recommendations on htpc components

[Baron Von Doom]

I am going to be building a pc soon. I will mainly be playing a range of hd video files. Not into gaming on it at the moment.
Was wondering what sort of speed processor would be recommended? Dont want to end up with anything to slow. Was thinking of the intel e6550 or e6750. Any thing else i should be looking at?

 

[badbob]

You don't need such a high end processor, one around 2ghz dual core will do, with ATI 2600 Pro. 2GB RAM. Find case/psu/ cpu cooler that have large, low rpm fans, or ideally run passive.

 

[Baron Von Doom]

thanks
would a 2ghz dual be ok for blu ray and hd dvd as well as files from the hard drive?

 

[badbob]

On it's own, a slower dual core is just over the Blu-Ray requirements, however with the 2600 pro doing the HD decoding CPU % will be much lower. 1080p .TS files playback on slower AMD X2 CPU's no problem.

I don't have Blu-Ray however someone will probably chime in what Intel C2D is in there HTPC for stutter free HD playback.

Google search for videocard/cpu tests with HD acceleration.

 

[Zarch]

Coombes, check out my performance thread. Shows my stats (2 x 2.0ghz E4400) along with others chipping in etc.

http://www.avforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666171

 

[Baron Von Doom]

thanks for the help.
Been looking for Vista home premium and just wondered if anyone knows the cheapest place to buy?

thanks