Cheap HTPC/Media Server/CPU/10bit h.264 MKV

[bowzef]

So i try put much info in the title O.O

So im looking to buy a HTPC that will play 10bit 1080 H.264 Formats i have loads of things in this format over 4tb worth of anime
so issue i have is what type of system requirments it needs in order to playback 10bit 1080 H.264 most people say a dual core will do fine but i dont want cpu be at max load or anywhere near max load

so its a dual core good enough or should i look at AMD's APU tri Core for just that little more oomf?

 

[kitsunestarwind]

I run a E8400 Core2Duo, with a ATI 5550 1gb, runs all media known to man without so much as a hiccup. 10bit 1080p H.264 all fine (as i watch a lot of anime and such as well)
CPU is barely lifting a finger running vid's like that basically any newish dual core can handle media decoding without a fuss

 

[Anonymous_26]

It should work ok for home theatre.

 

[jaguarskx]

An AMD Llano A4 or A6 series APU should be fine for your needs. The integrated graphic core will be more than enough for H.264 playback.

 

[cmi86]

+1 to jaguar. The Llano's are a great option for an HTPC. The GPU's built into the CPU are more than enough for any HTPC duty and even some light gaming. Plus not having a dedicated GPU in the system will cut back on power usage/heat/noise and above all cost.