htpc: zotac zbox vs mini itx build?

[allmondjoy87]

Not looking to build anything top of the line, just something that can handle hd playback/streaming well, maybe light gaming/emulation.

Does anyone have any opinions on a zbox id88 (uses i3-3220T released in '12) vs creating my own mini itx build using an one of the newer gen4 i3's?

obviously the zbox doesn't have an optical drive, but does anyone has experience w/ one?

 

[allmondjoy87]

Something along these lines for the custom build

CPU: i3-4130 ~130
MOBO: asus h871-plus ~120
RAM: gskill ripjaw x ddr3 1600 ~70
PSU: corsair cx500 ~50
CASE: BitFenix Prodigy ~80

toss in an SSD for ~100
win8 for ~100

total comes to ~$650

 

[Jiniix]

If you can wait, AMD just announced 9W, 15W and 25W APUs (CPU and GPU in one chip)
Come as dual core (9W) and quad cores (15/25W)

http://www.logicalincrements.com/

This is a great site. It can be done much cheaper than $650.
Modest and above is great for gaming - but any of those rigs can easily stream 1080p video. It incorporates deals and savings as well, which is neat.

 

[daisymtc]

Something along these lines for the custom build

CPU: i3-4130 ~130
MOBO: asus h871-plus ~120
RAM: gskill ripjaw x ddr3 1600 ~70
PSU: corsair cx500 ~50
CASE: BitFenix Prodigy ~80

toss in an SSD for ~100
win8 for ~100

total comes to ~$650

I would probably opt for AMD APU instead.

 

[allmondjoy87]

any suggestions on an apu to start with?