[Yuvi]

Hi all,

I'm going to build my first HTPC and need your advice on the spec.
I plan to use to run XBMC over win7 for streaming HD videos (720, 1080) from another PC over LAN.
I came up with the following spec:

CPU: AMD A8 3850
Board: ASRock A75M-HVS
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB DDR3 1600Mhz CL9
SSD: Crucial Micron SSD M4 Sata3 64GB
Case: Antec NSK-2480

It's very important to me that the videos will run smoothly and that XMBC will not stutter. I know that I can do with the A6-3500, but since it's only 20$ I'd rather buy a newer CPU that hopefully be usefull for more time.

What do you think?

Thanks!

[eskro]

i think its strong enough

[GortWillSaveUs]

i think its strong enough

You can say that again! ++1

[Yuvi]

A bit of an overkill?

[bluray]

I'd rather buy a newer CPU that hopefully be usefull for more time.

What do you think?

Thanks!

A8-3850 is not newer than A6-3500, and the FM1 is replaced by FM2. If you want newer chip, I'm recommending this new low power A8 instead- AMD A8-5500 Trinity 3.2GHz + ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M....

[Yuvi]

I know, but I can't fing it around here.

But the A8-3850 with the HD6550 is supposed to be better than the A6-3500 with graphics right?
I saw a comparison between Inte's HD4000, AMD's HD6530 and the HD6550 and the 6550 was clealry the winner.

[bluray]

I know, but I can't fing it around here.

But the A8-3850 with the HD6550 is supposed to be better than the A6-3500 with graphics right?
I saw a comparison between Inte's HD4000, AMD's HD6530 and the HD6550 and the 6550 was clealry the winner.

Since the price is not a huge different, I thought that the the latest 65W A8-5500 is a better choice than the previous version 100W A8-3850.....

[Yuvi]

I know, but since I can't find it in any dealer around here....

Is the A8-3850 worth adding 20$ while "loosing" 35W (100w to 65W in the A6-3500)

Also, which SSD do you recommend the Crucial M4 or Intel's 330 (both 60G)

Thanks for all of your replies!

[bluray]

I know, but since I can't find it in any dealer around here....

Is the A8-3850 worth adding 20$ while "loosing" 35W (100w to 65W in the A6-3500)

Also, which SSD do you recommend the Crucial M4 or Intel's 330 (both 60G)

Thanks for all of your replies!

With the case you selected, it is big enough to handle 100W A8-3850 and it is worth it. As for SSD, either one should be fine....

[derek1387]

I would go with the Crucial M4, or a Samsung 830 any day over the Intel.

[Yuvi]

Thank you all for you advises.
I've ordered the hardware (with the A8 3850).

Great forum! I hope that when my HTPC will be ready I'll be able to contribute to other user here as you did to me.