+- Kodi Community Forum (https://forum.kodi.tv)
+-- Forum: Discussions (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=222)
+--- Forum: Hardware (https://forum.kodi.tv/forumdisplay.php?fid=112)
+--- Thread: Build Recommendation Please: Intel or AMD with Ecosmart Case (/showthread.php?tid=145607)
Build Recommendation Please: Intel or AMD with Ecosmart Case - wk20a - 2012-11-18
I've been perusing the forums for a week now and I can't seem to get a gripe on what (recent) components I can use to build a new dedicated HTPC. I'm considering buying a prebuilt system, the Zotac ID82 with these specs:
Model ZBOX-ID82-U ZOTAC
Intel Core i3 2330M 2.2 GHz Dual-Core
Intel HM65 Express
Intel HD Graphics 3000
High-definition analog stereo
Optical Digital S/PDIF output
10/100/1000Mbps, WiFi 802.11n/g/b
With added 4 gb RAM and 60gb SSD, total is around $450 for the hardware.
I'm hoping you experts on this forum can recommend a build for me that is as good as or better than this. What I am looking for my htpc:
- XBMC of course!
- primarily will be using it for 1080p mkv streaming over gigabit networked- unraid NAS (buiding at the moment)
- would also like ability to play 3D SBS, some light web streaming, but mostly just the above use
- bitstreaming audio (will likely install Windows because of this feature, but tossing around idea of just going OpenElec for instant startup)
- must be small form factor, mITX in a low profile case design, cool and silent
- Cost cheaper or around the same as the Zotac
- AMD / Intel - I have no preference but price matters and the capabilities must be met. This is the most clueless part I am dealing with - which CPU/Motherboard combo gives me the best bang for my buck?
Thanks in advance!
(2012-11-19, 20:20)wk20a Wrote: I think I've come to these 2 mobo combinations and approx prices.......Can anyone comment whether I should go AMD or Intel?
Intel Core i3 3225 Dual Core $129.99
ASUS P8H61-I R2.0 mITX LGA1155 H61 $84.99
AMD A6-5400K APU 3.6GHZ $72.98
ASRock FM2A75M-ITX mITX FM2 AMD A75 $99.99
Also if I am fitting these in a small ITX case from ecosmartpc, will I need a Scythe low profile heatsink or is stock heatsink sufficient?
RE: Build Recommendation Please: Equivalent/better than Zotac w/ i3 - Xeno43 - 2012-11-19
Tadaa: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=25897627 $378 + $30 in rebates
I don't even think the HD 3000 can do high bitrate x264 encodes... Could be wrong though.
RE: Build Recommendation Please: Equivalent/better than Zotac w/ i3 - wk20a - 2012-11-19
(2012-11-19, 09:12)Xeno43 Wrote: Tadaa: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=25897627 $378 + $30 in rebates
I don't even think the HD 3000 can do high bitrate x264 encodes... Could be wrong though.
Thanks for the post, however one requirement is missing, which is the itx requirement.
I think I've come to these 2 mobo combinations and approx prices.......Can anyone comment whether I should go AMD or Intel?
Intel Core i3 3225 Dual Core $129.99
ASUS P8H61-I R2.0 mITX LGA1155 H61 $84.99
AMD A6-5400K APU 3.6GHZ $72.98
ASRock FM2A75M-ITX mITX FM2 AMD A75 $99.99
Also if I am fitting these in a small ITX case, will I need a Scythe low profile heatsink or is stock heatsink sufficient?
RE: Build Recommendation Please: Equivalent/better than Zotac w/ i3 - Dhorse - 2012-11-19
(2012-11-19, 20:20)wk20a Wrote:(2012-11-19, 09:12)Xeno43 Wrote: Tadaa: http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=25897627 $378 + $30 in rebates
I don't even think the HD 3000 can do high bitrate x264 encodes... Could be wrong though.
Thanks for the post, however one requirement is missing, which is the itx requirement.
I think I've come to these 2 mobo combinations and approx prices.......Can anyone comment whether I should go AMD or Intel?
Intel Core i3 3225 Dual Core $129.99
ASUS P8H61-I R2.0 mITX LGA1155 H61 $84.99
AMD A6-5400K APU 3.6GHZ $72.98
ASRock FM2A75M-ITX mITX FM2 AMD A75 $99.99
Also if I am fitting these in a small ITX case, will I need a Scythe low profile heatsink or is stock heatsink sufficient?
This Mobo will work well with the i3-3225 and comes with free 8 gigs ram for only $10 more.
RE: Build Recommendation Please: Equivalent/better than Zotac w/ i3 - Dougie Fresh - 2012-11-20
(2012-11-19, 20:20)wk20a Wrote: Intel Core i3 3225 Dual Core $129.99
ASUS P8H61-I R2.0 mITX LGA1155 H61 $84.99
AMD A6-5400K APU 3.6GHZ $72.98
ASRock FM2A75M-ITX mITX FM2 AMD A75 $99.99
Also if I am fitting these in a small ITX case, will I need a Scythe low profile heatsink or is stock heatsink sufficient?
Either will work very well in a mini-ITX case and either will do all of the things you listed. The difference will be in the cool/quiet side. For heat and power consumption, the Intel is the better choice because you can use a smaller power supply and you'll have a cooler running system. There are also more low-profile heatsink/fan choices for Intel. Having built both systems in the mini-ITX cases you're looking at, that's been my experience.
RE: Build Recommendation Please: Intel or AMD with Ecosmart Case - derek1387 - 2012-11-20
Intel for sure. Hands down a better product.