I'm putting together my first dedicated HTPC for both video and audio playback (audio in 2 zones).
I want to be able to use the full capabilites of JRiver:
- playback all video including Blu-Ray with HD Audio (3D when JRiver supports)
- upsample audio to 96/24 and play high rez audio files as I add to library
- flexibility to add hardware (USB DAC, Cards) as I tweak the setup
Option A, I've found a suggested build using the following:
AMD A8-3870 4x3.0GHz HD6550D FM1 100W
ASRock A75M FM1 CIR USB3.0 SATAIII UEFI μATX
Kingston Technology HyperX 4 GB Kit (2x2 GB Modules) 4 Dual Channel Kit 1600
I already have:
Antec Overture II-EC w/ 450W PSU
C-300 64GB SSD
2 x WD Green 2 TB Sata
4 x Samsung 7200.9 Drives of various sizes (300 & 500 GB)
Win 7 64 Ultimate
Kaspersky 2012 A/V
Another Option B, I also have this older board:
A8N-E Rev 2.00 (non AHCI or USC 3.0)
AMD Athlon X2 CPU
4 GB Ram
I'll be using this with Denon 3312 and Panny 65VT30.
Controlling with either Harmony 900, iPhone, or iPad (in that order of use).
Is Option A a capable build that I can improve upon in terms of Audio playback (USB DAC)?
If I buy a discrete GPU for say $125 for Option B hardware, is it just as capable?
If neither is capable, what mobo/cpu should I be looking at?
Van G