Video CPU Usage

wolfeking

wolfeking

banned
I am running through some things in my head (and on newegg) for an idea I had. Build a Computer just to house my music and movie files, so I can use my HDTV to view them at 1080p and more for about the same price as a quality Bluray player or PS3.
So the major issue I am trying to figure out is weather or not I need a multicore CPU to mainly watch DVD (and bluray in the future) movies and word process under Ubuntu (because of security, cost, and Acidrip.)

I was mainly looking at the Sempron 140 or the athlon II x245. Which do you recommend, just for this build (gaming will be on a separate rig later.)
 
If it will be a strictly media rig, then it should be fine with a single core. It might be a touch sluggish on more demanding tasks, but if it's only going to be used for videos and music then there's no reason to get anything more. You may want to look into AMDs new APUs. They feature built in, low power processors on small boards they seem ideal for an HTPC in my eyes. I admittedly don't know much about them, but they're worth checking out.
 
I have looked at them before. They are just an answer to the ATOM. Though they are dual core (on some) they are still slower using the incorrect method of core plus core (1.6*2 = 3.2) but I am sure a decent GPU and Sempron (or maybe a Celeron).
 
Yeah I never said they were fast, but all you'll be doing is playing media right? In which case you probably wouldn't notice the difference between one of those and an i5 :P It might slow down a touch during intense multi tasking, but I'd think the money saved would be worth it. Even still, if you're set against it then go for a Sempron.
 
My worry is that I wont have enough ports (or wide case availability) to run a fairly large media library (thinking around 250 GB for music and 3 or so TB of movies.) I haven't looked too close at the mini itx mobo, but Im nearly sure that it only has 2 sata ports, and a CI port for expansion.
 
wolfeking said:
My worry is that I wont have enough ports (or wide case availability) to run a fairly large media library (thinking around 250 GB for music and 3 or so TB of movies.) I haven't looked too close at the mini itx mobo, but Im nearly sure that it only has 2 sata ports, and a CI port for expansion.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty fair concern, one that I must admit I didn't think of. Perhaps a more traditional micro ATX board then? A sempron is still pretty low on power consumption, and you should be able to find a board with solid integrated graphics.
 
I would get the 245, i had the 250 in an HTPC and it was perfect. Never slow, super low temps, and it was very cheap at the time.
 
save apenny anywhere I can. I think the sempron will run fine. There is no need for a dual core here (plus I got my 2 laptops If I need a dual core.)
 
Unless you need the extra outputs, I would actually skip the dedicated card and just go with a half respectable integrated chipset. It'll cut a good $60 off your build in the graphics card, and you can get a smaller PSU as well. If it won't be running 3D graphics then you'll be absolutely fine with an integrated option. It'll also run cooler and quieter. If you do feel the need to get a dedicated card, then I'd recommend something passively cooled. Its not that the card you picked is bad ot anything, I'm just trying to think of what I'd want. :)
 
well, can someone recommend a good AM3 integrated with the HD4200 series card integrated, and at least 6 SATA ports? (I assume it will run bkuray fine?, thats why I was looking at dedicated)
 
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128439

Yeah it's an understandable concern, but pretty much anything that will support high definition resolution will play the movies fine as well

I've used gigabyte in 3 of the 4 computers I've built, and I haven't had so much as a single hiccup with one of them. Even still, it's not exactly a final be-all, end-all board. You can pretty easily go and find one you like more if you feel so inclined, but that's what I'd likely pick (Or something similar.)
 
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