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2014-09-21, 21:29
(This post was last modified: 2014-09-21, 21:43 by vashrulez.)
Hello Forum, first of all sorry for my english, i'm here to ask you some suggestions for my first htpc. Currently, i'm using an acer 725 (C-70) with 4gb of memory connected to my tv configured for xbmc, and download station for emule and vuze. I'm using Windows 8.1 64bit as os (Windows is mandatory for my usual tasks). The performance are acceptable, but not great, and sometimes video at 1080 stutters... i suppose the main problem is the cpu very sluggish despite hw acceleration is enabled.
Now i'd like to build/buy a better solution and i'm considering the following choices:
- ZOTAC ZBOX BI320 2957U tdp 15.0 2/2 Haswell
- Zotac ZBOX CI320 n2930 tdp 7.5 4/4 baytrail
- Gigabyte GB-BXBT-2807 n2807 tdp 4.3 2/2 Haswell
- Custom build Asrock Q1900DC-ITX J1900 tdp 10.0 4/4 Cedartrail
My goal is to use a silent and power efficient htpc for the activities explained above, i'm going to install an ssd like crucial m550 and 4 or 8 gb of ram. If you prefer to suggest me a better solution, i'm ready to listen, my budget is about 250 euro (m550 and 4gb so-dimm are already in my hands).
I'd like a build with AMD i'm waiting a review for Zotac ZBOX CA320, i prefer cpu with a tdp not greater than 15w, for this reason i'm not considering Amd 5350 builds.
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noggin
Posting Freak
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2014-09-22, 00:29
(This post was last modified: 2014-09-22, 00:30 by noggin.)
Think the N2807 is Baytrail not Haswell?
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If you're up for building your own htpc then the amd a1 socket is offering great performance at a reasonable price. The athlon 5350 cpu is absolutely amazing for the price.
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I just completed a budget build for a bedroom box using an AMD A6 with a cheap Gigabyte A55M-E33 booting XBMCBUNTU to a 32GB SanDisk Ready Cache. Boot time is around 10 seconds. My library is on a separate box running mysql...I originally had issues using a Belkin USB N300. I had to delay the startup to fix it but after installing a TP-LINK TL-WDN4800 it solved all my issues. It's a silent build that's powerful enough to run XBMC with Aeon MQ and 1080p flawlessly.
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Hello Dougie Fresh,
Could you explain me why 2957u it's considered better than J1900 or N2930 ? for the passmark benchmark it results slower with an higher TDP.
Thank you
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2014-09-22, 20:08
(This post was last modified: 2014-09-22, 20:12 by vashrulez.)
thank you Dougie Fresh i get the point. In this case would be a better choice going to build an AMD 5350 ? My TDP will be increased but i can get an htpc with mini itx board and i suppose will be a better solution for graphics integrated. My main doubt is for the noise generated by stock fan related to amd solution, maybe a good case will help... but i have no idea about which case to buy, any suggestion with a complete custom build will be appreciated.
A last question, a zotac solution with 2957U will be a nice choice for my task? i know i'll lose great chaces in upgrading in buying a "ready to go" solution.
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2014-09-22, 20:50
(This post was last modified: 2014-09-22, 20:54 by Dougie Fresh.)
My opinion is biased because I am a DIY'er and always believe I can build myself a better quality machine than something off-the-shelf. I also feel better than I can support it myself and be able to replace any parts that go bad. Therefore, that being said, I would be inclined to say yes to the AMD 5350 over the off-the-shelf choices. IMHO.
For case choices, it matters very much where you live -- USA or Europe or Asia/Pacific. With regard to fan, even with the small off-the-shelf mini systems, fan noise can be a problem. I've only built one AMD Kabini system so far and I didn't find the fan to be very loud. Power consumption didn't need more than the basic 60W AC adapter when paired with 4GB and an SSD.
If you want to say where you're located I (and others) can give case suggestions. I like the Realan E-i5 with 60W AC adapter for AMD Kabini (5350). The case has different names in different locations.
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i confirm you that i'm able to find it at 88 euro including shipping and 84w psu, from computeruniverse.de. I preferer a case like this one, Milo series is too large, it won't suit under my tv.
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Antec isk series is also an option although not as good looking.
I'm personally not noticing the stock cpucooler inside node 304