X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

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skyehawke
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X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by skyehawke »

Hello Folks

I am considering rebuilding my current Biostar/AMD Athlon 64 4000, AGP, Media Center PC and use an AMD 780G based motherboard like the Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-2SH.

My question is this:

For a media center PC that will be used on an HD plasma TV for occasional surfing, some games, music, some movies and video, is there a huge advantage to using a Phenom X3 of X4 as opposed to and X2 6400 3.2 GHz? I have heard from some that the X3 & X4 are superior for multi-tasking applications, but are they far superior for gaming or video when single-tasking?

Thank you in advance for any replies that help me get my brain around all this!!!

Patrick
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Zertz
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by Zertz »

skyehawke wrote:are they far superior for gaming or video when single-tasking?
No!

But the 6400 really isn't the ideal CPU for a HTPC, you may want to look into a low power X2/X3/X4
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by skyehawke »

Thank you Zertz for your reply.

I am unclear though why I would want to go lower than the 6400?

Is it because it is "overkill"?

Video or game issues with the 6400 not found on others?

Heating issues?

I really do not understand when you say:

"...you may want to look into a low power X2/X3/X4."

By power do you mean the power or capability of the processor? Or rather, the amount of power required for the CPU
to operate?

If the latter, how do I determine their "Power" requirement or rating?

:rolleyes:

Oh boy...I've got lots to learn!!!

Thanks again

Patrick
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by skyehawke »

#-o

I just read some stuff around the web and found the answers to my question regarding CPU "Power".

Those X2's in the 45w range, I'm thinking. I understand that cooling requirements are significantly less on these lower powered CPU's, so that monster fans are not necessary and less noise for a HTPC.

No need to worry about a little fan noise, I'm nearly deaf from maximum decibel home theater, music and 20 years of flying!

Thanks again

Patrick 8)
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC for Zertz...

Post by skyehawke »

I have, after looking around, seen that lower powered CPU's are advantageous, as you suggested, Zertz. What would you consider to be the highest powered X2 processor,
suitable for a media center pc?

I was considering this CPU:

Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819103194

Is this appropriate for my stated useage? :rolleyes:

Thank you in advance

Patrick
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DMB2000uk
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by DMB2000uk »

You would be better suited with:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... &Tpk=4850e

It's practically just as fast and is one of the 45W low power/low heat ones that zertz mentioned.

Dan
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by Zertz »

Bit late, but yeah I meant low power as in low wattage.

You don't need lots of processing power for a HTPC anyways, the 4850 Dan mentioned is a good choice. Less heat means less fans, thus less noise but also HTPCs usually go into small cases and it can end up getting hot in there. Just to give you an idea, the 4850 is rated at 45W while the 6400 can take nearly three times as much, 125W!

Since you're using integrated graphics, that system shouldn't draw over 100W even at peak loads 8)
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by skyehawke »

Thanks for the replies folks, it is much appreciated.

In regards to a power supply, on a different tack, would a 450 watt power supply be adequate for the Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-2SH MoBo plus 4850 CPU, and a BluRay internal DVD drive?

Do take care folks!

Patrick
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Re: X2 6400 vs Phenom X3 or X4 in Media Center PC

Post by DMB2000uk »

A 450w PSU would be plenty for that kind of setup.

Dan
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