New HTPC build (Wesena ITX2 case)

ashmanq · 4 Sep 2011 at 13:15

Im building myself a new HTPC for the living room and am set on using the Wesena ITX2 case (in black).

I'll be using it to play bluerays and DVDs and for web surfing/light pc use with maybe the occasional go at gaming.

Any ideas on what motherboard/CPU I should go for? I want something that can play blue rays with ease with a little oomph. The case is quite restrictive so integrated graphics is probably the only option.

Thanks in advance.

Ashmanq

ashmanq · 5 Sep 2011 at 15:37

CAT-THE-FIFTH said:
The 65W A8-3800 is worth considering:

http://www.guru3d.com/article/amd-a83800-llano-processor-review/

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/amd-a8-3800.html

It has a 400 shader IGP which is a tad slower than an HD5570 DDR3 graphics card. It can run Far Cry 2 and Resident Evil 5 on high settings under DX9 at 1600X1200 at over 30FPS. It can run DiRT3 under DX11 using high quality settings at 1920x1080 at around 29FPS. It will run L4D2 at 1920X1080 on maximum settings at around 29FPS.

I would look at the ASRock A75M-ITX mini-ITX motherboard which costs around £75:

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=A75M-ITX

How would this compare to an intel core i5 setup with hd3000, CPU/graphics power wise?

ashmanq · 5 Sep 2011 at 22:33

You've just about convinced me. That ASus motherboard is awesome. I just wish it was out now and that overclockers sold the a8 3800

Actually I can't seem to find anyone who's selling the A8 3800. My google searching powers fail me.

Oh one other thing. Can I connect an msata ssd (mini pci-express) to a pci-e x16 slot?

ashmanq · 13 Oct 2011 at 13:27

I just want to say that waiting for the A8-3800 has been a pain in the backside. No one seems to have it in stock and when I did place on order for a store to order it in they told me that it has been discontinued!!! So I tried going for the A6-3600 but even they are more rare than gold dust.

Why oh WHY did I buy an FM1 motherboard???

Rant over.

Question, would I get away with an underclocked AMD A8-3850? Bearing in mind that Im using the Wesena ITX-2 case which is tiny and has crap air flow. Also will a 150W MicroPSU be able to power it and an SSD and a Blue Ray drive?

ashmanq · 13 Oct 2011 at 14:07

Well Ive ordered the A8-3850 due to impatience, anyone know about undervolting?