CPU for HTPC

July 9, 2008 · Filed Under Suggested Hardware

CPU Requirements
A HTPC needs a CPU capable of handling the tasks. While with a normal PC the tasks are constantly changing, a HTPC the tasks are fixed. Playing a DVD or watching HDTV is always going to take the same amount of processing power. So unlike a gaming computer where you will want the most CPU power for all the new games, a HTPC has a set task, and thus just needs a processor that will fulfil the requirements for these tasks. Also you don’t want to get fastest processor available, as speed= heat = more noise.

If you are building the HTPC on a budget or out of used parts, you may be wondering how fast your single core processor needs to be to handle certain tasks. If you want to watch normal DVD videos, 1.0GHz will be enough. However if you want to watch digital recordings, you will need at least a 2.4Ghz processor, and if you want to watch high definition you will need to have at least a 3.0Ghz processor.

If you are building your home theatre PC out of new parts, you should certainly get a dual core processor. Even the slowest dual core processors on the market today will be able to handle HDTV. A dual core processor will also be able to handle multitasking a lot better. For example if you want to watch one channel while recording another, a single core processor will struggle.

AMD vs Intel
When it comes to HTPC CPU’s, AMD is the clear winner. As a HTPC only requires a low end processor, you get better performance for a lower price with an AMD processor.

AMD also have motherboards with much better integrated graphics then the Intel motherboards. Having integrated graphics means you can save money because you don’t have to buy a dedicated graphics card. The graphics cards integrated onto the AMD motherboards are much more suitable to HTPC applications, taking some of the processing power off your CPU (see the motherboard section for more information). This allows you to buy a cheaper CPU.

If you do choose to buy an Intel CPU, I highly recommend you buy a dedicated graphics card (see the video card section for more details), to be able to get the best quality picture out of your HTPC.

Which CPU

If you have chosen an AMD CPU, the minimum processor recommended is the AMD AM2 4600+ if you intend on playing Blu ray DVDs, as this will be necessary for the video encoding. If your graphics card does some of the encoding, you may be able to get a lower CPU, but these processors are quite cheap, so I would get one to be on the safe side.

If you have a bit more money you should try and get one of the more power efficient CPUs, for example the AM2 4850e. This will have the same processing power as a AM2 4800+, but uses 45w of power instead of 65w. These are slightly more expensive then the non-power saving version, but you will be saving power, and if you run your HTPC fairly often, the power saving will pay the processor off. Power saving also means less heat, and thus will require less cooling so will be quieter (those fans do make noise). The 3 I would recommend are either the 4050e, 4450e or 4850e (this last one if you intend to play blu-ray).

If you have decided on an Intel CPU, an E2160 or E2180 (if you can get an e2180 get it since they are almost the same price nad it is the better processor), should be fine. Unlike AMD, to get a more power efficient CPU, you need to spend a lot more money. If you want to get a power efficient CPU, the E7200 is quite power efficient, but costs about double the price of the E2180.

Also if you want to do video encoding on your Home theatre PC, you may want to get a faster CPU. An example of video encoding may be converting your recorded TV shows to xvid format, so they take up less room. Although the CPUs mentioned above will do this, a faster CPU will do it a lot quicker. For example an AM2 6000+ or E7200 may be a better option. If you are really a heavy video encoder, you may even want to consider a quad core CPU, as these will be a lot faster than the dual core CPUs (and cost a lot more).

A final word which confuses a lot of new PC buyers, don’t forget that if you buy an AMD CPU you need an AMD compatible motherboard, while if you buy an Intel CPU, you will need an Intel compatible motherboard.

Aftermarket Coolers
The stock cooler that comes with the CPU is fine for standard HTPC use. However these don’t keep the processor as cool, and aren’t as silent as some aftermarket coolers.

If you plan on overclocking the processor, or are after a really silent HTPC, then an after market cooler is worth the investment. Just be careful and make sure that your case has enough room. If you are overclocking, the Intel CPU’s overclock a lot better than AMDs do. Some good coolers for Intel chips are the Zalman CNPS9700 or the Scythe Mini Ninja, but these are quite expensive. If you are after an option that is cheaper, the Arctic Cooler Freezer Pro is a good budget option that I would recommend. Also don’t forget to buy some good quality thermal paste, such as Arctic Silver.

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.