Which CPU for my system?

[somewhatdamaged]

Hi,

I need a new mainboard, CPU and RAM for my HTPC / Home Server (Selling my old parts)

Spec is as follows:-
8 x 2TB WD Caviar Greens
Patriot Inferno 60GB SSD
LSI Megaraid 8308ELP Hardware Raid Controller (with BBU)
Fractal Design R3
BD-ROM
ATI Radeon 5570 1GB Fanless
Asus HDAV1.3
Windows 7 Home Premium with XBMC

PC is used for storing all my home movies, TV shows, pictures and files and is kept on pretty much 24/7. Also used with XBMC to watch all my TV shows and Blu Ray movies

The only other software that runs is my LiveDrive desktop client which constantly monitors certain folders and uploads any new files it finds to my online storage. I also use Newzbin Pro for downloading stuff and repairing PAR files whilst i am at work or in bed

I have been looking at the Core i3 540, The Athlon II X2 245e (45w) and then on the higher end the 1055T 95W

My current Q8200 is probably more expensive to run than the Hexacore AMD!

I would like this upgrade to last me at least 5 years, so wonder if buying a faster CPU might be the best move?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Jupiter]

What's your budget for the upgrade?

 

[somewhatdamaged]

I would say around £500 (for mainboard, RAM and CPU)

 

[Jupiter]

If you want it to last 5 years I would suggest going for a higher end cpu upgrade as you suggested. The 1055T is a good option, but then again for a bit more you could consider some i7 processors. But as I said, if I was to buy an upgrade to last 5 years I would definately be looking at higher end cpus, especially with 500 pound budget in total for cpu , ram and mainboard

 

[EniGmA1981]

**obligatory "wait for sandybridge" comment **

 

[somewhatdamaged]

I did consider that as well, i'm just not sure what benefits SandyBridge would give me over the current i3 processors

 

[Dark_Angel]

Probably little... I'd likely go I3 and give it a gentle overclock, save the money and see what's going on.

But then, Sandy are apparently slightly cooler running and use less power. At least compared to I5 / I7. Not sure about I3. It could be worth the extra speed to decode / encode on the fly, but also possibly not!

 

[EniGmA1981]

The main benefit with SB's arrival seems to be how they will affect the prices of older tech... should make the kit you're looking at a little cheaper