[Nummitz]

Hi,
I'm going to build my first HTPC and I have a few questions.
Any help would be great.

I want to build a low cost Win8.1 HTPC but I'm getting stuck on which CPU to get.

Intel Pentium G3420 $79
AMD A6-6400K $75

Is the chose as clear cut as suggested here?
CPU comparison
The advantage of the intel chip is good here but AMD motherboards seem to be better equiped ie: more sata 3 connections etc.
Not sure whether to go intel or AMD.



Also I wanted to go Win8.1 after hearing about the remote desktop app that allows for connection from tablets.
The idea of being able to control the PC from a tablet seems desirable but are there any draw backs to this that I may not have considered? Is a high cost, high powered tablet require for the desktop app?

[joelbaby]

Why do you need more SATA 3 connections? You only need one to install the OS. You can put your movies on a USB3.0 external drive, and then when it is full, sell it to a friend, and buy a NAS instead.

[Nummitz]

That's just how my brain works - "cool, look at all those extra Sata3 ports"
But you're right, I don't need them.

My plan is for this to become the main PC in the house as all other PC's are old and on their way out.
That's also why I was interested in the remote desktop option.

All my media is on DVD, I plan on making the slow process of copying them.

[Dougie Fresh]

Either one will run HTPC duties fine. It's more about what you want to do with them, more than which is "better". As a mini-ITX builder, I always go Intel because they use less power, throw less heat and there's a better supply of Intel low-profile coolers. That's less of an issue if you're building something AVR sized and you can fit in a bigger cooler. You might go with AMD though if you want more ability to game (neither is great for games though) or want better de-interlacing for SD or 1080i content (TV). My livingroom HTPC has a A8-3820 for that reason but my bedroom HTPC has a G620 because it was cheap and it doesn't matter as much.

As for the motherboard, there are Intel Haswell mini-ITX boards with 6 x SATA too but like you said, you don't need them. Most will have at least 4 x SATA.

[ShepsCrook]

I'd go with the Intel. For $4 more, it is about 1/3 better in performance.

[Nummitz]

Thanks for setting this straight, intel it is.