[caprica13]

Hi guys,

I am getting ready to buy parts for my HTPC built around XBMC and I have a question regarding the CPU choice:

let's say I'd like to play H264 1080p encoded movie. Which CPU would get me better results and less CPU load ?

Asus P5-VM HDMI motherboard

with either

A: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Quad Core Processor LGA775 Kentsfield 2.40GHZ 1066FSB 8MB

B: Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Dual Core Processor LGA775 3.16GHZ Wolfdale 1333FSB 6MB

I am asking because it's not clear to me whether XBMC "likes" four cores at 2.4 GHz or two cores at 3.16GHz better

thanks guys!

[spiff]

as things stand now faster, instead of more, cores are better

[caprica13]

whoa, that was fast

thanks for the reply, I will go with the 3.16 GHz CPU then.

[marlboroman1]

I've been wondering about this as well but if that the dual core out performs that quad core. There must be virtually no usage on the third and forth core or is there non at all.

if any one with a quad core has done or plans to tasting it may help verify what kind of usage those extra cores are getting on windows. I for one would very interested know as I am leaning towards Buying one but if extra cores are of know use to xbmc I should reconsider

this clip has been used for testing on Linux

http://rapidshare.com/files/82525583....x264.mkv.html

[spiff]

note that this will change in the near future assuming the ffmpeg GSoC goes well (threaded h.264 decoding). once that hits trunk more cores will be better (assuming one core is fast enough to decode a frame by itself)

[FlimtotheFlam]

I have a Dell with a Q6600 so I choose it. It is extremely easy to overclock. I overclocked mine with a little electrical tape over a contact point. Plus the Quad Core will come in handy when you are encoding files. I normally build all my computers from scratch but got such a sweet deal on the Dell it was stupid to build my own. I ended up paying $300 for my whole computer system after a little negotiating.

[FlimtotheFlam]

Don't know how to edit but I forgot to mention I overclocked it from 2.4 to 3.0ghz still on a stock powersupply and fan. Super stable also. The Q6600 was made to be overclocked