Your Very First HTPC? But Where do You Start?

On an AMD A8-3850 build is there any reason to chose ASRock A75 PRO4-M over ASRock A75M ?
I am will be using using the Silverstone GD05B case if I get the Asrock remote will I be able to power the PC on and off? I have read some reports of problems with the front USB ports on this case.
Thanks for any help.
steved1961

@steve-

A8-3850+A75M+GD05B= great HTPC. I don't see very much different other than A75M is $5 cheaper and it seems to have better bios. With proper bios and CIR header configuration, you should be able to power ON/OFF HTPC......

Thanks. I will order tonight.
steved1961

Anyone know why the cpu benchmark for the a8-3850 now shows 4048?

I understand (or at least assume) that it is due to a larger sample size, but that's a pretty big difference between the 5603 mark just a few weeks ago when I bought it, no?

(2012-04-11 00:56)devlboy Wrote:  Anyone know why the cpu benchmark for the a8-3850 now shows 4048?

I understand (or at least assume) that it is due to a larger sample size, but that's a pretty big difference between the 5603 mark just a few weeks ago when I bought it, no?

I wouldn't worry too much about benchmark. As long as it meet your needs, you'll be fine......

(2012-04-11 00:56)devlboy Wrote:  Anyone know why the cpu benchmark for the a8-3850 now shows 4048?

I understand (or at least assume) that it is due to a larger sample size, but that's a pretty big difference between the 5603 mark just a few weeks ago when I bought it, no?

Are you gaming? if not a A6-3500 even that one can game too...

yeah, A8-3850 is overkill if u plan xbmc only.

@eskro

1)
Can I suggest adding ZBOX-ID80-U to group 7?
It seems a perfect solution with NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M (512MB).

2)
Can you advise how it will differ from ZBOX-ID82-U which has faster CPU but seems weaker with Intel HD Graphics 3000?

(my intention is to build a box for W7/XBMC/bitstreaming/3D)

(2012-04-17 13:32)Rrrr Wrote:  @eskro

1)
Can I suggest adding ZBOX-ID80-U to group 7?
It seems a perfect solution with NVIDIA GeForce GT 520M (512MB).

2)
Can you advise how it will differ from ZBOX-ID82-U which has faster CPU but seems weaker with Intel HD Graphics 3000?

(my intention is to build a box for W7/XBMC/bitstreaming/3D)

The i3 will trumps Atom......the HD3000 is capable of playback everything including bitstreaming, but you need to confirm it with Zotac. Zotac board/firmware might not allow it......

@Rrrr: a user here said ZOTAC tech support told him that zbox's dont support Bitsreaming HD-Audio.
maybe u can send them a question too about it!