So I'm looking to build an HTPC for my living room on the super budget side, but still with moderate capabilities. I've got a 650 ti, a 350W PSU and a Harddrive to put in it, I just need some suggestions on a CPU and Mini-itx Motherboard that will keep it cheap. I've been looking at the Athlon 5350, but I didn't know if there would be any more capable, older alternatives. I know I can pick up a 5350 and Mobo for about £60 so anything around that price would be ideal.
The HTPC would be used for internet browsing, movies/tv and some light gaming such as Rocket League.
I wouldn't go for an Athlon 5350. It's a bit too low powered.
I know they're a bit more expensive, but how about a Pentium? I don't think the Athlon 5350 is sufficient for gaming. Basic office work and video streaming it should be fine, but not gaming. A Pentium G3460 and applicable motherboard should run under £100. It's all about the Pentiums after all!
Look at used hardware. I picked up a 990fx and an fx-8320 for $45 in mid-december. I'm not saying you'll find that deal exactly, but you could definitely find some awesome deals and there's nothing wrong with used hardware.
I would go for a quad-core APU. You can get an A6 for <$150 quite easily. The integrated graphics should be more than good enough for any sort of light gaming.
This way, you could sell the 650 TI and get a better case or motherboard instead.
All else being the same, you are looking at a £40-50 difference (unless you are ok with mATX instead of miniITX, then the difference is greater). Considering that he was considering a 5350, I think that £40 is more than enough to keep him from considering a dGPU.
EDIT: Just remembered that he said he had a 650ti already, making this a moot point. The decision then comes down to 5350, g3258, 860k. I would be fine with either of the last two. With preference for the 860k.