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<blockquote data-quote="Eeyore" data-source="post: 404496" data-attributes="member: 19444">As User 04 hints at, replacing the mobo could cause some crazy Windows issues. you'd be best to reinstall from scratch if you go ahead with the upgrade.As for the CPU differences, you'll want to download CPUz (<a href="http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php" target="_blank">CPUID</a>) to see exactly what Intel CPU you are running. when you get the info from CPUz, google the CPU code and you should find the details spec from intel in the first few links (similar to this <a href="http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL7ZC" target="_blank">Intel® Xeon® Processor 3.60 GHz - SL7ZC</a>). What is important is the Thermal Design Power. The lower the number, the cooler the CPU, the quieter your HTPC will be.As for performance difference between those CPUs...The intel will probably be a little better, but a little hotter, so it's a trade-off, and a decision you can makeLooking at the motherboards, the only benefit is what you mentioned. more SATA ports, and a firewire port. It did however win the PC Perspective Gold Award. so it must be a good product. Personally, i would stay with the Intel as I have a bad taste in my mouth from AMD many years ago.It depends what your HTPC is&nbsp; aimed at, where it sits, if it is a server/client, etc etc.My only advice would be. - If this is a server and housed in a different room. Go for the AMD to get the extra SATA ports which will give you plenty of storage capability.- If it is a client, or server/client in a living room, go for the intel. (personal preference for intel)</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Eeyore, post: 404496, member: 19444"] As User 04 hints at, replacing the mobo could cause some crazy Windows issues. you'd be best to reinstall from scratch if you go ahead with the upgrade. As for the CPU differences, you'll want to download CPUz ([url=http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php]CPUID[/url]) to see exactly what Intel CPU you are running. when you get the info from CPUz, google the CPU code and you should find the details spec from intel in the first few links (similar to this [url=http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL7ZC]Intel® Xeon® Processor 3.60 GHz - SL7ZC[/url]). What is important is the Thermal Design Power. The lower the number, the cooler the CPU, the quieter your HTPC will be. As for performance difference between those CPUs...The intel will probably be a little better, but a little hotter, so it's a trade-off, and a decision you can make Looking at the motherboards, the only benefit is what you mentioned. more SATA ports, and a firewire port. It did however win the PC Perspective Gold Award. so it must be a good product. Personally, i would stay with the Intel as I have a bad taste in my mouth from AMD many years ago. It depends what your HTPC is aimed at, where it sits, if it is a server/client, etc etc. My only advice would be. - If this is a server and housed in a different room. Go for the AMD to get the extra SATA ports which will give you plenty of storage capability. - If it is a client, or server/client in a living room, go for the intel. (personal preference for intel) [/QUOTE]

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