[Micro-ATX] A6-3500 (3x2.1Ghz/2.4Ghz) + HD6530D

Just had a look at the specs for the new Big Shuriken 2, looks like the fan can idle at a lower speed than the old one and there is an extra heatpipe. So if it isn't much more I'd go for that. SPCR has reviewed the first version here.

http://www.silentpcreview.com/article964-page3.html

As you can see it came out the best out of the lot, so the few improvements of the 2nd version as you can guess it will cool the cpu the best in that size case. If I am honest I would be worrying more about the noise of the psu, if you are only going to run the A6-3500 then I would use a 120/150W PicoPsu to power it, that way it removes another fan from the system and a little less heat.

couple of newbie questions:

1) from the "Your Very First HTPC? But Where do You Start?" thread, it says
Q:Out of those builds, which one can play 3D 1080P movies?
Q. Out of those builds, which one can Bitstream DOLBY TRUE-HD & DTS-HD MASTER audio?
A. Except the A6 & A8 builds, none of them till you add...

Does this mean, with this A6 build you don't need to add the HD6450 for 1080p 3D and Bitstream HD?

2) From that same thread, I'm assuming XBMC Live will not run on this system?

3) If I do need to install windows, do I need to add a SATA DVD drive for the install? I have an old Windows XP install CD, any issues with running that vs. purchasing a new Windows 7? Or can I create an XP install from a USB flash drive based on that CD (tried a little searching on this and sounds like I can, but just want to confirm if I misunderstood or if I better off getting Windows7 and a DVD drive for install)

1) exactly, no need for a 3rd party video card

2) ATI and Linux is not recommended, driver issues

3) yes u can install windows using a USB Flash Drive

eskro Wrote:1) exactly, no need for a 3rd party video card

2) ATI and Linux is not recommended, driver issues

3) yes u can install windows using a USB Flash Drive

whats up with this little apu-monster, A6-3500 eats both TRUE-HD/DTS-HD and 3D 1080P? jeez...

to bad i don't have that mobo u suggest here, will the gigabyte a75m-udh2 do a decent job as replacement? do all these new mobos come with hdmi 1.4?

(http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-A75M-UD2H...772&sr=1-1)

thanks for invaluable advice.

Yea the UDH2 is really good basically the only difference is that you have 4 Ram slots instead of 2, DVI and only 2 rear USB3 ports.

TeKo Wrote:Yea the UDH2 is really good basically the only difference is that you have 4 Ram slots instead of 2, DVI and only 2 rear USB3 ports.

ok, ill go with that then. Another ting is Asrock comes with CIR, might be good fore some.

bdaddy Wrote:2) From that same thread, I'm assuming XBMC Live will not run on this system?

It might in the near future, as XBMC Eden Live should support VAAPI. So wait until Eden is officially out (XBMC Live beta is not out yet).

If you are looking at Linux, maybe you can look at OpenElec, which is similar to XBMC live and already support AMD Fusion line.

I think E350 is working good with openelec but A6 still has problems not sure.

Thinking of upgrading my build yet again, and adding a blu ray drive. I know the case is a bit tight for space with the PSU and optical drive, and you have to try and get a smaller PSU (which I did) - is there this concern for the optical drive as well, or are they a fairly standard size? This is the one I'm looking at right now: http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Othe...ctId=47451

I also have some questions about adding a blu ray drive, which I have put in this thread: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=121673

I just built this with the Silverstone ML03B case, SeaSonic SS-400ET PSU, and LG Blu-Ray that was recommended. It's a tight fit, but as long as you use the 90 degree SATA cable on the back of the Blu-Ray drive it fits fine.