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Socket 939 X2 3800+ Sufficient for HD HTPC?

M

marketsons1985

Platinum Member
I'm wondering if an X2 3800+ would be sufficient for an HD HTPC that I'm slowly phasing my current desktop into. Since Newegg has this for 89.99 I'm thinking more and more about jumping on this for a boost for now (going from a 3500+ Venice Single Core) and then buying a new case for when I build my C2D system to throw this system into.

I'm not sure if the 3800+ dual core will be sufficient for HD playback and recording, my instinct says it will be but I'm not quite sure...

This rig would have also 2GB of RAM, sufficient cooling and an HDCP compliant video card.
 
I personally think it would be overkill, but not positive. I know my Barton @ 1.8 could not play HD content without stuttering (this was with a 6800GT) but my Venice @ 2.2 and 7900GS has no problems. I am not sure if WMP can take advantage of the extra core while decoding or not.

This is my experience, and I am in no way an HT nut, mostly use my comp to game, so I hope someone more knowledgeable can help you.
 
Okay, so it seems like playback on the new 8xxx cards will be smoother with lower hardware because of the new PureVideo hardware, but what about capture?
 
I'm using a 3.2 GHz Northwood P4 @ 3.6GHz and HDTV and HD video playback is smooth, even streaming to my Xbox 360.
 
I don't think going from a 3500+ to a 3800+ will be of any practicle benefit for a HD HTPC. Might help the overall feel if you're running lots of apps.
 
My HTPC runs a single core 3500+ and has no problem operating as an HD recording/playback system. Have you tried HD content on your current CPU? I agree with RaiderJ - the 3800+ wouldn't be enough of a jump for me to upgrade from the 3500+ (unless you plan to overclock the 3800+).

Remember that the 3800+ runs at a MUCH lower clock speed (1.8ghz vs 2.4ghz, I think...but one vs two cores). If the app you use doesn't take proper advantage of both cores...you will be slower than the single core.
 
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