Home theatre PC Upgrade advice needed

[F1racer007]

Good Day Guys

Apologies in advanced for the lenthy post.

I need some advise to upgrading my home PC which has been dormant for years as i have been using a laptop for as long as i can remember.

The current PC is a E4500 Core 2 Duo so internals can seriously do with an upgrade.

PC is only used for browsing, Netflix, Showmax and DSTV now, my problem is that DSTV now Live TV stutters and i noticed that while watching live TV CPU usage is constantly on 100%, old CPU trying to keep up is admirable but it need of replacement.

I was browsing the forums for something decent under R4k but keep missing out on some good deals and then came across a decent AMD Ryzen bundle at Evetech (I no they are the most popular store on here so will also source competitive prices.

The bundle consist of a Ryzen 1600 CPU
MSI A320 Pro M.2 Mobo
8gb DDR 4 3000MhZ ram for R 3500.

The board only has 2 ram slots but i doubt i will ever use more than 8GB anyway.
The board supports USB 3.1 which is not really needed but a plus, also supports M.2 which again is not needed but a plus.

What are the opinions on the above combo for my needs, will the onboard graphics handle DSTV now live TV?
Also does the M.2 slot on this board support NVME drives?
Will my old PSU 350W be able to power this?

Any other betters combos around a similar price range?

In respect of budget i don't really have a budget but would like to keep it as low as possible as i hardly use the PC but just want something new. I nearly bought a 8700K system for 10k but realised its total overkill for my needs so i am trying to be reasonable. I wont use the system at all for gaming hence just a basic mobo i suppose will suffice.

Any advise on the above combo would be appreciated guys.

Link to the system on Evetch AMD RYZEN 5 1600 A320M 8GB RGB Upgrade Kit

 

[F1racer007]

Mods please move this to tech support if deemed more suitable, only noticed the sub forum after i posted this.

 

[SenpaiZizo]

Hi, think you have missed including your graphics card unless you were using the on-board graphics of your processor? If so you would need to look for an apu something like ryzen 2200G.

 

[Swish]

Honestly I think this would do the job for you: RYZEN 3 1200 A320M 8GB DDR4 Upgrade Kit

In my opinion, that R5 1600 is really overkill for what you intend to use it for.

If you wanted to you could probably grab that R3 1200 combo linked above and a discrete GPU like a 1050/Ti or so here on carb with the change from what you would've paid for the R5 combo.

Overall a much more rounded system and if you ever decide to repurpose it for gaming on the TV. At least you'll have the horsepower needed for it already.

Even if you went the R3 and GPU route I'm sure that 350 watt PSU would be sufficient provided the GPU is pretty low powered like the 1050/Ti.

Here you're probably looking at 3.5k all included, same price as the R5 combo.

 

[F1racer007]

Hi, think you have missed including your graphics card unless you were using the on-board graphics of your processor? If so you would need to look for an apu something like ryzen 2200G.

Forgot to mention that i am using the onboard graphics of the mobo, does the Ryzen 1600 not support onboard video, is it similar to the 8400 or 9400F CPU's?

 

[toy1985]

Forgot to mention that i am using the onboard graphics of the mobo, does the Ryzen 1600 not support onboard video, is it similar to the 8400 or 9400F CPU's?

No it doesn’t. You’ll have to get the 2200G as mentioned in the post.


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[F1racer007]

Honestly I think this would do the job for you: RYZEN 3 1200 A320M 8GB DDR4 Upgrade Kit

In my opinion, that R5 1600 is really overkill for what you intend to use it for.

If you wanted to you could probably grab that R3 1200 combo linked above and a discrete GPU like a 1050/Ti or so here on carb with the change from what you would've paid for the R5 combo.

Overall a much more rounded system and if you ever decide to repurpose it for gaming on the TV. At least you'll have the horsepower needed for it already.

Even if you went the R3 and GPU route I'm sure that 350 watt PSU would be sufficient provided the GPU is pretty low powered like the 1050/Ti.

