[ctbrown]

Do I need a dual core? I'm thinking of upgrading one of my HTPCs with a new CPU, Motherboard and memory and I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible. This particular system will only be used for Netflix-Instant, MKV files and surfing the web. I already have a PS3 for Blu-Ray and games.


Here is the list of CPUs i'm considering (single and dual) Starting at $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=


This is the MOBO I'm considering: ECS GF8200A $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135085


And this is the RAM $27.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134586

 

[cychou]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbrown /forum/post/15536734


Do I need a dual core? I'm thinking of upgrading one of my HTPCs with a new CPU, Motherboard and memory and I'm trying to do this as cheap as possible. This particular system will only be used for Netflix-Instant, MKV files and surfing the web. I already have a PS3 for Blu-Ray and games.


Here is the list of CPUs i'm considering (single and dual) Starting at $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=


This is the MOBO I'm considering: ECS GF8200A $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...N82E1681313508


And this is the RAM $27.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134586

If you are buying a new CPU, given the price/performance ratio today, I don't think you can go wrong with a Dual core!


MKV files with x264 encoded content can consume quite some CPU cycles, as they are not necessarily DXVA compliant.

 

[H8nXTC]

I would suggest a 5400+ Black Edition for $66 or spend an extra $12 and get the 7750 Black Edition if you're motherboard is new enough (I'd suggest a 790gx, the ASRock is $105).

 

[ctbrown]

Another question is do I need DDR2 1066 or will DDR2 800 suffice? If I save on the RAM, I can do a dual core CPU.

 

[H8nXTC]

DDR2 800 is fine.

 

[somail]

I agree.


I still use an old Athlon (barton core) O/Ced to ~2.3Ghz. It can still play all HD content I throw at it b/c I can off load everything to my vidcard. However, when multi-tasking its age really shows. Upscaling a DVD and recording a SD show in tandam can often cause stuttering. The same goes for watching an HD show and surfing the web. These days, its not a speed issue, but basically how many things can your CPU do at once. Even with the video card handling HD content, the CPU still does work. An old P4 with hyper-threading would be okay for an HTPC, but honestly I wouldn't even bother.

 

[ctbrown]



Quote:
Originally Posted by H8nXTC /forum/post/15538108


I would suggest a 5400+ Black Edition for $66 or spend an extra $12 and get the 7750 Black Edition if you're motherboard is new enough (I'd suggest a 790gx, the ASRock is $105).

What sets the "Black Edition" apart from the others? I am actually now thinking of getting an Athlon 64 X2 5000 Brisbane 2.6GHz.


The ASRock 790gx doesn't have HDMI. Basically, I want a board that does audio over HDMI. That's why I am considering the ECS GF8200A. Are there better NVIDIA GeForce 8200 HDMI motherboards out there? This is the list that I'm working from:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

 

[ctbrown]

Also, I'm now thinking that I'll need new PSU. ANy thoughts on this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153023

 

[jlabom]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbrown /forum/post/15540648


What sets the "Black Edition" apart from the others? I am actually now thinking of getting an Athlon 64 X2 5000 Brisbane 2.6GHz.


The ASRock 790gx doesn't have HDMI. Basically, I want a board that does audio over HDMI. That's why I am considering the ECS GF8200A. Are there better NVIDIA GeForce 8200 HDMI motherboards out there? This is the list that I'm working from:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

The Black Edition has an unlocked multiplier. It is easier for overclocking, if so desired. As an example I have the 5000be which runs stock at 2.6ghz running stable at 3.2ghz, and has been for almost a year.

 

[ctbrown]



Quote:
Originally Posted by jlabom /forum/post/15547639


The Black Edition has an unlocked multiplier. It is easier for overclocking, if so desired. As an example I have the 5000be which runs stock at 2.6ghz running stable at 3.2ghz, and has been for almost a year.

That's awesome! Definitely worth the extra $$.

 

[weeber24]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ctbrown /forum/post/15547661


That's awesome! Definitely worth the extra $$.

Yup, I got one myself. I don't overclock, but it's good to know I got it if I want it. Anyways, keep in mind the BE does not come with a heatsink or fan. So make sure you price that in too.

 

[boconnor811]

I just built my htpc, first build of any kind. I used the Foxconn A7GM-S mobo ($66 newegg) and used the 5400 black edition processor. The build was painless, and I have the 5400 running at 3.2 with very little tweaking, just bumped the multiplier and added a bit of vcore. Tested stable for 24 hours in prime95.

 

[zzyckz]

It's a matter of opinion and features as to what makes a good solid reliable MB, for my money the Biostar TF8200 has got it a few times already.


I think the AM2+ X2 7750BE is a great deal as it has been suggested and you'll be able to take advantage of the HT 3.0 with this CPU. Although the X2 5400 is not a bad deal either.


The PSU you selected it's not good enough for a solid build you will be better off with an efficient (80+) PSU like this samples #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 . The PSU is one of the things you don't want to skimp on.

 

[H8nXTC]

Most 790gx boards will have HDMI and work great with the 7750 Black Edition, other boards won't be able to do some things that the 750SB can do.


I've always been very happy with Cooler Master power supplies and this seems like an especially good deal (500w / it's a version 2.3 and has active PFC for $45).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171031

Here's the Cooler Master link:
http://www.coolermaster-usa.com/prod...roduct_id=2757