Hey all, I'm trying to decide between quad core or dual for my htpc build. I'm looking for full hd video playback including mkv files, and bluray. Here is my case I'll be using w/ 275w psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154061 Dual core which looks promising: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131697 Quad which I'm wondering if it'd be the best option: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.679618 I plan to use the onboard video with hdmi connection from either board. any input would be a great help, its been a VERY LONG TIME since I've had a new build in progress. The dual core has some good reviews. Is 1.6x2 enough processing power? Cheers
Although the motherboard with a dual core processor also has USB 3.0, I seriously doubt whether the dual core processor will be up to much. Check out http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php for processor ratings. The quad core scored 3000+ whereas the dual core scored ~730 which isn't much better than the old Pentium 4's!
I would not buy a case with a Flex ATX Power Supply, Its not a question of if the PS is going to go out but when it will go out. when it does you will have to replace the whole case because its near impossible to find a flex PS for sale. While its not a big deal to replace the case on a normal PC, HTPC's are a pain to work in because of the size. Though i would normaly recomend a case that will accept full size atx components, they dont fit well into a low budget build, so sticking "close" to your original case budget i would recomend this case. which takes a mini atx PSU. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121100
