Do you have any parts that you can reuse? Case, power supply, etc? $200 to $300 is going to be tough for modern setup.Also, any suggestions for parts? I'm looking to spend $200-300 max.
Unlike LockeCole, I do not recommend older system such as Sempron or E-350 (E-350 is okay for 8-bit H.264 1080p, but not 10-bit 1080p). You can downgrade to Sandy/Ivy Bridge Pentium if you want. Llano/Trinity should be fine for Hi10p @ 1080p (I do have a Trinity system, but never tried it), although for the purpose of future proof I still prefer Intel Sandy/Ivy Bridge.My main purpose of this HTPC is for pure media playback, which includes 1080p mkv, 10-bit anime, netflix/hulu and connected to a 55" tv (SONY NX720). And use it as a regular desktop for internet browsing. Maybe also if I can bring it around when I travel.
@trumpet-205:
Should I get windows or linux? I know that XBMC doesn't support 10-bit yet. So I might need windows to play my anime.
I do need a keyboard/mouse. CD/Bluray if it can fit in my budget...
EDIT2: Wait wait, so should I stick with intel? Or is a llano/trinity/celeron enough for my needs?
I'll test my Trinity system later on to see how well it does against 10-bit 1080p.I can bump it to around $480 (that's all I have for now.) But do I really need to spend that much?
Here is 4 GB dual channel set @ 1866, costs about $3 extra. Definitely go for it, AMD memory controller needs faster speed to compensate its performance.edit: I just read that faster ram only benefits the GPU, but I'm using Linux. I might eventually upgrade to windows though, but my main intent is video playback so linux would be enough