I'm going to upgrade the insides of my HTPC. Seven years old now so I think it deserves it. Seven years ago was about the last time I looked into hardware too so I've lost touch and hope you guys can help me shortcut the amount of reading and research I need to do.
Budget: approx £150 for mboard, processor + RAM. Can stretch it a bit if I have to.
Usage: HTPC only. Mostly DVR and avi playback. HD preferred, but can get away with just 720. Don't have a full HD screen.
Requirements (pretty simple):
Misc: My case is full ATX so no restriction on size.
Think that's it. I have a bias towards AMD but that is totally personal and not based on any science. They just seem a bit less "Big Brother" to me. Will consider Intel if it's the right thing to do.
Thanks
Budget: approx £150 for mboard, processor + RAM. Can stretch it a bit if I have to.
Usage: HTPC only. Mostly DVR and avi playback. HD preferred, but can get away with just 720. Don't have a full HD screen.
Requirements (pretty simple):
- Onboard GFx with HDMI out is preferred to DVI so it can carry audio too.
- SPDIF over coax. I have no optical in on my amp.
- Other things I guess are standard now are that my existing hard drives are SATA so need to take them.
Misc: My case is full ATX so no restriction on size.
Think that's it. I have a bias towards AMD but that is totally personal and not based on any science. They just seem a bit less "Big Brother" to me. Will consider Intel if it's the right thing to do.
Thanks