I am in a huge dilemma and have spent 10+ reading hours to find an answer. Here is the problem:
Trying to build a HTPC to connect to a 50" Plasma and audio to Denon AVR.
Functions needed:
1. 1080p playback of video/blu-ray/home movies
2. Web sufing / facebook/ email
3. Some games : Civ 5/ From Dust/ C&C
4. Future ready : should have the ability to process 3D from blu-rays.
5. Would like it to be a silent system with hopefully low power footprint in a micro-ATX config.
The debate:
A8 Llano is a solid APU which meets most of my needs. However, a lot of reviews have suggested it si weak system for 3D compatibility / playing games at 1080p resolution. It seems that if I build a system using it, I will have a need to either replace or upgrade within the next 2 yrs. Also, there are rumors about AMD bulldozer architecture coming out later, which shortens the shelf life of the current APUs.
The second option is to use a standalone CPU + GPU. This list is exhaustive with good AMD as well as intel based options.
What are the thoughts of the community? Is it better to get a CPU+ discrete GPU; I am confident we can come up with a powerful build. However, it has to fit ina micro-ATX case and have low power usage (hopefully).
All thoughts / critique / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
ConkyDoc
Trying to build a HTPC to connect to a 50" Plasma and audio to Denon AVR.
Functions needed:
1. 1080p playback of video/blu-ray/home movies
2. Web sufing / facebook/ email
3. Some games : Civ 5/ From Dust/ C&C
4. Future ready : should have the ability to process 3D from blu-rays.
5. Would like it to be a silent system with hopefully low power footprint in a micro-ATX config.
The debate:
A8 Llano is a solid APU which meets most of my needs. However, a lot of reviews have suggested it si weak system for 3D compatibility / playing games at 1080p resolution. It seems that if I build a system using it, I will have a need to either replace or upgrade within the next 2 yrs. Also, there are rumors about AMD bulldozer architecture coming out later, which shortens the shelf life of the current APUs.
The second option is to use a standalone CPU + GPU. This list is exhaustive with good AMD as well as intel based options.
What are the thoughts of the community? Is it better to get a CPU+ discrete GPU; I am confident we can come up with a powerful build. However, it has to fit ina micro-ATX case and have low power usage (hopefully).
All thoughts / critique / suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
ConkyDoc