[MovingTarget]

I've traditionally been an AMD guy but should I consider Intel for a HTPC? Is there an advantage? I was thinking about a 2200XP processor because of price/value/bang for the buck.


I read through the post about the next gen of HD cards that use the power of your video card and your processor but it didn't state an ideal cpu speed. I would think a 2200XP would be fine but does anyone know differently?

 

[robtec88]

It doesn't really matter these days. Both processors are now at more than adequate speeds. What I find makes the difference these days is the quality of the other components you install, along with the processor - starting with the MOTHERBOARD! Always buy a quality motherboard and for that matter, always buy the best components you can afford. Just remember, expensive doesn't neccessarily mean it's the best! Do some "homework" before buying parts. May I suggest going to www.arstechnica.com and sign up on their 'open forum' for mucho help, with computer related questions.


Good luck,


Robert N.

 

[jagouar]

If you do end up going AMD, Id recommend the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe... It even has a spdif out integrated and every other feature you could imagine... I have one and love it.

 

[DonBerg]

I belive the Intel CPUs have thermal protection, so if the heatsink/fan fails or unplugs it won't burn up. The AMD CPUs have no thermal protection and can start a fire if the HSF fails - I've seen pictures of that happening.

 

[MovingTarget]

I couldn't agree more the motherboard comments. I've built a bunch of different systems over the years and quickly learned not to skimp on the mobo.


What is "spdif"???


I know in the past it wasn't too smart to get a mobo with built in anything because it always seemed to interfer if you wanted to upgrade later. I've noticed that a lot of mobo's have built in sound these days, is still wise to avoid this?


I'll check out the ASUS, I'm a pretty big ABIT fan but I've read ASUS and MSI have some pretty good stuff out now. I've been using the budget game system specs from www.sharkeyextreme.com recommendations.

 

[jagouar]

SPDIF will allow you to send DD/DTS to your receiver via the coax digital cable. Your mp3's are also sent through all 5 speakers.

 

[MovingTarget]

:O I need that too! Will it do DTS/ES? for my Denon 3803 to decode the 6.1 stuff?

 

[jagouar]

Dont think the ASUS will handle ES not sure about sound cards...

 

[MovingTarget]

Quote:

Originally posted by DonBerg I belive the Intel CPUs have thermal protection, so if the heatsink/fan fails or unplugs it won't burn up. The AMD CPUs have no thermal protection and can start a fire if the HSF fails - I've seen pictures of that happening.

Actually my ABIT motherboard monitors the CPU temp and will shutdown on its own.


The only AMD chip I've ever seen that caught on fire was helped out by a bottle of lighter fluid...kids these days.


I think with Intel you're probably paying a premium for the name and to supplement their advertising campaign. I'm not saying that's bad though.

 

[brothermaynard]

I have had great luck with my AMD/nForce 2 combo. I agree that for the most part it doesn't matter...