Which CPU

[Wicked Klown]

Ok looking at upgrading my CPU as it's a little slow for 1080p playback. Looking at either a e6600 or a q6600. Between these two chips, which one would be the better choice. Looknig at something that can do a nice smooth play back of my videos.

[thideras]

Well, I'm assuming that the playback program isn't multi threaded, so I'd say the dual core.

If you fold, that should be an easy decision :beer:

[Rattle]

for cheaper than a e6600 look at this one :)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029&Tpk=e6750
probably be a better clocker too
I dont know if your HTPC is overclocked but this is 860mhz faster and is 1333 default where the e4300 is 800fsb
these 2 things alone will net you huge gains I would imagine and if a mild overclock is going to be utilized then I figure 3.2 on stock volts is pretty easily attainable.

[LandShark]

I don't think WK's QuadGT support 1333FSB CPU tho.... (I could be wrong!)

a quad is very HOT to cool especially inside a HTPC case (even the G0 stepping)!! I've tried a q6600 in my living room htpc just to test if I can do that. I undervoltage it to 1.275v, o/c it to 2.7ghz, it hit low-mid 60s with the top of the case open under folding (100% load)!! and don't forget my living room htpc is watercooled!! (even tho it's for silent purpose) no go! I put back the e6600 in it, close the case, clock it to 3ghz, and just let it fold (when not using) at 50c, and called it the day for dreaming a silent quad htpc! (may be Peyrn will change that in the future)

I think a E6xxx 4mb dual core will be your best choice. they aren't too hard to cool while keeping it quiet. and at mid-high 2ghz, you shouldn't have any problem even to play a HD DVD/BR w/ no video card acceleration. (at least from what I've seen from all those benchmark/test out there)

in my bedroom client, E6420@2.8ghz (stock v.), I have no problem to play any HD material (HD channels, downloaded 1080p materials, etc.) even w/ an old 7100GS card!

btw, don't you have a HD2600XT? it should be more than enough to play a 1080p materials. I remember I saw a article it helps a Sempron to play a HD DVD w/out any problem!

[Wicked Klown]

The QuadGT has a BIOS update to support 1333FSB. Yea I have a hd2600xt but the files are either .ts or .mkv so no HA. I OCed my little e4300 to 2600MHZ and still have frame drop and jerkiness.

[Rattle]

for that price range ($200) and heat and silence the e6750 might help. They seem to run cooler than the older c2d also and all 965 mobos have 1333 support I think.
there's your cheapest 4mb c2d
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115015&Tpk=e6320
Only $25 less and its 800mhz slower

[Rattle]

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0261972

oh noes looky here !

[Wicked Klown]

Thank you Rattle, I believe I found my chip.

[Rattle]

your welcome good luck on your 1080p playback.

[Rattle]

http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=CA1938254&nav=1

oh no $194 to da house fedexd