AMD X2 for HTPC or AMD Single core

[newera]

Hi all,

First of all, let me say that this is a very good forum where you can get some good advice. I already got some advice on a video card that I need to buy.

This month I am planning to assemble an HTPC and I am trying to get some opinion on the hardware that I am planning to get.

I was going to opt for a Dual Core AMD CPU but I am quite worried that I might find problems with some applications. I planned to get a dual core CPU so that I would be able to do proper multi tasking such as burning DVDs and watching TV.

Is there anyone who can give his opinion in this regards.

The CPUs I have in mind are

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 3800+ (Socket 939)

or

AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 90nm (Socket 939)

Thanks very much

 

[Iraklis F.C.]

a single core would be fine.

 

[newera]

HI,
Thanks for the immediate reply.

So basically you do think that I can perform multi tasking operations for HTPC purposes without problems.

Thanks

 

[Iraklis F.C.]

HI,
Thanks for the immediate reply.

So basically you do think that I can perform multi tasking operations for HTPC purposes without problems.

Thanks

assuming these multitasking operations are basic ones , like those described and you have at leat a gig of ram. Mind you , i have a X2 and 2 gig ram and still the system hangs when i insert a CD/DVD disc or complete a burning session

 

[newera]

assuming these multitasking operations are basic ones , like those described and you have at leat a gig of ram. Mind you , i have a X2 and 2 gig ram and still the system hangs when i insert a CD/DVD disc or complete a burning session

That is some very bad news.

I will be doing simple stuff but since I have read on some sites that with an X2 you would get quite an increase when doing multi tasking stuff I thaught that it would be nice to have one.

Anyway thanks for your help.

 

[pcoltrane]

It very much depends on a number of factors....

The biggest one is what exactly is the multitasking you intend to do?

You mention burning a DVD. That's a non CPU intensive task so you'll have no problem doing that while watching live tv etc. I often do exactly that with my HTPC and I only have a 3000+ venice (running stock but undervolted to 1.1v) Recording 2 different programs an watching a dvd at the same time is ll well within the capabilities of a single core chip.

Will you be encoding video etc? In this case you may well want the dual core CPU. Video encoding of course is very processor intensive so keeping the 2nd core free for the everyday media centre tasks while you encode something would be a bonus. However how often are you going to do that kind of thing? Couldn't you just schedule it to run overnight instead when the htpc is unused?

I did actually try my X2 chip in my HTPC for a week. Ironically enough, because I didn't install the amd dual core driver it actually caused me stuttering/jumping problems with TV! Once i installed the driver it would have been fine but i switched back before i could test how well it would have coped with encoding + watching TV (which I'm sure it would have been great for)

At £77 for a 3000+ venice on OCUK and £180 the cheapest i have seen an X2 3800+, unless you intend to use this machine regularly while it records tv etc the X2 is just not worth it.

If you can afford the extra £100, well you may as well go for it. It will be more future proof, give you more peace of mind and be great for those times that you do genuinely want to multitask.

Marc

 

[Iraklis F.C.]

i would go for the cheapest venice and add more RAM.

 

[newera]

Hi,

Thanks for all your help. I would now consider to buy a single core CPU. Maybe I get the 3700+ one.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[pcoltrane]

Personally I would either go for the 3000+ or the X2 3800+ myself. I can't see any real benefit to the extra clockspeed of the 3700+ for the extra £50 over the 3000+. If you are going to extend the budget then at least if you spend another £50 for the X2 (over the 3700+) you will gain in a few situations where the ability to multitask will help and it will be more future proof.

Just my 2p

Marc

 

[newera]

Personally I would either go for the 3000+ or the X2 3800+ myself. I can't see any real benefit to the extra clockspeed of the 3700+ for the extra £50 over the 3000+. If you are going to extend the budget then at least if you spend another £50 for the X2 (over the 3700+) you will gain in a few situations where the ability to multitask will help and it will be more future proof.

Just my 2p

Marc

Actually considering that the difference is only 50 I think that your opinion is valid. Actualy that was the way I was thinking. Anyway I will have to decide ASAP.

Thanks

 

[Iraklis F.C.]

Personally I would either go for the 3000+ or the X2 3800+ myself. I can't see any real benefit to the extra clockspeed of the 3700+ for the extra £50 over the 3000+. If you are going to extend the budget then at least if you spend another £50 for the X2 (over the 3700+) you will gain in a few situations where the ability to multitask will help and it will be more future proof.

Just my 2p

Marc

he speaks the truth. Get the cheapest single or get a 3800+

 

[newera]

OK,

Got your point. I will get a 3800+ dual core.

Thanks

 

[pcoltrane]

enjoy