What kind of CPU and video power do I need for HDTV processing

[canadianpsycho]

So I picked up a MSI MEGA 651 barebones for cheap. SIS 651 Chipset. 400/533 S478 CPU support. 1 AGP 1 PCI.

specs

I'm pretty new to HTPC. I'm currently using my Xbox for mp3s and Divx, etc.

I know the Xbox doesn't have the processing power to output true HDTV to my DLP TV What I'm wondering is:

-What CPU speed is the bare minimum? Anyone have any suggestions? Looks like it won't support Prescotts.
-Should I pick up an AGP card? If so, what decent cheap, cool card will help with HD playback?
-Should I look at something like that chaintech PCI card for sound? Or save the PCI slot for something else and stick to onboard?

I appreciate any help anyone can offer. I realize this is an older chipset, and I don't plan on gaming with it at all. Stricly for HD content, and some light HTPC use if I'm using my Xbox with folks over, etc.

 

[leedog2007]

For video i'd go with one of those ati cards that support High Def outputs over the s-video slot. For processor i'd say 2GHz is the bare minimum. But, be sure to get lots of fast ram or the editing process will be painfully slow.

 

[canadianpsycho]

I'm actually not even looking to edit... Just play HDTV encoded videos.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I can vouch for the Chaintech AV-710 being a quality card. If you get a motherboard with integrated digital out though you're not going to need it. Factor that into the cost when considering boards.

Not sure on the minimum CPU/Vid.

 

[canadianpsycho]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
I can vouch for the Chaintech AV-710 being a quality card. If you get a motherboard with integrated digital out though you're not going to need it. Factor that into the cost when considering boards.

Not sure on the minimum CPU/Vid.

Thanks... This thing actually has digital out. Looks like onboard would be enough.

Now I need some cpu/vid advice.

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

Microsoft HDTV Computer reccomendations

This is a good start point to give you a rough idea of the computer power you will need. I hope this helps

 

[Woody419]

The AVS Forum has a HTPC section that has tons of info, and help when you need it too. They are kind to n00bs too.

 

[canadianpsycho]

michaelpatrick33, thanks for the link. 3.0GHz for 1080p seems pretty steep though...

Woody419, I quickly read through the first 5-10 pages of AVS, but didn't really finds clearcut answers. I'll probably try posting there.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: canadianpsycho
michaelpatrick33, thanks for the link. 3.0GHz for 1080p seems pretty steep though...

Woody419, I quickly read through the first 5-10 pages of AVS, but didn't really finds clearcut answers. I'll probably try posting there.

1080p clips play smoothly here, with an Athlon 2600+ @ 2Ghz, 1Gb generic PC-2700 (yes, I know) and a 9600 Pro 128Mb.

With a decent card (9600/X600 upwards) and something like a 2.4Ghz/2.6Ghz Northwood, you should be good to go. Heck, you could even overclock it to 3.2Ghz with a minimal increase in cooling. However, Northwoods are getting scarce on the ground these days.

[Edit] Newegg shows them as mostly being in stock.