Help a rookie please

[buzzforb]

what cpu would be best for upscling video from internet for viewing as well as streaming to my ps3. looking at i3,550 be, 630 propus, and any other recommendatins for hd htpc

 

[Foxer57]

Your best bet would probably get a 630. Since it had 4 cores, it will utilize the converting programs better, which equals converting video quicker that a dual core. The 550 is also a good option, but it is more tailored to a gaming setup that a HTPC.

 

[buzzforb]

what about unlocking the 550. wouldnt this make a vast improvement

 

[Foxer57]

what about unlocking the 550. wouldnt this make a vast improvement

Probably not. The reasoning for this is that the 550 is a dual core itself. The whole unlocking thing isn't a guarantee, which is why everyone isn't buying one. On the other hand, the 630 is already a quad core.

If you were lucky enough to get an 550 that was unlockable, yes it would probably be faster, but not much. Here is a comparrison of the two procs: http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2009-desktop-cpu-charts-update-1/compare,1399.html?prod[2874]=on&prod[3015]=on. You can see that the 630 and the 550 appear equal in wins. The reason for that is some applications only utilize two cores. Which is pretty much a clock for clock race (Frequency). But more and more applications are changing their code so that they utilize more cores, especially with the rise of the hexacore. On top of that, you could always overclock the 630 to match the 550, which would absolve its lead.

Pretty much what it comes down to with encoding and such is the more cores the better. But if you have games in mind too, then I would suggest the 550.

 

[buzzforb]

I am considering using either one of these cpu's in an HTPC with either a radeon 4470 or radeon 5750. Do you have any suggestions about motherboards that would work both now and be upgradable in the future. Should i get a mobo that will allow crossfire rif i decide to upgrade.

 

[Foxer57]

Since it sounds like your getting dedicated graphics, there is no need to get a motherboard with onboard graphics (unless you want them). I recently got this Gigabyte motherboard and it works great for me: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392.

As far as video card, do you only plan on using this strictly as a HTPC, or will there be some gaming too, and at what resolution are we looking at? If it were just a HTPC, I would see no need for something more than a 5670. But for spending only 30 bucks more for a 5750, you will get a lot more card.

The upgradable future depends on when you want to up grade after you get this. Personally, I use a 3-4 year upgrade cycle, which seems to work out pretty well. In your case, I see no need to get a Crossfire setup. You would be better of just getting a new card.

 

[buzzforb]

Looked at some benchmark test and it would seem that the 630 held up really well vs. the core i3. IF i get an i3 will i need a gpu and if i get a gpu is there any benefit to getting the i3 over the 630 or newer 635?

 

[seogoat]

Any top-end graphics and processor will do. It also depends on whether the software utilizes four cores or not.

 

[Foxer57]

Looked at some benchmark test and it would seem that the 630 held up really well vs. the core i3. IF i get an i3 will i need a gpu and if i get a gpu is there any benefit to getting the i3 over the 630 or newer 635?

For what your doing, the more cores the better, so I'm holding on to my guns with the 630. You could take a look here for more insight: http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=15883202.

IF you do get the i3, you would still have to buy a graphics card unless you decide to get a motherboard with dedicated graphics, which I do not recommend for a HTPC. Intel made this video on chip technology that is suppose to increase productivity, but I'm not buying it.

As for the 630 vs the 635, the only difference is that the 635 is clocked at 2.9GHz, while the 630 is running at 2.8. So defiantly go with the 630.