I'm looking to build my first HTPC. I have already bought the case (matx) and have the basics planned (modular PSU, 4gb RAM, Blu-ray/HD-DVD combo drive).
However, I am unsure whether to jump on the Intel or AMD side of the fence or if there's even a huge difference apart from personal preference.
The options seem to be a 780g based motherboard with an AMD 5050e or a 9300/9400 based motherboard and something like an Intel e5400. I am assuming that the onboard graphics will work to decode HD movies with either option? I will more than likely be using 720p, if that makes any difference.
One deciding factor may be the sound output. I have read that the 780g board will only output sound in stereo and not full surround though I am not sure if that's correct. My amp has a digital input and I plan to use that in the short-term, probably upgrading it to a full HDMI amp in the future.
I've been researching for a few days and I'm starting to feel a little lost/overwhelmed by the amount of information so any advice is appreciated, especially from somebody who runs a similar system already.
However, I am unsure whether to jump on the Intel or AMD side of the fence or if there's even a huge difference apart from personal preference.
The options seem to be a 780g based motherboard with an AMD 5050e or a 9300/9400 based motherboard and something like an Intel e5400. I am assuming that the onboard graphics will work to decode HD movies with either option? I will more than likely be using 720p, if that makes any difference.
One deciding factor may be the sound output. I have read that the 780g board will only output sound in stereo and not full surround though I am not sure if that's correct. My amp has a digital input and I plan to use that in the short-term, probably upgrading it to a full HDMI amp in the future.
I've been researching for a few days and I'm starting to feel a little lost/overwhelmed by the amount of information so any advice is appreciated, especially from somebody who runs a similar system already.