E7300 vs. E8200 for HTPC

[bobross419]

Any benefits to one over the other for an HTPC? I'd think either would have the horsepower to take care of HTPC tasks. Would either be more energy efficient?

Both are 2.66 @ Stock with the 7300 running at 1066 and the 8200 at 1333. Both are 45 nm with the 7300 running 3MB cache and 8200 running 6MB.

If neither would have a clear edge in power efficiency I'd just run the 8200 for the added power.

Would be running on an ASRock G41M-GS.

 

[21stHermit]

Both seem like overkill to me. Unless you already have the S775 MB, I'd wait a week and get a Clarkdale Core i3. Cheaper, faster and more energy efficient.

 

[bobross419]

Already have the processors, other will be sold for funds. AsRock mobo will be had for the instant boot feature which is something that I like because of the configuration I'll be using with USB drive for Boot O/S.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

It's basically a toss up. The power usage difference shouldn't be huge and the performance difference isn't that huge either (for HTPC purposes).

If it were me, I'd keep the E8200 just because of the extra L2 cache.

Here's a review with both:
http://xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-e7300-pdc-e5200_5.html#sect1

 

[cbn]

Both seem like overkill to me. Unless you already have the S775 MB, I'd wait a week and get a Clarkdale Core i3. Cheaper, faster and more energy efficient.

Core i3 is being released in 1 week? I thought it was Jan 7th?

 

[21stHermit]

Core i3 is being released in 1 week? I thought it was Jan 7th?

Lot of connected people on this forum, you can choose to believe or not. I saw the same date on a Chinese website, Googling "G6950", the Google translator is surprisingly good.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=28984324&postcount=21

We'll all know next Thursday, but if no H55 MB's it's a nonstarter for me, a P55 won't work for me, I need the IGP.

Jan 7th is the official CES date and when the OEM's can ship boxes. I believe we had a similar situation with Lynnfield, but my memory half-life is only 2-weeks, so too long ago.

 

[spdfreak]

It won't make any difference... I used a 3800x2 for a couple of years and now I'm using an E4500. HTPC's can't even use what those processors can do. Storage is more of an issue than CPU speed.

 

[Denithor]

It won't make any difference... I used a 3800x2 for a couple of years and now I'm using an E4500. HTPC's can't even use what those processors can do. Storage is more of an issue than CPU speed.

It's not about the power of the cpu - it's all about the power consumption/efficiency of the cpu. You want a minimum level of performance (smooth playback of HD content, etc) at the lowest power use possible to minimize heat generation and therefore allow a silent box.

 

[21stHermit]

It's not about the power of the cpu - it's all about the power consumption/efficiency of the cpu. You want a minimum level of performance (smooth playback of HD content, etc) at the lowest power use possible to minimize heat generation and therefore allow a silent box.

That's like saying water flows downhill, pretty obvious. So what is THE CPU that offers the needed performance at minimum power?

 

[Kenmitch]

That's like saying water flows downhill, pretty obvious. So what is THE CPU that offers the needed performance at minimum power?

Depending on use I'd say a Dual Core Celeron would work

Depending on the MB that is used it's a good option is just to undervolt the cpu. As most cpu's will overclock without a voltage bump they will also run stock at less voltages than is supplied by the default of auto.

It pretty much varies from chip to chip and from chip to MB combo also. You would have to take your chip/MB combo and see what works best for your setup.

Depending on the chip it's even possible to undervolt and overclock it at the same time

As far as the original poster is concerned either chip would work out fine....The e8200 would probably run hotter....But if MB has option most likely it would be possible to undervolt it.

 

[21stHermit]

Depending on use I'd say a Dual Core Celeron would work

Depending on the MB that is used it's a good option is just to undervolt the cpu. As most cpu's will overclock without a voltage bump they will also run stock at less voltages than is supplied by the default of auto.

It pretty much varies from chip to chip and from chip to MB combo also. You would have to take your chip/MB combo and see what works best for your setup.

Depending on the chip it's even possible to undervolt and overclock it at the same time

As far as the original poster is concerned either chip would work out fine....The e8200 would probably run hotter....But if MB has option most likely it would be possible to undervolt it.

Thanks for that reply and especially undervolt comments.

In another thread you mention you have an E5200 on a GIGABYTE GA-G41M-ES2L. Will that board undervolt? Undervolting is not a common feature of MB's.

I ask because I plan to build a undervolted Clarkdale in 2010, ideally on mini-ITX, if not mATX. Any comment would be appreciated.

 

[zsdersw]

I'm very pleased with the Celeron E3300 and GF9300-based mobo in my HTPC.