New CPU (and board...) (1 Viewer)

[Wonderm00n]

Hi there,

I'm sick of struggling with my HTPC to make it quieter and cooler... My main problem resides on the CPU: a P4 3.0 which is a hot bitch! Also the case does not help (3RSYS HT-1100).

So I think I really need to change CPU, and off course motherboard...

What (cheap) CPU do you recommend, that is obviously more performant than the current one, and runs (much) cooler?

Damn... I didn't want to spend more money but I guess I'll just have to!

 

[idioteque]

cheapest: AMD 64 CPU for about 20 euro's second hand an a MB for about 40 Euro's. AMD has CnQ so temp should be a lot less.

AMD 64 i got runs a idle about 39 degrees

 

[Wonderm00n]

Well, If I'm going to spend money, maybe I'll try something new, instead of used, and have a better performance CPU, but the AMD choise seems good also.

More opinions?

 

[Spragleknas]

Cheap and power efficient:
AMD BE-2350 + AMD690G-based mobo w/integrated 1250 gfx(if you have a gfx you want to use, consider a 690V)

 

[Wonderm00n]

Cheap and power efficient:
AMD BE-2350 + AMD690G-based mobo w/integrated 1250 gfx(if you have a gfx you want to use, consider a 690V)

And with this CPU, will I get better performance than I have with my current P4 3.0?
And the gfx, is enough to Media Portal, and NVidia PureVideo set to use hardware acceleration?

Thanks in advance,
Marco aka Wonderm00n

 

[Spragleknas]

I believe this CPU is equal to AMD X2-4000 (if I remember right). I don't dare make the comparison you ask, though - but remember that this is a dual-core (2x2GHz I believe) with lots of new technology.

The onboard gfx is actually a ATi X700 (again: if I remember correct). It supports DXVA and ATi's AVIVO. You can off course use PureVideo. I remember someone having a issue with AVIVO and MP. Try a search to see if it was solved (user: gubi - I think)

(Btw: DXVA = hardware acceleration)

The BE 2350 has a TDP rating of 45W (simular to somthing like 55W Intel TDP?) - and the 690G has very low power consumption as well (try google). Later BIOS gives increased HD performance as well.

 

[Wonderm00n]

I believe this CPU is equal to AMD X2-4000 (if I remember right). I don't dare make the comparison you ask, though - but remember that this is a dual-core (2x2GHz I believe) with lots of new technology.

The onboard gfx is actually a ATi X700 (again: if I remember correct). It supports DXVA and ATi's AVIVO. You can off course use PureVideo. I remember someone having a issue with AVIVO and MP. Try a search to see if it was solved (user: gubi - I think)

(Btw: DXVA = hardware acceleration)

The BE 2350 has a TDP rating of 45W (simular to somthing like 55W Intel TDP?) - and the 690G has very low power consumption as well (try google). Later BIOS gives increased HD performance as well.

A quotation for this CPU and Mobo has been asked to my supplier ;-)
Thanks!!!

 

[OgdenP]

In my HTPC, I am using an ASUS M2A-VM HDMI motherboard with an AMD 64 X2 4000+ (2.1GHz) overclocked to 2.5GHz. I am using the stock air cooler and the processor temp never exceeds 35 degrees C. Consequently, the fan never run faster than about about 1700 RPM, which I find is quite acceptably low noise. As the BE2350 is a lower power unit, it should be even better.

I have trouble playing back recorded HD TV, though it plays HDTV it straight off the adaptor without trouble, which I find a bit strange. This doesn't bother me too much as I record in SD to save disk space. Unfortunately, I don't have PureVideo, so I can't comment about that.