Fastest CPU usable on Antec Aria?

[rsd]

Hi I was able to get a good deal on the Aria, so I am planning on using that for the case of an HTPC.

I've read several reviews and posts about it and it seems heat can be an issue for it.

So I was wondering what has been the fastest CPU people have been able to use on it w/o having to do any ventillation or other case mods?

Preferably I was looking towards Intel (probably 2.8 Prescott) but was hoping to see if any 3.2ghz was usable.

I'd consider an Athlon I suppose but I want to make sure I have enough CPU power to run FFDShow's filters and any other intensive tasks.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Red]

Prescott + Athlon XP = hot

A64 + P4c = cooler

P4c, not P43, lol.

 

[Markfw]

Athlon64 3000+ is probably your best bet. They run very cool.

 

[Sonic587]

Whoa...a Prescott in an mATX box. Now THAT would be a space heater for sure. If you want Intel, get a northword, not a Prescott. Also, an A64 would be a powerful and cool CPU to go with.

 

[rsd]

Well I remember someone being able to get it running ok with a 2.8ghz Prescott.

What would be the fastest Northwood that would run suitably? 3.0-3.2, or would I have to go to 2.8?

Also roughly in comparison would a A64 3000+ be as fast as a 3.0 Northwood for general purposes.

 

[piasabird]

I was looking at this website the other day they sell what they claim is a very quite fan and they customize the Aria:

http://www.endpcnoise.com/

 

[Sonic587]

Originally posted by: rsd
Well I remember someone being able to get it running ok with a 2.8ghz Prescott.

What would be the fastest Northwood that would run suitably? 3.0-3.2, or would I have to go to 2.8?

You may be able to get it to run ok with a Prescott, but the Northwoods perform better at the same clock, and they are much cooler. There is NO reason to get an E over a C unless you plan to watercool/phase change it to 4Ghz. Don't even consider one for an SFF box. You'll be much better off with a 3.2 Northwood.

Also roughly in comparison would a A64 3000+ be as fast as a 3.0 Northwood for general purposes.

Actually, in most cases a 3000+ would outperform a 3.2 Northwood for most tasks sans video/audio encoding/content creation. What are you mostly going to be doing with this PC?

 

[rsd]

Originally posted by: Sonic587

Originally posted by: rsd
Well I remember someone being able to get it running ok with a 2.8ghz Prescott.

What would be the fastest Northwood that would run suitably? 3.0-3.2, or would I have to go to 2.8?

You may be able to get it to run ok with a Prescott, but the Northwoods perform better at the same clock, and they are much cooler. There is NO reason to get an E over a C unless you plan to watercool/phase change it to 4Ghz. Don't even consider one for an SFF box. You'll be much better off with a 3.2 Northwood.

Also roughly in comparison would a A64 3000+ be as fast as a 3.0 Northwood for general purposes.

Actually, in most cases a 3000+ would outperform a 3.2 Northwood for most tasks sans video/audio encoding/content creation. What are you mostly going to be doing with this PC?

Eventually I envision doing a bit of everything..playing DVDs on a HDTV and using FFDShow, as a PVR, Music Jukebox, maybe some gaming.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[CraigRT]

for an HTPC how come just not an XP2500 or something even less? you don't need even that much.. (and would obviously be cooler than something faster)

 

[rsd]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
for an HTPC how come just not an XP2500 or something even less? you don't need even that much.. (and would obviously be cooler than something faster)

Well I want to have enough juice to do some gaming, video encoding etc etc.

If I had to choose between let's say A64 3000+, 2800+ and P4 (northwoods) 3.0, 2.8, any single one particularly better?

Anyone know if a P4 3.0 would be cool enough to run in the aria? Thanks again so much.

Or am I better off waiting? I'm not in a super hurry and can wait a month or two until I put it all together also.

 

[sisooktom]

I don't know much about SFF, but I'd base my decision more on what boards were available for it, as those are all good CPUs. But all else being equal, I'd roll with the 3000+.