Need a CPU for my complete HTPC rebuild

[alevasseur14]

Hey everyone!

The time has come to redo my HTPC and make it more of a HTPC and less of a 'old gaming computer re-purposed as a HTPC'. I'm going for quieter, smaller, and more becoming of a HTPC setup.

I had the new i3 2100T in mind. It's got on-die graphics, packs Sandy Bridge, and has a TDP of just 35W. I almost feel silly asking but that CPU should be enough for Blu Ray playback and burning, correct?

I'm really only worried about the Blu Ray side of things. The only other things this computer will be used for are light web browsing, playing music, and recording/playing back OTA HD through Windows 7 Media Center.

Thanks for any feedback you guys have for me. Also, I'd love any tips you guys have on making sure my first honest-to-goodness HTPC build goes as well as I'm thinking it will!

For what it's worth, I'm looking to put everything into a SilverStone GD01B-R.

 

[smitbret]

Unless it's going to be used for transcoding/encoding, just about any modern CPU will work fine so long as you're using modern graphics hardware. The i3 2100T would handle it without breaking a sweat. If you'll be doing any transcoding, though, it might worthwhile to check into a quad core or better solution.

 

[alevasseur14]

Thanks for your thoughts, smitbret. I don't really see using the HTPC to do any transcoding. The new machine will have a hardware tuner that takes care of the TV encoding and everything else is streamed. I'm thinking I'll move the current machine back into my room and use that if I want to stream movies from my server or something. It will be nice to run dual screens again when I do need to do more intense work. The old quad core will be off 99% of the time so noise isn't an issue there.

 

[Brainonska511]

I went with an Athlon II X2 in my HTPC + an HD5450. Plays blu-ray just fine.

Initially, it was using the HD4200 integrated graphics and that was fine as well, but I added the dedicated card after picking up a BD drive.

 

[alevasseur14]

I went with an Athlon II X2 in my HTPC + an HD5450. Plays blu-ray just fine.

Initially, it was using the HD4200 integrated graphics and that was fine as well, but I added the dedicated card after picking up a BD drive.

I've heard good things about the integrated graphics in the new Sandy Bridges. I'm sure if I look around a bit, I'll find a review saying the HD2000 or whatever Intel calls it will be fine. I guess it's not a deal breaker if I do have to put a dedicated card in, it just won't be high end like the 4870 was when I bought it.

I've gotten the gaming rig bug out of my system. I really want this new computer to be simple and look great in my HT setup.

 

[poofyhairguy]

An i3 could play a Blu Ray on the CPU alone. If for some reason something particular about the Intel graphics bug you (I have heard mixed repots about their 24p mode) for like $15 you can pick up a GT210 that would easily do the job.

 

[smitbret]

An i3 could play a Blu Ray on the CPU alone. If for some reason something particular about the Intel graphics bug you (I have heard mixed repots about their 24p mode) for like $15 you can pick up a GT210 that would easily do the job.

Took the words out of my mouth.

 

[alevasseur14]

Good to hear. I know it was a silly question but i've been pretty out of the loop since I bought my (old at the time) Q9550. I wanted to cover all my bases but I knew my old quad was a touch excessive!

Thanks again everyone!

P.S. I've got the upgrade bug again... any recs for a server case that's quite but can cool a minimum of 6 1TB drives? My server probably needs a new, quieter, home as well!!

 

[piasabird]

Still using an Intel E2100 and integrated X35 graphics at 720p to stream DVD and Internet Video to my Digital TV. Mostly use it for Korean Movies for my wife with Subtitles. Will probably build something new soon so I can get my computer back. Plan on using Intel Again. I used an Intel brand Integrated Motherboard last time. Didnt use a HDTV Card, because most of what is on TV is not worth watching, or is available on the Internet if you really want it.

 

[alevasseur14]

I just wanted to update the thread and let everyone know that I went ahead with the the 2100T and it's absolutely brilliant. I've got a few things I need to optimize in the new case to get a little more cooling but as is, I haven't seen the processor go over 50C even with both cabinet doors closed.

I need to cut out more of the back panel in my entertainment stand and move a couple fans but I'm thrilled with the upgrade. I'm still cleaning up the wiring and stuff like that but I'll post pics when it's presentable.

P.S. The Denon AVR-991 is amazing! I upgraded it with the AirPlay functionality and it's awesome to be able to go from listening with headphones on the MBP to apartment filling audio from the receiver!