Processor recs for Windows 7 desktop/media center?

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infoiltrator

Senior member
Feb 9, 2011
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The I3 in light use runs very close to other low power use CPUs, video, on chip, on board, or discreet is the power hog. (30 watts).
The I3 2105 offers HD3000 video on chip when/if needed yet will run like the 35 watt chip when video is not in use.
The AMD may be cheaper but if your budget allows go I3, you will save power and have a fall back computer if needed.
For that matter you could run a Sandy Bridge Celleron chip and be able to upgrade if needed.
Note a GeForce GT430 offers much better video than an on chip or on board processor and these are very inexpensive $40-$50 after rebates for top line cards.
 

decrescendo

Member
Jun 1, 2011
92
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The I3 in light use runs very close to other low power use CPUs, video, on chip, on board, or discreet is the power hog. (30 watts).
The I3 2105 offers HD3000 video on chip when/if needed yet will run like the 35 watt chip when video is not in use.
The AMD may be cheaper but if your budget allows go I3, you will save power and have a fall back computer if needed.
For that matter you could run a Sandy Bridge Celleron chip and be able to upgrade if needed.
Note a GeForce GT430 offers much better video than an on chip or on board processor and these are very inexpensive $40-$50 after rebates for top line cards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i3_microprocessors

So based on that article, there are 3 LGA 1155 i3 processors. I was originally leaning towards the 2100 but is it worth moving up to the 2105 in order to get a better GPU?

You're saying the 2105 will run exactly like the 2100 when that HD 3000 GPU isn't full used?