Here you're probably looking at 3.5k all included, same price as the R5 combo.

I don't mind spending a bit more on the 1600 combo, when my son is a little older he might use the PC for gaming.

I just don't want to change the PSU as well then i am going to end up just upgrading case everything knowing myself.

Will the onboard graphics (if the 1600 support it have similar issues with DSTV now Live TV with stutter?

Also if the PSU is fine id much rather change the case to make it look a little more modern, current case is over 10 years old.

 

[F1racer007]

No it doesn’t. You’ll have to get the 2200G as mentioned in the post.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Apologies for the dumb question but would it be fair to assume that Ryzen CPU's that support onboard graphics are the G versions?

 

[toy1985]

Apologies for the dumb question but would it be fair to assume that Ryzen CPU's that support onboard graphics are the G versions?

Believe so, yes.


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[F1racer007]

Believe so, yes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks man, will check out the GPU section for something such as the 1050TI as recommended, if my current PSU will support it that may be the best combo for now.

 

[Swish]

I don't mind spending a bit more on the 1600 combo, when my son is a little older he might use the PC for gaming.

I just don't want to change the PSU as well then i am going to end up just upgrading case everything knowing myself.

Will the onboard graphics (if the 1600 support it have similar issues with DSTV now Live TV with stutter?

Also if the PSU is fine id much rather change the case to make it look a little more modern, current case is over 10 years old.

Oh then go for the R5 1600, if you aren't too phased about the little price jump.

That R5 will handle streaming 100% however it doesn't have on board graphics, you'd have to go for a 2400G or 2200G if you want to use onboard instead of a dedicated GPU.

Completely agree with the case too, especially if its in plain sight in your lounge or wherever it may be. Aesthetics are important too [emoji16]

 

[SenpaiZizo]

Oh and a heads up, try looking for dual channel ram sticks, Ryzen cpus love ram. Go for something like 2x4gb ram sticks instead of a single 8 gb stick.

Edit
I meant ryzen loves dual channel fast ram.

 

[F1racer007]

Oh then go for the R5 1600, if you aren't too phased about the little price jump.

That R5 will handle streaming 100% however it doesn't have on board graphics, you'd have to go for a 2400G or 2200G if you want to use onboard instead of a dedicated GPU.

Completely agree with the case too, especially if its in plain sight in your lounge or wherever it may be. Aesthetics are important too [emoji16]

Thanks man will go for that option, i always prefer to buy something decent instead of regretting buying cheap later and nothing can be done.

Problem now is i am also looking for a graphics card, was thinking 1060 3GB version but noted it needs external power.

New power supply, graphics and case then i am over the 6k mark lol.

Just to confirm does the MSI A320 Pro M2 support NVME drives?

Maybe i will just keep browsing the forum for a decent combo for now that supports onboard graphics just to simplify things.

Currently already have 2 laptops, 3rd gen i7 and 8th gen i7 for work. I always preferred a desktop but not in a hurry so will give it a few days to see if anything comes up.

Thanks for all the input guys, really appreciate it.

 

[F1racer007]

Oh and a heads up, try looking for dual channel ram sticks, Ryzen cpus love ram. Go for something like 2x4gb ram sticks instead of a single 8 gb stick.

Edit
I meant ryzen loves dual channel fast ram.

Combo comes with 1 8gb stick i believe, i think for now that would suffice, Also as no gaming is required would the single stick not be sufficient?

 

[SenpaiZizo]

Combo comes with 1 8gb stick i believe, i think for now that would suffice, Also as no gaming is required would the single stick not be sufficient?

Well the single stick should suffice in your case, the dual ram can be something to consider in future.

 

[F1racer007]

Well the single stick should suffice in your case, the dual ram can be something to consider in future.

Thanks man, never realised the Ryzen does not support onboarding graphics so will hold out for a second hand intel combo. If nothing comes up I might consider adding a GPU as well.

