Posts: 50
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation:
0
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!
Posts: 8,569
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation:
202
eskro
Posting Freak
Posts: 8,569
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.
Posts: 50
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation:
0
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.
Posts: 8,569
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation:
202
eskro
Posting Freak
Posts: 8,569
then you'll need windows as O/S, specially for Bluray Ripping...
Posts: 50
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation:
0
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
Posts: 8,569
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation:
202
eskro
Posting Freak
Posts: 8,569
just beware of the case's PSU.
probably is crappy and noisy..
Posts: 50
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation:
0
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.
Posts: 8,569
Joined: Nov 2010
Reputation:
202
eskro
Posting Freak
Posts: 8,569
at this point, if you have to go with windows,
definitely go for a AMD build..
Best Bang for Buck!!
Posts: 50
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation:
0
CursiveQ Thanks for the heads up.
But no optical drive damn that's a tight fit then
Posts: 50
Joined: Jan 2012
Reputation:
0
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?