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WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
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Author:  skipclarke [ 13 Jun 2013, 21:35 ]
Post subject:  WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
I've decided to build an HTPC based on the AMD Trinity APU, and I need your help in picking out the last few parts (case, PSU, RAM and Blu-Ray).

At a recent checkup, the pediatrician asked me what gaming console I would recommend. After going through the pros and cons of each current console, I settled on the Xbox 360 as my recommendation. Then after a moment, it dawned on me that an HTPC would be a better option for his (and my kids) to game on.

I figure that a small form factor PC based on an APU, with an Xbox controller, and Steam in Big Picture Mode will fit the bill perfectly. So, I've decided to test the theory by doing an HTPC build centered on the AMD A10-6800K. This will also give me a good testbed for future single screen benchmarking.

To reduce the footprint, I had thought I would pick a Mini-ITX FM2 motherboard. Unfortunately their is only one A85-based board, and it seems to have performance and/or DOA issues.

I thought I might get a Micro-ATX board, but that only saves me 6cm over the MSI FM2-A85XA-G65 I already have from AMD. So, I'll save myself the $100 on a new motherboard and go with what I have. I also picked up a SanDisk Extreme 240GB SSD, when Amazon had them for $140.

Based on the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator I only need a 208W power supply. So maybe I can find something fanless and quiet. For a case, I looked at the the Steacom FC10, it's pricey and maxes out at a 95W TDP. I also looked at the SilverStone LC-19. While it does come with a fanless PSU, it only works for Mini-ITX and Micro-ATX.


Looking at the parts, list I still need RAM, Case, PSU and possibly a Blu-Ray drives. I need it to fit in my media center, so the physical constraints on the case are 17" wide and 4.5" tall. So, what would you recommend?

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Author:  Downtown1 [ 14 Jun 2013, 04:36 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
Not so sure I'm enthused with the AMD A10-6800K .. <40 fps 1080p in Skyrim on medium detail? http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/a10 ... 528-5.html

I just finished building my HTPC with a Core i7 860 with Radeon HD 5970 OCd. It's about the opposite side of the spectrum of what you are suggesting (and I cheated because my cpu, vga were all spare parts, but I had to buy a new case only), but let me tell you, it really plays video games well :). Playing Assassin's Creed 3 with most settings on High and it's very smooth.

I think the reality is that most games won't be running as well on the APUs as on an Xbox 360 since they won't be optimized as well for it.
Author:  Cynagen [ 14 Jun 2013, 04:50 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
I love you Skip, you're talking my lingo here, lemme throw a couple of solutions at you.

First off, your case constrains are brutal, and finding a desktop or HTPC style case at only 4.5" tall is gonna be one hell of a tall order. Here's an idea of what you're looking for however: NewEgg HTPC cases, the shortest ones are the Apevia models at I think it was 5.4" tall, but I suspect things will be supremely cramped. Either way, you're going to have look into giving this more room, especially to breathe.

PSUs are pretty much a dime a dozen, but I will say if you're going for quiet, SilverStone with a 120 or 140mm cooling fan will work perfectly as it'll be quiet and deliver the juice you need consistently (I've used SilverStone twice with fantastic results until I popped them myself with bad installs). Do not go for anything with an 80mm fan no matter how slow it spins, I cannot stress that enough.

If you're seeking just a Blu-Ray drive for reading purposes, brands to look at are specifically Toshiba and Sony (the creator of the format, and the former it's competitor with HD-DVD). Burners are whole 'nother realm that I have not dove too far into so I can't comment openly there.

RAM is easy. AMD Radeon DDR3-1600 16gb (2x8gb) is a perfect compliment.

I just recently built an A8 for a friend of mine with all AMD components like you're going here (A8, D3, and AMD-R ram), and she had no problems with compatibility, performance is top notch for the specs that she's got, and she couldn't be happier. She's coming from years of laptops so talking her into getting an actual PC that doesn't move around was a feat, but I was more than happy to help her pick out the machine for budget pricing. Overall she spent less than $500 total for the setup and it should last her another year or two before it's too depreciated for new games.
Author:  Haldi [ 14 Jun 2013, 19:40 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/netz ... auschelei/

I know you don't speak German, but in short... this guy is ranting about PSU not reaching their declared performance. the las 15 PSU he tested only 7 did what they promised.
Whats the negative point of bigger PSUs? they cost more and they're bigger in Size.
There are even some Semi-passive (cant remember Brand, sorry) PSUs that only activate their Fan when they become to hot. but in case of efficiency, my Enermax MaxRevo 1500W beats everything around 170W powerdrain!
So if you have the space and money go for an high class PSU.