 

[SenpaiZizo]

Thanks man, never realised the Ryzen does not support onboarding graphics so will hold out for a second hand intel combo. If nothing comes up I might consider adding a GPU as well.

There are ryzen cpus that have on board graphics which are superior to Intel's on board graphics, they are the ryzen 3 2200g, Ryzen 3 3200g(recently released and about R1800ish), the ryzen 5 2400G and the recently released ryzen 5 3400g. All of which have better on board graphics than Intel. In the end choose what you are most comfortable with. Happy hunting and cheers!

 

[Spontaneous.Spinach]

Yeah these guys are right you need an apu, you're wasting the potential of the 1600.
Shame, Ding Ding Ding

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[Nikkel]

I'd go the Ryzen 2200G/2400G APU route all day long if its just a media machine...the little one can even game on it without the need for a discrete GPU... It will do 4k over LAN as well

 

[F1racer007]

There are ryzen cpus that have on board graphics which are superior to Intel's on board graphics, they are the ryzen 3 2200g, Ryzen 3 3200g(recently released and about R1800ish), the ryzen 5 2400G and the recently released ryzen 5 3400g. All of which have better on board graphics than Intel. In the end choose what you are most comfortable with. Happy hunting and cheers!

Thanks bro, will keep browsing the forums for the next few days. If nothing comes up then I will go the Ryzen G route. Evetech has some combos for good prices.

 

[F1racer007]

I'd go the Ryzen 2200G/2400G APU route all day long if its just a media machine...the little one can even game on it without the need for a discrete GPU... It will do 4k over LAN as well

It will purely be a media PC, I just have this thing of not buying only for what I need nw as my needs may change however unlikely this is at the moment. The 2400G however seems a good balanced CPU but evetech doesnt seem to have any combos with this CPU available.

 

[johnny_h]

Are you dead set on a PC?
If you want a media player, the Nvidia Shield TV is probably the best you can get, costs about 3.6k shipped from Amazon right now.
It's tiny, dead quiet and can be controlled by the remote which is alot neater than keeping a mouse and keyboard.
It's also complete, no need to buy a SSD or anything else.
It can play Netflix in 4K HDR(and HDR on Windows is a pain, at least for me), has a Showmax and DSTV Now apps. It has HDMI CEC meaning it can control your TV ON/OFF with the Nvidia remote.
And being able to install Android Apps help alot, there's everything you need.
Lastly, if you have a PC with a Nvidia GPU, game streaming works pretty well. I've used it to play games like Borderlands and Mortal Kombat in my room wit the PC in the lounge with very little lag.
You can even try Geforce Now game streaming if you have good internet.

I know you said you that your son might use it for gaming when he gets older, but depending on how long that is, you could possibly get a better deal on better parts by the time he's ready to start.

It's really one of the best purchases I've made, I want to get a second one for the lounge if it goes on sale on Amazon Prime Day

 

[Nikkel]

It will purely be a media PC, I just have this thing of not buying only for what I need nw as my needs may change however unlikely this is at the moment. The 2400G however seems a good balanced CPU but evetech doesnt seem to have any combos with this CPU available.

Many, not all, of the members on here are gaming orientated and will give you an answer as such but If I were you I'd hold out or stretch the budget for AMD APU setup

 

[Nikkel]

Are you dead set on a PC?
If you want a media player, the Nvidia Shield TV is probably the best you can get, costs about 3.6k shipped from Amazon right now.
It's tiny, dead quiet and can be controlled by the remote which is alot neater than keeping a mouse and keyboard.
It's also complete, no need to buy a SSD or anything else.
It can play Netflix in 4K HDR(and HDR on Windows is a pain, at least for me), has a Showmax and DSTV Now apps. It has HDMI CEC meaning it can control your TV ON/OFF with the Nvidia remote.
And being able to install Android Apps help alot, there's everything you need.
Lastly, if you have a PC with a Nvidia GPU, game streaming works pretty well. I've used it to play games like Borderlands and Mortal Kombat in my room wit the PC in the lounge with very little lag.
You can even try Geforce Now game streaming if you have good internet.

