Multimedia PC (4K Netflicks/Prime)

acerinpa

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Thinking about dumping cable TV and going to an internet based Multimedia scenario.

NO gaming- just watching Prime and Netflicks, sports, etc.

Want good 4K video and great audio via HDMI 2.0 from PC-> Denon 3400H receiver and then to 4K TV.

Already have a case, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, 650 watt Gold PSU, keyboard/mouse.

Best/cheapest route would probably be to use a Ryzen 3400G = $140, with a good MOBO = $140 and then what what I have read do not need a GPU. YES/NO??

https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-5-3400g/p/N82E16819113570?Item=N82E16819113570

https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813157884?Item=N82E16813157884

Total= $280

So, would this do the job? Or is all the hype about the 3400G a bunch of garbage? If I have to buy a GPU then I will probably go Intel ( I just had had better luck with them) .
 
I would go with a GFX card just so I would be sure that I wouldn't have any issues with 4K. But why go for the newest stuff to go in a HTPC? Grab a Ryzen 3 1200 and a cheap AM4 board and go with it.

AMD RYZEN 3 1200 + ASRock B450M-HDV R4.0 = $123.50
https://www.newegg.com/amd-ryzen-3-1200/p/N82E16819113446
https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813157871?Item=N82E16813157871

Add in a decently cheap GFX and you are all set. Like this Zotac GeForce GT710 for $48.
https://www.newegg.com/zotac-geforce-gt-710-zt-71304-20l/p/N82E16814500395
 
I have a 710 in my wife's machine and it won't really do much. (It stutters on some YouTube and Hulu stuff) so I would suggest going with Trotters cheaper CPU/mobo and go for a better GPU.

Maybe a GTX 1050 or RX 570

https://www.newegg.com/mingying-gef...050&cm_re=gtx_1050-_-9SIAGKC9Y40327-_-Product

https://www.newegg.com/asrock-radeo...on=rx 570&cm_re=rx_570-_-14-930-010-_-Product
I agree.
The Vega 11 in the 3400G APU stomps the GT710 card in benchmarks...
https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GeForce-GT-710-vs-AMD-RX-Vega-11-Ryzen-iGPU/m77649vsm401440
That 3400G APU actually has a very decent graphics. You might be able to use just that chip without another discrete card if your only using it to watch video's
 
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yep- that is the question - I would love to be able to do just that. Make it a "mini" machine so is just sits inside the cabinet under the TV. And because it has no GPU and it has a pretty good CPU cooler it should run cool.

According to this write up - it sounds like it will work.

https://androidpctv.com/review-amd-ryzen-5-3400g-opinion/
 
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Not that you would "multi-task" and not saying everything would be at 4k, but streaming at higher resolutions all the time, will increase your heat. So you'll want to make sure that you have good air flow wherever you put the build, cause that cpu will get warm.

Side note also... I correct myself. My wife has the GT740 installed. Now that you brought up streaming, Imma gonna have to look at why her machine is stuttering. That card should have no problems... So thank you for finding a potential problem for me. :p

Edit: since I don't work on her machine much... Finally got around to maintenance updates and whatnot... Seemed to do the trick. No more issues.
 
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I'm pretty happy with my Roku Ultimate which handles 4K content just fine yet costs a fraction of just the video cards you guys are talking about. I have 5 Rokus scattered around the house so can watch in different rooms.

If you just plan to use the machine only for watching 4K content then I think the build is way overkill. However, if you plan to also use it for gaming when not watching then I can see the purpose.
 
Well - i probably wont game - but I will surf online, shop,etc. with the build. If I do end up gaming - then a decent GPU will be required. And since I already am using a decent 650 PSU - I can just pop one in. But now the case will have to be large enough to accommodate a GPU.. Hmmm...
 
Try it out without a GPU and see how it does. If you need one later, you can get something then. Cases will accommodate a card... Even a low profile one.
 
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