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writersblock · 2007-10-27, 00:04

@Mrbenn

It really depends on just how upgrade-friendly you want your system to be. It also depends on the resolution of your best .MKV file. The higher the resolution, the more CPU demand for decoding it. So if all you ever plan on playing are DVD rips which are re-encoded using 720 maximum width... you'd be fine with a 3200+ single core.

But I'd aim higher, and here's why.

1) Dual core processors are fairly cheap these days. You can get a 4200+ dual core AM2 for under $100 at Newegg.com. This is important if you consider upgrades later on. If you buy a 3200+ single core now... you have no place left to go other than buying an entirely new processor later. If you buy more processor than you actually need TODAY, you can focus on other upgrades later on such as a better video card, more RAM, ect.
2) The CPU is the "brains" of your system. This is the absolute last place you'd want to cut corners, since absolutely everything your computer does has to pass through the CPU. If you plan on running FFdshow for upscaling your video to 720p and tweaking sharpness settings, you definately want a CPU that won't cough and struggle. If you're also using FFdshow to decode AAC audio to 5.1 through an SPDIF, that's even MORE demand on your CPU. It's always best to buy more than you need to give yourself room for comfort.
3) Is your HTPC also connected to the Internet? If so, bets are good you've also got antivirus/anti spyware programs installed. Those things pick the damnedest times to run scans and updates. With a single-core processor that's already laboring with video tasks, this means either putting up with stuttering video or waiting around for the software to finish doing its thing. A dual core will allow the antivirus software a core for doing what it wants to do, while you go on using the other core for watching your videos, gleefully unaware of what the rest of your computer's doing. Multitasking is what a dual core is all about.

So I'd cast my vote for a dual core. I honestly think it's worth your piece of mind.

2007-10-27, 00:04	#4 (permalink)
writersblock Portal Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Country:	@Mrbenn It really depends on just how upgrade-friendly you want your system to be. It also depends on the resolution of your best .MKV file. The higher the resolution, the more CPU demand for decoding it. So if all you ever plan on playing are DVD rips which are re-encoded using 720 maximum width... you'd be fine with a 3200+ single core. But I'd aim higher, and here's why. 1) Dual core processors are fairly cheap these days. You can get a 4200+ dual core AM2 for under $100 at Newegg.com. This is important if you consider upgrades later on. If you buy a 3200+ single core now... you have no place left to go other than buying an entirely new processor later. If you buy more processor than you actually need TODAY, you can focus on other upgrades later on such as a better video card, more RAM, ect. 2) The CPU is the "brains" of your system. This is the absolute last place you'd want to cut corners, since absolutely everything your computer does has to pass through the CPU. If you plan on running FFdshow for upscaling your video to 720p and tweaking sharpness settings, you definately want a CPU that won't cough and struggle. If you're also using FFdshow to decode AAC audio to 5.1 through an SPDIF, that's even MORE demand on your CPU. It's always best to buy more than you need to give yourself room for comfort. 3) Is your HTPC also connected to the Internet? If so, bets are good you've also got antivirus/anti spyware programs installed. Those things pick the damnedest times to run scans and updates. With a single-core processor that's already laboring with video tasks, this means either putting up with stuttering video or waiting around for the software to finish doing its thing. A dual core will allow the antivirus software a core for doing what it wants to do, while you go on using the other core for watching your videos, gleefully unaware of what the rest of your computer's doing. Multitasking is what a dual core is all about. So I'd cast my vote for a dual core. I honestly think it's worth your piece of mind.