[knightc4]

Hi Guys

I would like to ask the advise of the HTPC jedi's out there as I am deciding on a new build for myself, i know there are 100's of threads out there but my searching still left me with questions.

Requirements:

* I would like to play 1080p high bit rate MKV files with passthru 5.1 via HDMI to a Receiver > Samsung plasma panel.

* Lag free experience using 3rd party skins like Aeon

* Possible 3D playback


My first thought was to for for the integrated AMD350 but I would like to use the eye candy of the Aeon theme and have been reading that the intgrated systems like the 350 / Atom lack the cpu power to navigate the menus without lag.

I am thinking of going with the Sandy bridge route with the intel H67CF + i3 2100 combo. Do you think I would be better off adding a GPU like the GT520 or is the onbound GPU sufficient?

Thanks in advance.

[soultemptation]

I've almost the same question in my thread.
The nice thing is, you can just try the onboard GPU.
And if you're not happy, try GT520

Kind Regards

[Mallet21]

If money is no object the i3-2100 is very nice. However, I think an Intel G620 + GT520 would be more than enough and would save you money.

[eskro]

http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=94199