Build a new HTPC or gaming PC? Or merge both?

Honestly, an i3 based system would probably be better for gaming. I say put the 5850 in an i3 system (for now) and go from there. Put a lower end HTPC type video card in that rig and keep it in the living room. With a quad core you could rip/convert and play back media at the same time. With most games the quad core won't even be an advantage, you're better off with the i3 as your gaming processor.

You could get Xbox Wireless controller for Windows and use that with your current PC for gaming. Or look into higher end offering from logitech for replacement keyboard and mouse. http://www.logitech.com/en-ca/keyboa...s/devices/6541 I personally like HTPC/Gaming separate and Work PC separate. That way you can do gaming on your htpc on big screen. My work computer is my ibm laptop and htpc/gaming rig is the same.

You replied before I finished editing

You are also disagreeing based on Anand's tech and Tom's hardware who don't know arse. Here are two more legit sources to show you otherwise:
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Ha...lenecks/5.html
http://www.guru3d.com/article/cpu-sc...e-processors/9

The only exception is 1024x768 resolution. But I am assuming you are not gaming at that on your big screen TV? Then again the choice is yours as it is your money. I picked the pages showing Crysis benchmark because I would like to stress that if Crysis isn't able to take cpu advantage over a certain point, then no other game out presently in the market can. Ask in those forums (guru 3d) as this forum isn't the place for in-depth knowledge about HTPC... (really). This section in AVS forum suffices "ONLY" to just get you started. Anandtech and tom's hardware both NEVER give you the whole picture and I always had a negative experience following their advice on pc components. They are ok to just give you numbers but they both lack skills in properly interpreting the results. Just my 2 cents.


I fear that you are just heavily misguided. But hopefully not to the point of no return.
For the sake of simplicity if we define playable to be >= 30 fps. Hypothetically if a game runs at 8 fps with your Q6600 at reasonable resolution, then maybe an i3 will bump it to extravagant 9 fps (but certainly not 30 fps) rendering BOTH cpus "unplayable" so your argument here has no merit. You starting to realize the type of skills Anandtech and Tomshardware both lack now? They are merely just good number crunchers. But you should be just as critical to them as you are on this forum. But feel free to disagree.

If you're using a 64-bit OS, just plop more RAM into your machine and then you can put the machine on double duty. It would be significantly cheaper than building a new box. I've got a Q6600 with 16GB of RAM and a 1GB GTS 450 and it plows through anything I throw at it, both 1080p gaming and HD media, which is what you would be doing.

+1

There you have another poster who agrees with my post above.. Keep the Q6600 unless you have money to burn.

I have very similar system to you as an HTPC, and like you the biggest problem I have is finding a good wireless setup. I have xbox controllers but they are not as responsive as a mouse and keyboard. I have tried different wireless accessories and all have just not worked well. What I am doing for now is running a USB cable under a rug which goes under the couch. I put a USB hub under the couch and it keeps the recievers closer. I would like to see a better device though that does not try so hard to save power. LMK if you find any better solutions. I saw a mod once where a guy tacked a new antennea onto his wireless keyboard and apparently it made all the difference.