HTPC Setup

[twolves06]

Hey guys,
I was looking into upgrade my htpc but figured it might be better just to build a whole new system. I'm running an XP 1700+ currently which is plenty for everything I usually use it for. I recently picked up a nice 26" lcd and have started using dvd decoding utils which aren't exactly made for a 1700+. I figure all I'll need is a 64bit cpu running around 2.5 gHz. That should cover everything and then some as long as I pick up some decent ram. I'm torn between an operton 144 or a venice 3200+. I know the opty will oc 300-400 Hz higher but I want to hear some opinions.

 

[sodcha0s]

What are you planning on doing with this rig? If it's just an HTPC (watching movies, TV, DVD burning, recording shows) that 1700+ will be plenty. No need for 64 bit. If you're wanting to mulitask, then you might want to look at dual core cpu's.

 

[twolves06]

To tell you the truth the only thing I need the extra cpu for is dvd decoding. Of course I would like to plan for the future rather than upgrading in a year. What I'm looking for is anyone who uses a 64bit in their htpc for dvd decoding. To clear things up, I don't play games at the present time. Also, I should proabbly add the other components... I picked up the Epox 9NPA+ Ultra as well as a x800 which is overkill for a htpc.

 

[Bobthelost]

Ok for a start multitasking can be done without a dual core CPU, putting one in a HTPC is an utter waste of time, money, a decent CPU, it'll make your computer noisier to run and harder to cool. DC is for serious multitasking, running DVD shrink and playing FarCry at the same time. Or running photoshop and running folding @ home. Not the same thing as having five apps open at once, or recording a program while watching another one and having a 3rd program in the background decoding a DVD.

You want to use this computer for DVD decoding in addition to your normal tasks? As in DVD shrink etc? In which case you'd see some real benifits from a better CPU, but a 2500+ 754 would be plenty of improvement and dirt cheap to boot. 64 bit architecture is not nessisary, you won't see any improvement untill vista turns up, and even then you probably won't see much at all just being on 64 bit architecture not for a HTPC.

It would be nice to have a 4800X2 in your computer, but there just isn't any need.

 

[twolves06]

Thanks for the replys guys. To clear things up, I could really care less about ripping dvd's but i'm focussing on decodeing/encoding. I will be using programs such as virtualdub to improve picture quality from dvd's. It is much more cpu intensive than ripping a dvd. Of course virtualdub isn't desgned for 64bit cpu but i was wondering what the improvement would be like. I'm not even considering dual core at this point because it would be a waste.

 

[twolves06]

Is there anyone else that runs their dvds through ffdshow?

 

[Thor86]

I just use Nvidia PureVideo. No need for ffdshow anymore. It's that good.

 

[twolves06]

How hardware dependant is Puervideo?

 

[Lord Banshee]

If you have a Nvidia 6200, 6600, PCI-Ecpress 6800NU, PCI-Express 6800GS, 7800 then PureVideo will use some GPU power to do alot of work (so they say, i haven't used it) so it wont use as much CPU power.

 

[twolves06]

Does ATI have comparable hardware acceleration utils? I just got in on that Dell deal where the x800 was around $70.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I thought that almost any computer could do video. Found that out wrong. I now know that a 650Mhz PIII cant do it

 

[RBauer]

Get the Venice 3200+ thats what I run and i get 2.45ghz o/c with no voltage change can hit 2.6 but a little unstable plus it needs 1.575volts so needless to say I am happy with 2.45ghz out of it. Figuring I paid $150 for the OEM cpu recently I am happy.

 

[Skandaluz]

I currently use Zoomplayer (very customizable) and ffdshow. HTPC was made from left over parts after I upgraded which consist of Abit NF7, Xp 2500 @ 3200, 1 gig Corsair value ram, 200 gig hd and 6600gt. Yes, ffdshow does take alot of processing power. Upscaling/resizing takes a good amount of processing power and so does sharpening and things like that.