Hi Jim, Based upon your comments, of the two systems, I would suspect you would favor the first. While I have overclocked plenty in the past, buying expensive fans/coolers/etc., I have not done so in a couple of years. Having a di-electric device build up condensation and frying a rig was not the best of experiences. Lol
Anyway, I am skeptical of overclocking a rig that will run 24/7. That's why I would opt for the e6600 to handle h.264 or other compression algorithm. Besides, I might want to occasionally convert various video files and depending upon the fate of the current 'family' computer might have to do double duty as a workstation in the future. Thanks for your input!! Bob -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jin-Wei Tioh Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2007 1:40 PM To: The Hardware List Subject: Re: [H] Media PC on the Cheap --> two options --> your opinion Hello Bob, Depends on how much you're going to put into the HTPC. My rig right now : Athlon64 3000+ (Venice, S-754) @ 2.5GHz Foxconn 6100K8MB (nForce 6100) 1GB DDR400 160GB HDD Integrated Video Rage Theatre 550 Pro Analog Tuner Olevia 32" LCD HDTV CM Cavalier (CAV-T04-UWC) Cheap and effective rig, should only have trouble with H.264 1920x1080 content but I don't see myself playing that back anytime soon. If need be, I could always just throw in an actual PCI-E card (eg. 7600GT). Dual-core would definitely help handle H.264 content but if you're not in a hurry I'd suggest waiting for Q2 when you can get an E4300 for ~$110. Can say you OMGWTFBBQ (> FX-62 performance once OC'ed)? :) HTH -- JW
