2011-02-25, 18:49
I'm looking to put together a cheap HTPC and I've narrowed down my choices, but need some help selecting which parts.
I do not plan on doing 3D in the future or anything fancy. This is for a master bedroom and really won't be used for anything other than playing AVI/MKV/MP4/MP3/264/Blu-Ray.
AMD Athlon II X2 250 or AMD Phenom II X2 555?
Asus M4A88T-M or Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H? (or other suggestions!!!)
The reason why I am leaning towards the Athlon II is the power savings. I know the Phenom II may be able to be unlocked, but is it worth the effort and power consumption for what I'm doing?
Or is an AMD Athlon II X3 415E (45w) worth the extra $40 over the x2 versions?
EDIT: In reading this http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1056-page5.html It seems like the X2 250 is a no brainer from price/performance standpoint.
In reading it seems like the onboard ATI 4250 video card will support 1080p and shouldn't have any problems playing. Is this statement true? If not, I would pick up an Ati HD5450 Silence card.
Ok, any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!
I do not plan on doing 3D in the future or anything fancy. This is for a master bedroom and really won't be used for anything other than playing AVI/MKV/MP4/MP3/264/Blu-Ray.
AMD Athlon II X2 250 or AMD Phenom II X2 555?
Asus M4A88T-M or Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H? (or other suggestions!!!)
The reason why I am leaning towards the Athlon II is the power savings. I know the Phenom II may be able to be unlocked, but is it worth the effort and power consumption for what I'm doing?
Or is an AMD Athlon II X3 415E (45w) worth the extra $40 over the x2 versions?
EDIT: In reading this http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1056-page5.html It seems like the X2 250 is a no brainer from price/performance standpoint.
In reading it seems like the onboard ATI 4250 video card will support 1080p and shouldn't have any problems playing. Is this statement true? If not, I would pick up an Ati HD5450 Silence card.
Ok, any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!