Budget HTPC build intel or AMD

[Bobybuilds]

Hey guys! I am basically doing a cheap HTPC build for a friend of mine. I am relatively on a tight budget but basically I need a CPU with intergrated graphics that will be able to handle the likes of 1080p streaming at 60fps from youtube or netflix and also a lot of chrome web browsing. It will be paired with 8GB of RAM (just saying lol)

So far, I am stuck between Intel G3258 and AMD A6 7400K, So many different reviews for each and I really wish someone could help me out! Since I am in the UK I don't wish to spend anything more than £60 for the CPU, which is about $90 ish so any other CPU recommendations are more than welcome

Thank you

 

[SoundFX09]

Both of your CPU choices are very odd for an HTPC Build. You shouldn't need to overclock an HTPC if you're aren't planning to play Seriously-Demanding games on it.

Not to mention, Integrated Graphics can be great or horrible depending on what CPU you buy.

For your case, I would suggest going a little over budget for the AMD A8-7600. Yes, It's slightly Over $90 USD, but you get a Quad-Core CPU at 3.3 Ghz (It's not overclockable, but I don't think it's necessary) with decent Integrated R7 Graphics (Equivalent to a R7 240, Which isn't the best, but it will handle 1080p on Low-Medium settings).

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($88.95 @ SuperBiiz)

 

[CTurbo]

The cheaper AMD apus are perfect for what you are wanting. Even the $40 A4s would work.

 

[freeskier93]

Yep, AMD's quad core APUs are fantastic for HTPCs, it's what I use for my Plex server.

 

[Bobybuilds]

Both of your CPU choices are very odd for an HTPC Build. You shouldn't need to overclock an HTPC if you're aren't planning to play Seriously-Demanding games on it.

Not to mention, Integrated Graphics can be great or horrible depending on what CPU you buy.

For your case, I would suggest going a little over budget for the AMD A8-7600. Yes, It's slightly Over $90 USD, but you get a Quad-Core CPU at 3.3 Ghz (It's not overclockable, but I don't think it's necessary) with decent Integrated R7 Graphics (Equivalent to a R7 240, Which isn't the best, but it will handle 1080p on Low-Medium settings).

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($88.95 @ SuperBiiz)

It will not be used for gaming, but I was thinking if its an intel chip then maybe it gives me options for upgraing the cpu to an I3 or i5 in the near future having to save on the motherboard.

If AMD APUs are the way to go, then I might consider them.

Thanks

 

[crispytheone]

Athlon 5350 is an ideal HTPC cpu, and its REALLY cheap.


PCPartPicker part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/BPRMxr
Price breakdown by merchant: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/BPRMxr/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor (£35.99 @ Amazon UK)
Motherboard: MSI AM1M Micro ATX AM1 Motherboard (£25.38 @ Ebuyer)
Memory: Patriot Signature 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory (£41.87 @ CCL Computers)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (£38.34 @ Aria PC)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case (£21.17 @ Scan.co.uk)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply (£30.98 @ Novatech)
Total: £193.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-11 13:12 BST+0100

I built one of these and its works really well, even some VERY light gaming, it played Minecraft with the settings low and older games fine, played Netflix and youtube very well with no issues

 

[sora]

Hey guys! I am basically doing a cheap HTPC build for a friend of mine. I am relatively on a tight budget but basically I need a CPU with intergrated graphics that will be able to handle the likes of 1080p streaming at 60fps from youtube or netflix and also a lot of chrome web browsing. It will be paired with 8GB of RAM (just saying lol)

So far, I am stuck between Intel G3258 and AMD A6 7400K, So many different reviews for each and I really wish someone could help me out! Since I am in the UK I don't wish to spend anything more than £60 for the CPU, which is about $90 ish so any other CPU recommendations are more than welcome

Thank you

I would personally go with the Intel G3258 build as the newer generation Pentiums are quite strong for a cheap processor.

 

[CTurbo]

I don't trust any of the Pentiums' igpu for flawless 1080p HTPC uses. Even Intel's HD2000 and HD2500 igpus have trouble with streaming and even playing back 1080p media smoothly.

 

[Bobybuilds]

What if I go for the cheapest core i3?

 

[crispytheone]

What if I go for the cheapest core i3?

The integrated graphics of the proper AMD APU's like the a8-7600 are WAY WAY better than Intels. Intel has a better CPU, but thats not really needed for an HTPC, its all about streaming and graphical power.

If you get the A8-7600 and some ddr3 2133 memory, its way better than it should be

I actually built my 10 year old son a A10-7850k pc for Christmas, it plays everything we throw at it, even GTA V, I still can't believe how good it is without a proper graphics card

For what you are talking about doing, an APU is really perfect, mostly because its really not very expensive for what you can get out of it

 

[freeskier93]

What if I go for the cheapest core i3?

Generally speaking the i3 will have better single core performance but multicore performance is pretty much the same compared to the quad core APUs. HTPC needs to be a good multitasker so good multicore performance is important. Integrated graphics with the APUs are WAY WAY better though, another important aspect for HTPCs.

I would stick with the an A series APU.

 

[CTurbo]

A Haswell i3's igpu is plenty strong enough for all HD media playback and HTPC duties. An i3 would make a great HTPC cpu, but it's not the cheapest option. I would still go with a cheaper AMD A4, A6, or A8 at most.

I really like this setup.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($81.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-D3H Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($50.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($55.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $188.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-11 23:26 EDT-0400


If that is too expensive, the A6 7400k is $25 less.

 

[gonf]

Cheap. go for AMD. I build my Mom an old old AMD APU (almost 8 years ago). it still working today which run everything she needs.
stream youtube, P2P video streaming. etc etc. just remember don't cheap on the cooling. get an after market cooling. a evo212 is only 30buk usd?
you may be able to find it less if it onsale.
good luck

 

[octopusrift]

I have an A10-7850K in a HTPC build (http://www.enginoor.com/building-a-home-theater-pc/) and it plays 1080p 60fps Youtube videos smoothly but it still drops frames here or there. Don't skimp on the processor. Is hardware acceleration available yet in Chrome for Youtube?