Processor Decision (1 Viewer)

[GodKingAmit]

Hi everyone

I'm building an HTPC and I'm having trouble deciding on a processor. The machine is not going to be used for games at all. Just watching/ripping DVDs, music, tv, etc. And HD video playback and transcoding mpeg2 to xvid. I'm currently planning on getting an X2 3800+, does this sound sufficient?
Ideally I'd like to be able to transcode in the background while the other core is used for watching dvds, whatever. The video card is going to be an integrated GeForce 6150 and the system will have 1 gig of DDR2 ram. Is the 3800 powerful enough for this?

Does anyone have any other recommendations? I'd like to stick to the AM2 because there's a sweet asus AM2 motherboard that I want, and that way I can upgrade later.

 

[Spragleknas]

Hi!

If you want it to be quiet, I recommend getting an EE-CPU (energy efficient).

The X2-3800 should be sufficient for everything.

 

[GodKingAmit]

I would, but the EE is like 70 bucks more and I'm only a poor student. And the output power difference is only like 24 watts. I'm going to be using an Antech Fusion case which uses 120 mm fans and will hopefully be quiet enough/enough to cool the non EE chip.

 

[Spragleknas]

Cool... I built a simular rig for a friend:
Antec NSK2400 (cheap ver. of fusion - half the price!. Higly recommended by SPCR)
Asus nForce430/6150
AMD 3200+
1 GB DDR2 (667)

Works like a charm. Cooling is great (2x120mm), so you might be right; using speedfan and a good CPU cooler should get it quiet enough.