I know you said you that your son might use it for gaming when he gets older, but depending on how long that is, you could possibly get a better deal on better parts by the time he's ready to start.

It's really one of the best purchases I've made, I want to get a second one for the lounge if it goes on sale on Amazon Prime Day

This is even better advice! You could also look at the Xiaomi Mi Box S between R1.2k to R1.5k which is what I'm using... It's a certified Android TV device so DSTVNow Showmax and Netflix works flawlessly! Keep your old pc and connect to it via LAN/ Wireless to TV box and even watch your golden oldies or downloaded media stored on pc

 

[F1racer007]

Are you dead set on a PC?
If you want a media player, the Nvidia Shield TV is probably the best you can get, costs about 3.6k shipped from Amazon right now.
It's tiny, dead quiet and can be controlled by the remote which is alot neater than keeping a mouse and keyboard.
It's also complete, no need to buy a SSD or anything else.
It can play Netflix in 4K HDR(and HDR on Windows is a pain, at least for me), has a Showmax and DSTV Now apps. It has HDMI CEC meaning it can control your TV ON/OFF with the Nvidia remote.
And being able to install Android Apps help alot, there's everything you need.
Lastly, if you have a PC with a Nvidia GPU, game streaming works pretty well. I've used it to play games like Borderlands and Mortal Kombat in my room wit the PC in the lounge with very little lag.
You can even try Geforce Now game streaming if you have good internet.

I know you said you that your son might use it for gaming when he gets older, but depending on how long that is, you could possibly get a better deal on better parts by the time he's ready to start.

It's really one of the best purchases I've made, I want to get a second one for the lounge if it goes on sale on Amazon Prime Day

I have the Mi Box S, nowhere close to as good as the Nvidia Shield but does the job.

Really looking to upgrade the PC, I buy one technology item annually and I'm lucky enough to have most of the gadgets I want. Also my PC has been idle for a few years so would prefer to breath some new life into.

Thanks for the suggestion though, the Shield is a really impressive device. I might consider it next year as I read some rumours that their may be a new one released late 2019 or early 2020.

 

[F1racer007]

Many, not all, of the members on here are gaming orientated and will give you an answer as such but If I were you I'd hold out or stretch the budget for AMD APU setup

I can stretch the budget, I am however trying to be reasonable based on my needs. Evetech has the 9600k Z390 combo for 7.5k however as pointed out by many that is again overkill.
Missed a few 4th gen combos for 2k so hopefully one pops again soon.

 

[F1racer007]

This is even better advice! You could also look at the Xiaomi Mi Box S between R1.2k to R1.5k which is what I'm using... It's a certified Android TV device so DSTVNow Showmax and Netflix works flawlessly! Keep your old pc and connect to it via LAN/ Wireless to TV box and even watch your golden oldies or downloaded media stored on pc

My Mi Box s is wifi only unless I am mistaken, how would I could the PC to this to stream media?

 

[Nikkel]

I can stretch the budget, I am however trying to be reasonable based on my needs. Evetech has the 9600k Z390 combo for 7.5k however as pointed out by many that is again overkill.
Missed a few 4th gen combos for 2k so hopefully one pops again soon.

Look at 6th gen up rather if Intel

 

[F1racer007]

Look at 6th gen up rather if Intel

Thanks bro, are the 6th Gen APU's a big improvement over 4th Gen.

 

[Nikkel]

My Mi Box s is wifi only unless I am mistaken, how would I could the PC to this to stream media?

Use KODI.... there's a few steps to do but will be up and running within a few minutes

If getting a LAN cable to Mi Box is out of the question then get powerline adapters and use a USB to LAN converter. I know from experience the Mi Box is iffy on wifi if too far or to close to router