HTPC. E8400 or X3 425

[chavo]

Quick question, i have the option of 2 systems for a HTPC.

1) AMD x3 425 (2.7)
2 GB kingston DDR3
gigabyte 785 board.

OR

2) Intel E8400 (3 gig)
2 gig crucial RAM DDR2
Asus board.

both boards are of a similar spec.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

For HTPC use I would get the AMD setup as the IGP is better. The Athlon II X3 425 seem to respond well to undervolting too:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/A...X3_425/11.html

[scaryjim]

Are you buying these as bundles or do you have more flexibility in the processor? tbh an Athlon X3 is overkill for HTPC duties and an X2 would do you just as well (if you have the option, that is).

[chavo]

no i have both systems now, i have a 8800gts (320meg) for the graphics so that is not really a problem.

I will be watching 1080 content on a 50 inch monitor at full hd res. also on occasions i may play the odd game, dirt 2 and stuff. power consumption is not really a thought i just want the better system. the e8400 cost about £130 and the AMD chip was about £60 so you would think the intel would be a far superior chip.

[scaryjim]

If you have both systems already, have a discreet graphics card, and will occasionally play some games, then I'd probably stick with the E8400 - both systems are massive overkill for HTPC (particularly with that GPU) but the E8400 is a better gaming chip according to Anandtech's Benchmark Comparison (Athlon X3 435 (2.9GHz) in blue, E8400 in orange)