to do is spend $400 for a combination HTPC/gaming ring and then find out it won't run the games like I need it to. I'd rather spend the extra $30-50 and get it right from the beginning.

[stammie]

P.S. Apologies I'm going slightly off topic here but can I ask when you were researching your new build did you find any UK suppliers selling hard drives at decent prices?
I'm going to need a new one in the next month or so and am getting frustrated at the still sky high prices.

[bluray]

If you just go based on passmark scores for CPU and GPU then an i3-2125 and a GT430 are roughly equivalent. Probably 50% more $$$.

If you want to compare HD6550D, you want to compare it to HD6450/HD5570.......GT430 is better than those two GPU's.......AMD's Radeon HD 6450: UVD3 Meets The HTPC......

[assassin]

Something like - Sandy Bridge i3 2100 + mobo + basic graphics card HD6570?

If you go for the combination above, you'll have stronger GPU for sure because AMD HD6550D in AMD A8-3850 is somewhat between HD6450 and HD5570 discrete GPU's.......here is the complete review on it- The AMD A8-3850 Review: Llano on the Desktop......

If you just go based on passmark scores for CPU and GPU then an i3-2125 and a GT430 are roughly equivalent. Probably 50% more $$$.

---

IMO the llano APUs fall into the jack of all trades master of none category. Inlel Celeron/Pentium SB chips beats them for pure HTPC duty and Intel i3/i5 + discrete GPU beats them for gaming. They seem like a good value except you'll be overpaying if you are just using them in a HTPC and you'll be underpowered if you are going to do gaming of any significance. The last thing I'd want to do is spend $400 for a combination HTPC/gaming ring and then find out it won't run the games like I need it to. I'd rather spend the extra $30-50 and get it right from the beginning.

I think that's a relevant point. Saying its 50% more is true but also saying its only $30-$50 more is also true. I agree that if I am building a gaming machine that a $30-$50 increase in my budget if it means better parts is very reasonable.

[wsume99]

If you just go based on passmark scores for CPU and GPU then an i3-2125 and a GT430 are roughly equivalent. Probably 50% more $$$.

If you want to compare HD6550D, you want to compare it to HD6450/HD5570.......GT430 is better than those two GPU's.......AMD's Radeon HD 6450: UVD3 Meets The HTPC......

Really? If I look at the review you linked the GT430 normally falls between the HD6450 and the HD5570. There are a few tests where it did outperform the HD5570 but there were way more where the HD5570 did better. How are you coming to the conclusion that the GT430 is better than the HD5570?

[VCrool]

Very helpful comments. Thanks everyone. I though this was going to be straight forward. Lots to think about.
I have no allegiance to either manufacturer - I'm just after a good solid multi-purpose machine.

I needed a new desktop PC and wanted to integrate it with my home theatre set-up. I plan to build a media library and use XMBC - so I will be transcoding / ripping my blurays. My current setup is out-dated and struggles with HD content. I'm a console gamer but the option to game on the PC would be great but not a necessity right now. It needs to be able to drive two displays - TV and my desktop monitor. Quiet is important but I think I have that covered with the Case, PSU and CPU cooler I have already ordered.

I searched the internet, I read guides, seemed Llano builds are popular for HTPC, decent integrated graphics sounded great, - A8 seemed powerful (and good value) for my build and gets good reviews. But of course as you read more reviews and info you become less sure.

I suppose I want a strong desktop PC that can perform HT duties rather than a HTPC that can perform desktop duties if you know what I mean. Of course I don't want to be spanking loads of money on an over specced machine.
As I said earlier I don't upgrade my PC gear often so I'd like to get it right first time as I'm sure I'll be using it for a good 5 or more years. A dead platform doesn't worry me either if fits my needs (and budget) now.

assassin - do you know when the i3 HD4000's will be available?

Cheers.

---

P.S. Apologies I'm going slightly off topic here but can I ask when you were researching your new build did you find any UK suppliers selling hard drives at decent prices?
I'm going to need a new one in the next month or so and am getting frustrated at the still sky high prices.

No sorry. Do you check www.hotukdeals.com regularly?

[assassin]

assassin - do you know when the i3 HD4000's will be available?

Should be sooner than later. The laptop i3 was released a few days ago which usually means the i3 desktop version isn't too far behind.

[bluray]

If you just go based on passmark scores for CPU and GPU then an i3-2125 and a GT430 are roughly equivalent. Probably 50% more $$$.

If you want to compare HD6550D, you want to compare it to HD6450/HD5570.......GT430 is better than those two GPU's.......AMD's Radeon HD 6450: UVD3 Meets The HTPC......

Really? If I look at the review you linked the GT430 normally falls between the HD6450 and the HD5570. There are a few tests where it did outperform the HD5570 but there were way more where the HD5570 did better. How are you coming to the conclusion that the GT430 is better than the HD5570?

When I said better, I don't mean it is a more powerful GPU. I give GT430 a slight edge for it HTPC friendly...and it is very purpular among HTPC builder.......here is another comparision from a popular site- GT430 vs. HD6450.....

I own both GPU's, and I preferred having GT430 in my main theater room andHD6450 in my bedroom HTPC......

[DavidT99]

If you want to compare HD6550D, you want to compare it to HD6450/HD5570.......GT430 is better than those two GPU's.......AMD's Radeon HD 6450: UVD3 Meets The HTPC......

Really? If I look at the review you linked the GT430 normally falls between the HD6450 and the HD5570. There are a few tests where it did outperform the HD5570 but there were way more where the HD5570 did better. How are you coming to the conclusion that the GT430 is better than the HD5570?

When I said better, I don't mean it is a more powerful GPU. I give GT430 a slight edge for it HTPC friendly...and it is very purpular among HTPC builder.......here is another comparision from a popular site- GT430 vs. HD6450.....

I own both GPU's, and I preferred having GT430 in my main theater room andHD6450 in my bedroom HTPC......

Isn't a fairer comparison between the GT430 and the HD6570

David