About RAM... well, there isnt anything you can do wrong^^ if the RAM doesnt work, RMA!
But because you're using a APU here make sure to get 1866er or higher! 2x8gb are fairly cheap nowadays.


and I have no idea about cases ^^ but do you intend to use an IR remote or Wireless mouse and Keyboard? Imho Smartphones are the way to go, when you have WiFi.
but thats only when you, or anyone else who uses it has a Smartphone alltime in the pocket.
Author:  Cynagen [ 15 Jun 2013, 03:01 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
In regards to PSU performance, there is a standard set that you can look for called "80 PLUS". It's the measure of efficiency (from the wall) which is also a measure of the quality of the components, meaning higher quality, better able to fully deliver!
Author:  Haldi [ 15 Jun 2013, 06:17 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
which is exactly what this guy was ranting about! That PSU sent to the certification was another revision than the one being sold in the store afterwards... they called this a "contract manufacturere error" and blamed them!

Check out the diagrams here: http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/netz ... 50-400w/6/
80+ as if...

And if you think you buy a small 150W PSU..... don't even think about draining 150W !
http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/netz ... im-test/4/
Author:  skipclarke [ 15 Jun 2013, 14:39 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm not really worried about playing Skyrim on it. This is more for my kids, and the games they would play.

I found this case on NewEgg (where I was already looking).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811121100

It is 4" tall and just under 14" wide. So it should fit fine, and already comes with a 300W power supply. All for $60. It only accepts Micro-ATX motherboards. For the price of the case+PSU, I'd spend the money on the new motherboard.

In all there are a few here that are under 4" and have a PSU. Since I'm only going for the APU with no external GPU, I figure these are good enough. And bring the build cost way down.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... rchInDesc=

If I am going to look at Blu-Ray support, what do you recommend for playback software? I tried using AnyDVD from Slysoft and VLC, but it was less than 1fps. When I look at most of the commercial playback software, it alone is $50 - $75. A cheap mini BD player is only $80. We don't want disks often, but I do have the HP, LOTR, Star Wars and James Bond collections. Rather than moving the whole HTPC, I could just move the mini BD when I needed.

Without the Blu-Ray I'm at a recommended PSU wattage of 176W. If I dropped to the ITX motherboard (and hopped I didn't get a DOA one), I could use this case from Lian-Li - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811112361

Also, looks like I could go with an A75 board (which had better rating), as the differences to A85X are minimal - http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/cpu/46005 ... inity-apu/
Author:  LuckyNoS7evin [ 15 Jun 2013, 18:29 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
In terms of cheap/free blu-ray software, I haven't come across anything that is good and I seriously mean that. I think in recent times I've tried about 10 which either never work or as you say aren't up to much.

Are you thinking you want this to be quiet? so no HDD and go with SSD?

No Fan and going with a passive heatsink?

What are your plans for that side of things?
Author:  skipclarke [ 15 Jun 2013, 19:37 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
I'm not going for silent. I'd like to get something quieter than my Xbox360 or PS3.

The TDP on the A10-6800K is 95W. Not much you can do fanless with that. The PSU on the Lian-Li case is a "micro-ATX" power supply. I think it will be pretty quiet. I am going with just a 240GB SSD, so no spinning drive. With no blu-ray, all i will have is a couple of fans.

My big rig is pretty quiet with huge CPU fansink and 1100W power supply. The GPU is the only thing that is loud.
Author:  LuckyNoS7evin [ 15 Jun 2013, 19:45 ]
Post subject:  Re: WSGF HTPC Build w/ AMD Trinity APU
skipclarke wrote:
I'm not going for silent. I'd like to get something quieter than my Xbox360 or PS3.

The TDP on the A10-6800K is 95W. Not much you can do fanless with that. The PSU on the Lian-Li case is a "micro-ATX" power supply. I think it will be pretty quiet. I am going with just a 240GB SSD, so no spinning drive. With no blu-ray, all i will have is a couple of fans.

My big rig is pretty quiet with huge CPU fansink and 1100W power supply. The GPU is the only thing that is loud.


I guess you could go for stock fan and if it's too loud replace it with a silent one... there are plenty of options if it's "too" loud.

Ye I find with mine that the real noise is GPU nothing else the main thing you can here on mine when not playing games is the pump on the H100i but that's more of a dull humm that "loud"

I wouldn't say don't get a BR drive I just think PC software for BR is shocking!
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