Budget HTPC

[prodigydoo]

Hey guys, 

 

I'm building a HTPC for the family with an AUD budget of around $500.

 

I have decided to run windows 7 with XBMC running on top.

 

Heres the parts I have pretty much settled on:

 

 

CPU:                    AMD x4 A8-5600K Quad Core 3.6Ghz                     $107

RAM:                    Patriot Signature 4GB Single DDR3-1600               $34
Case:                   Silverstone SG02B-F Black Micro ATX USB 3.0       $85
Motherboard:       MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 M-ATX Motherboard              $72
PSU:                    Corsair VS450 450W                                               $48
HDD:                   WD 3.5" Black 1TB                                                   $88
Blue Ray:             LG CH12LS28 12X BD-R Blu-ray DVD                    $59

 

TOTAL PRICE: $493

 

 

SO I have 2 questions:

1. If you have used any of these components before (or you have a descent amount of knowledge on them) and you maybe think they aren't the right choice, please let me know.
2. I'm not sure with the CPU if I should push for the A8-6600k for an extra $30.. For standard 1080p video playback, and not much else,   is it a necessary upgrade for the money?

[WoodenMarker]

The cpu is overkill for an htpc. The G1610, a $50 cpu will do just fine with 1080 bluray.

The psu is also overkill. You're not running a dedicated graphics card. A good 300w would be more than enough.

No need for a caviar black for video playback. Even a WD green would be fine.

 

Here's what you could do: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/19AAC

This would be perfectly fine with as an htpc. The psu can support a gpu up to a 7870 and you can upgrade to something like a i5 3470 if you ever want to use the system as a gaming rig as well. You could also add in an ssd or more storage with the extra money.

[prodigydoo]

The cpu is overkill for an htpc. The G1610, a $50 cpu will do just fine with 1080 bluray.

The psu is also overkill. You're not running a dedicated graphics card. A good 300w would be more than enough.

No need for a caviar black for video playback. Even a WD green would be fine.

 

Here's what you could do: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/19AAC

This would be perfectly fine with as an htpc. The psu can support a gpu up to a 7870 and you can upgrade to something like a i5 3470 if you ever want to use the system as a gaming rig as well. You could also add in an ssd or more storage with the extra money.

 

 

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll stay with the cpu because I want it to be able to run basic games if the need ever arises,

I'll definitely look at downgrading that psu then, because after thinking about it, I probably wont ever add a graphics card.

 

Also the black is only there because I want it to be able to load things reasonably fast, Any additional HDD's after that will be blues probably.. However, I might be able to switch the black for a blue and get an ssd now after i shuffle parts around according to what you have suggested.

 

Thanks

[WoodenMarker]

Thanks for the suggestions, I think I'll stay with the cpu because I want it to be able to run basic games if the need ever arises,

I'll definitely look at downgrading that psu then, because after thinking about it, I probably wont ever add a graphics card.

 

Also the black is only there because I want it to be able to load things reasonably fast, Any additional HDD's after that will be blues probably.. However, I might be able to switch the black for a blue and get an ssd now after i shuffle parts around according to what you have suggested.

 

Thanks

I recommend getting an 80 plus rated psu or higher--any cheap one by a good brand will do. Just look at the reviews.