I am building my first HTPC and I am having a hard time choosing the processor for my system from all of the recommendations on this site. The video files will be stored on a central server, so this HTPC will be pulling HD video files off the server, running Netflix (at 1080P), playing Blu-Rays, web-surfing, and mild gaming (my wife wants to be able to play Sims 3). My main question, is if I am better off going with a CPU and video card, or an APU. If I go with the APU, do I need a video card to support it (seems unnecessary)? The ones that I am looking at are:
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103911
APU: http://www.amazon.com/AMD-A8-3850-Graphi...297&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/AMD-A8-3870K-Graph...ds=a6-3870
Which of these seems like the best choice? Should I consider something else? Choosing the processor seems like the best starting point and I will build off of there. Thanks for the help.
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819103911
APU: http://www.amazon.com/AMD-A8-3850-Graphi...297&sr=8-1
http://www.amazon.com/AMD-A8-3870K-Graph...ds=a6-3870
Which of these seems like the best choice? Should I consider something else? Choosing the processor seems like the best starting point and I will build off of there. Thanks for the help.