cpu choice for htpc + other uses

[ArchAnGeL]

Upgrading my htpc and struggling with cpu choice. I am trying to come to a decision between a pentium such as g840, a llano (a6-3500 or a6-3670k)or i3-2100.

I plan to use my existing passive 4350 card (with hdmi) which plays back everything perfectly with my current meagre be-2350 chip. Therefore not massively interested in the pros and cons of each chips onboard gpu

However, I want to use the box for some other uses such as minecraft server (2 people) and as an air video server to on the fly transcode to my ipad.

Any opinions?

I am leaning towards the i3 which although a bit OTT for a htpc would provide some nice power in the other apps at 65w (perhaps a little slower than the quad llano's for transcoding but as long as it does more than 30fps or so should be fine. Would a cheapo H61 board be too restrictive with a sata3 SSD or would I not notice the difference. Any cheap mobo recommendations

 

[Doomedspeed]

Take a look at this bad boy, had my eye on it a while ago: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=BG-263-GI

Here is the offical spec page: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3791#sp

Has all you need. Pair it with the i3 and youre away. Only problem is it is B-grade, normally only packaging issues though.

 

[Gav_881]

well the I3 and the 3670k are about head to head for power and price but i would go I3 myself, i doubt you would notice the difference with sata2 with that sort of usage.

 

[ArchAnGeL]

Went with the i3 in the end but cant really comment too much as one of my sticks of ram is faulty so am running one stick. Very quiet in operation which is why I went for the i3 in the end