Possible client PC for under $200

[K.S.]

pBS-

Just curious, that will run 1080p..really? It's only a celeron. I thought that the cpu had more to do with the video than the video card itself. I'm confused :confused:

the recent GPUs are able to run 1080 with CPU load <50%. older types usually fail on 1080 & that can have a double impact upon the CPU i.e. HD-DVD/BR decrypting & 1080 playback is way to much for the celeron.

According to my "Kill-A-Watt" my machine pulls a steady 150 watts at 100% cpu (I run Folding at home on my GBPVR machine so it's at 100% 24/7).
I don't have anything to compare this to but it doesn't seem so bad.

150W is a lot... but then again, it's a P4... out of curiosity, how much is it using at idle? my current box athlon 2400 is 110W at idle & 130W under load. current systems obviously depend upon the chosen CPU, with an low TDP & onboard GPU they range between 45W at idle & 80W under load

[gazoo]

.. HD-DVD/BR decrypting & 1080 playback is way to much for the celeron...

That's what I thought. I'm getting ready to build a client and I was going to use an AMD 64 x2 3800+, but then I thought I could get away with a sempron or something. I'll stick with my original plan.

[daveid]

video decoding of HD content can be greatly accellerated by a good GPU (or even a modest one). I recently picked up an open box special on an 8600gts. playback of a x.264 1080P clip shows cpu usage of ~5% with this card (albeit on a destkop resolution of 1600x1200 - but I doubt that makes too much difference), with the 7300gt also in my main rig that clip showed ~50-60% (peaking at nearly 100% during high action scenes) cpu usage (if I remember correctly). edit - just re-ran the tests and I remembered right, the 7300gt shows between 40-60% average usage, and peaks around 100% only when seeking in the video. both scenarios provide a good picture with smooth playback, but obviously using the 8600gts is a much better choice showing 0% cpu usage at most times!
So, with the right video card, the CPU is taken right out of the equation.

[mkenyon2]

This is a very interesting point, and good supporting info.

To benefit from a good GPU, the software in use needs to make use of it. Was this test done through DirectX?

[mkenyon2]

I found this nice guide:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_...sing_Units

Big difference between the 7 and 8 series... but I'm wondering, how much difference between an 8500 GT, an 8600 GT and an 8600 GTS.

To keep the cost down...

[gazoo]

So Sempron or 3800+ x2? lol

I'm gonna do the onboard 780g video (it's an ATI HD3200 I believe).

[fender]

So Sempron or 3800+ x2? lol

I'm gonna do the onboard 780g video (it's an ATI HD3200 I believe).

HD3200 negates the need for more CPU. Rock on with your Sempron.

[daveid]

this was using vmr9 (for hardware accelleration support) and the cyberlink x.264 directshow decoder. I use gabest's mp4 splitter as I have never had anything but headaches using haali on a multi gpu configuration.
as far as comparing the 8500gt 8600gt and 8600gts, I believe the 8600gt is the only one of the three that does not have the new PureVideo VP2 features, so it would be lacking in the HD department.
my 8600gts was $100 from newegg, because it was open boxed (came with everything it should have anyways). it is an msi version with HDMI output on board.
I believe the 780G onboard video can handle HD decoding pretty darn well, and the cpu choice should only be limited by what else you decide to do with the pc. During SPCR's testing of the board with a 2.5GHz low energy cpu (4850e) it used less than 30% cpu for every test besides the WVC1 where it averaged 50%. Pretty amazing for onboard audio. I would still think the cheapest X2 you can get, and overclock it if need be, as your best bet for futureproofing.

[gazoo]

Thank you!

That x2 3800+ is the cheapest AMD dual core I could fine on New Egg. I'm ordering this today or tomorrow. The case is on its way already.

[daveid]

I believe you are making a good choice, that cpu can probably be overclocked pretty far as well. If this is for a HTPC you may want to switch out the stock cooler for a quieter model. But that is of course up to your preferences.