HTPC help

Right, I'm just speccing up a HTPC for someone and although I have built machines in the past, they have always been built for gamers so I am not sure of what sort of components will perform best.

My first choice is between the Intel PentiumD 930 (2x3.0GHz cores) or the AMD64 3500+. Is dual core (and increadably hot) intel proc likely to offer smoother and better video playback/recording over the generally faster (and cheaper) single cored athlon, or should I stick with AMD?

Next, is 1GB RAM about right?

TBH cooler is probably the way to go. However one of the most important things to consider is the case you are going to use. I am a fan of the new Antec HTPC authough i have heard that stock PSU is nothe most quiet around.

One idea would be for a SFF PC which is my personal favorite HTPC setup.

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Originally Posted by nvening

TBH cooler is probably the way to go. However one of the most important things to consider is the case you are going to use. I am a fan of the new Antec HTPC authough i have heard that stock PSU is nothe most quiet around.

One idea would be for a SFF PC which is my personal favorite HTPC setup.

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Going to go with the Asus P1-AH1 or P1-PH1 (depending on chipset). Will probably side with AMD as it does run cooler and works out quite a bit cheaper!

Yep, the case it important too. The Antec p180 (check the bargain forums for link) is a pretty quiet case for an HTPC if they don't mind going tower.