First HTPC build (new to building computers)
#1
Hi There I'm new to all this but I have been wanting to build a computer for a while now. I always thought a computer connected to a tv would be an awesome idea. Then I stumbled on to XBMC and was blown away...

So I'm going for it and building a HTPC! I am on a tight budget as I sure a lot of people are these days.

I want to run Ubuntu on my Machine and be able to play movies at 1080p. Also audio would have to be over an optical out due to my receiver not having HDMI ins.

My main question is on the CPU I'm not sure what to go with.

A pentium g620 with an ASRock H61M-GE motherboard.

or

A AMD A4-3400 Llano with a ASRock A75M FM1 motherboard.

I'm kinda stuck. I know there are pros and cons to both but would like to hear what you guys have to say based on experience. Is this a tough one?

Thanks in advance!
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#2
if you want XBMC only experience, and LInux as O/S,
i'd go for a AMD FUSION ZACATE platform with OpenELEC version of XBMC.
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#3
Eskro thanks for your reply. I forgot to mention I would use this build to rip my dvd collection and some bluray that I have.
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#4
then you'll need windows as O/S, specially for Bluray Ripping...
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#5
Eskro you the man for the quick replies.

I was afraid of that but I figured that would be the case. I guess I'll go with Intel and start saving up for windows

Thanks again
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#6
shop here http://ow.ly/1s4Jcf

Smile
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#7
Check it out this is what I was thinking of getting for a real low budget build.

CPU: ntel Pentium G620 Sandy Bridge 2.6GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819116399

Motherbeard: ASRock H61M-GE LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813157256

RAM: Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820134810

SSD: Patriot Torqx 2 32GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820220580

Case: hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel Micro ATX Media Center 300W Power Supply / HTPC Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811121100
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#8
just beware of the case's PSU.
probably is crappy and noisy..
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#9
Ive read that the PSU goes out I'll cross my fingers.

I have another question. Will the on board graphics due for the mean time?

And Is this where the AMD is better than the Intel? I have read that the AMD has Better graphics but the Intel is better for all the other stuff and stays cooler as well.

Is there really a difference? Sorry if this is a issue that has been discussed before but I'm really trying to learn.
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#10
at this point, if you have to go with windows,
definitely go for a AMD build..
Best Bang for Buck!!
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#11
Chuck King Wrote:Check it out this is what I was thinking of getting for a real low budget build.


Case: hec Black 0.7mm Thickness SECC Steel Micro ATX Media Center 300W Power Supply / HTPC Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811121100

i have that case/psu. the psu is not noisy at all. the case has very little room to the point where i opted to not put in an optical drive.

there is a bar running down the middle of the inside of the case which is held in by one screw. if you remove that bar it'll give you a lot more room to work with. good luck
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#12
CursiveQ Thanks for the heads up.

But no optical drive damn that's a tight fit then
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#13
Could try an external drive?
If you have a large HDD in there (sorry you didn't specify) you can setup a eventghost (in association with imgburn & VCD) to rip to iso and mount asap! whereby "emulating" a drive Smile
Love XBMC too check this -> HERE (Last Updated: 25/01/2012)

check out the xbmcmediacentre.com competition!

My hate campaign on optical discs started young, sorry I can't help it. :rolleyes:
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#14
So I pulled the trigger with the parts listed and built my first PC!

I thought it was going to be hard but it wasn't bad at all. The only hard part was routing the wires in there because there isn't much room. Now I see why you took out the Disk drive. I'm still going to try and get one in there.

I decided to instal Ubuntu on the ssd and its nice and snappy. XBMC is seriously the best thing ever! WOW! why didn't I do this before. Connected to my tv and the optical out to my receiver. Everything looking and sounding good.

I have a question tho, I have about 60 dvds on a external 1TB drive and everything works good but Would I benefit if those movies were in an internal drive? I was thinking of maybe removing that drive from its case and put it inside. What you guys think?
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