Win Convert Desktop to HTPC: A8-3870 Build
#1
After much debate I'm on the HTPC train.

I'm in the G7 group and my priority is being able to play 3D BR library with HD Audio (DTS-HD, True-HD).

I'll also be running jRiver Media Server for playing music library (ability to upsample to 96/24 and playing High Rez).

Parts I already have:
Antec Overture II-EC w/ 450W PSU
C-300 64GB SSD
2 x WD Green 2 TB Sata
4 x Samsung 7200.9 Drives of various sizes (300 & 500 GB)
Win 7 64 Ultimate
Kaspersky 2012 A/V

Parts I have but likely useless
Saphire Radeon X1600 Pro PCI-E
Saphire Radeon X1600 Pro AGP
Asus A8N-E v2 Mobo with AMD Athlon X2 and 4 GB Ram

Here are the parts I think I need to buy in order to build Eskro's G7 capable machine:

AMD A8-3870 4x3.0GHz HD6550D FM1 100W
ASRock A75M FM1 CIR USB3.0 SATAIII UEFI μATX
Kingston Technology HyperX 4 GB Kit (2x2 GB Modules) 4 Dual Channel Kit 1600


I'll be using this with Denon 3312 and Panny 65VT30.

The case will be on a shelf in our A/V closet with other equipment so moderate noise will not leak out and heat is controlled.

Controlling with either Harmony 900, iPhone, or iPad (in that order of use).

My Questions:

1. How many years use or what has to change for this build to be outdated?

2. Given I have a large case, is there any advantage to spending another $200 on ATX Mobo, i5+ CPU, and discrete GPU?

3. Is the PQ on parr with PS3 playing back BD? 3D?

4. I have room for a standard size Blu-Ray drive. Is there one better than the other for ripping video and audio?

5. Did I miss anything?

Cheers,

Van G
Van G
-eskro's A8-3870 | Win 8 | Frodo 12.2 | RC-6 | Harmony 900-
Reply
#2
(2012-03-28, 15:57)Van G Wrote: After much debate I'm on the HTPC train.

Here are the parts I think I need to buy in order to build Eskro's G7 capable machine:

AMD A8-3870 4x3.0GHz HD6550D FM1 100W
ASRock A75M FM1 CIR USB3.0 SATAIII UEFI μATX
Kingston Technology HyperX 4 GB Kit (2x2 GB Modules) 4 Dual Channel Kit 1600


I'll be using this with Denon 3312 and Panny 65VT30.

The case will be on a shelf in our A/V closet with other equipment so moderate noise will not leak out and heat is controlled.

Controlling with either Harmony 900, iPhone, or iPad (in that order of use).

My Questions:

1. How many years use or what has to change for this build to be outdated?

2. Given I have a large case, is there any advantage to spending another $200 on ATX Mobo, i5+ CPU, and discrete GPU?

3. Is the PQ on parr with PS3 playing back BD? 3D?

4. I have room for a standard size Blu-Ray drive. Is there one better than the other for ripping video and audio?

5. Did I miss anything?

Cheers,

Van G
1. As long as it meet your needs, don't worry about getting out date. One nice thing about HTPC, you can always update software to keep up with playback needs.
2. For HTPC, you will not gain much going from A8-3870K to i5+GPU. A8-3870K is the best all-in-one APU on the market. It's equipped with 3.0GHz CPU and HD6550D GPU. If you want more power, you can always add another discrete GPU for crossfire.
3. With proper configuration, PQ/AQ are on par with PS3.
4. This one should work- Pioneer Black 12X BD-R 2X BD-RE 16X DVD+R 10X BD-ROM 4MB Cache
5. You covered everything.......

>Alienware X51- do it all HTPC
>Simplify XBMC configurations
>HOW-TO Bitstreaming using XBMC
I refused to watch movie without bitstreaming HD audio!
Reply
#3
Alright, time to order. Thanks for the reply bluray and Eskro's for putting the time into the first time build thread.
Van G
-eskro's A8-3870 | Win 8 | Frodo 12.2 | RC-6 | Harmony 900-
Reply
#4
Quick Question: one of the 3.5" panels on my case is missing (exterior silver piece).

Anything that I can put in there so it's not an open gap?
- replace the OEM panel -> no idea where I would find this
- multi-card reader - might get used a couple times?
- scrolling LED that tells my wife not to touch?
Van G
-eskro's A8-3870 | Win 8 | Frodo 12.2 | RC-6 | Harmony 900-
Reply
#5
If you and your wife own a digital camera, she might enjoy this- Rosewill RDCR-11003 74-in-1 USB3.0 3.5" Internal Card Reader w/USB Port
>Alienware X51- do it all HTPC
>Simplify XBMC configurations
>HOW-TO Bitstreaming using XBMC
I refused to watch movie without bitstreaming HD audio!
Reply

Logout Mark Read Team Forum Stats Members Help
Convert Desktop to HTPC: A8-3870 Build0