Sub AU$400 HTPC

[riotpunch]

I'm not sure if this build will have enough power for my requirements, or be overkill. I'm mostly concerned that it won't smoothly handle 1080p video, from a variety of formats.

Approximate Purchase Date: e.g.: Within 3 Days

Budget Range: AU $300-400, before rebates, shipping not required

System Usage from Most to Least Important: streaming local media, online media streaming, browsing the web

Are you buying a Monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: New build.

Do you need to buy OS: No

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: http://scorptec.com.au http://cpl.net.au

Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Parts Preferences: n/a

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution:1920x1080

Additional Comments: Needs to be able to display BD quality content from wired network, output 5.1 audio. Running Windows 8.1. Needs to be able to output audio to: Logitech Z906 5.1 Channel THX Certified Speaker System (http://www.logitech.com/en-au/product/speaker-system-z906)
Preferably reasonably future-proof. If I have to replace the motherboard, that's all I'd like to replace.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: Been through two faulty Boxee boxes, would like to try a HTPC next.

Parts (I'm open to an entirely different build, provided it meets my needs):
CPU: AMD A6 5400K, 3.6Ghz, 3.8Ghz Turbo, 2MB Cache, Dual Core, Radeon HD 7540D, 65watt - Retail http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/CPU/AMD_Socket_FM2/47905-AD540KOKHJBOX

Motherboard: ASUS A55M-E MB, A55M-E, 2x DDR3, 1x PCI-E2.0 x16, 4x SATA II, USB 2.0, DVI, VGA, Micro ATX - Retail http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Motherboards/AMD_Socket_FM2/50310-A55M-E

RAM: Crucial 4GB (1x4GB), PC-12800 (1600MHz) DDR3, CL11, 1.5V, Single Stick - Retail http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Memory/DDR3/51150-CT51264BA160BJ

HDD: none chosen, I have a few unused 1 TB WD Greens around, but open to further suggestions.

Case: SilverStone SG02F Black Micro ATX Desktop Case, No PSU, 2x USB 3.0, 1x Audio, 1x Mic, 2x5.25", 2x3.5", 4xExpansion Slots - Retail http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Cases/Slim_-_Micro_-_Mini_ATX_-_ITX/46085-SG02B-F-USB3 - note, as of writing this is out of stock at scorptec.com.au, so alternative retailers or a more suitable product will do

PSU: Corsair 350W VS350 Power Supply, 120mm Fan, 1x ATX, 1x EPS, 1x PCI-E, 4x SATA, 3x Molex, 1x Floppy, Single Rail Design - Retail http://www.scorptec.com.au/product/Power_Supplies/ATX/48554-CMPSU-VS350

Remote: Open to suggestion.

Software: I was thinking XBMC, but open to suggestion. I have most of my content on a NAS.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

I'd get a board with an Optical out, just in case.

One thing I'd consider doing is going for solid-state storage in the build, XBMCbuntu, and storing all content on the NAS. Quieter and faster. You should be able to get away with 16-32GB.

 

[riotpunch]

I'd get a board with an Optical out, just in case.

One thing I'd consider doing is going for solid-state storage in the build, XBMCbuntu, and storing all content on the NAS. Quieter and faster. You should be able to get away with 16-32GB.

I'd rather go with Windows, as my wife will also use it and will want to do other things from time to time.
I'm not sure if there is a board with optical out in the price range.

Other than that, performance-wise, should it meet my needs?

 

[Someone Somewhere]

It'll be fast enough.

One idea: the ASRock H81M has an HDMI port, USB3, and an Optical for $74. Pick up a Pentium G3420 and you should be fine.

 

[riotpunch]

From what I've read, the AMD APUs are superior, but if you honestly think the Pentium is a viable option, I'll go for that. I don't want to be left with too little power.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

That's debatable. The GPU is better, but the Intel chips are far better in terms of single threaded performance and should be not much worse at multithreaded. The Intels also use far less power, so run cooler and quieter.

You're not going to have performance issues on either.