Min Req for HTPC

[simonb530]

What would be the minimum requirements for an HTPC?

The pc would be streaming movies from another computer using XBMC Live and I would like to play older game systems (GBA,NES,SNES,SEGA,N64,PS1,Gamecube, and maybe XBOX and PS2). I just need to know what cpu size (dual, quad - speed) and if an intergated graphics card would handle it or if i need a seperate GPU. Ram i'm not too worried about 8gb of ram pretty cheap. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I would like to keep the budget around $350 excluding an optic drive, and HDD.

 

[diellur]

A dual-core chip is fine for an HTPC. The Pentium G620 is a low-cost CPU and has integrated graphics onboard. If you want something that can bitstream too, go for an AMD Llano CPU (only really important for a home theatre set up with an amp). You don't need to have discrete graphics if you go down either of those routes. There's also the AMD E350...from what I understand, it would be fine for your purposes, but I dislike low-powered CPUs like that for probably not very justifiable reasons.

 

[simonb530]

Would this work well?

ASUS AT3IONT-I Deluxe Intel Atom 330 NVIDIA ION Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131635

I know the cpu is a dual core but slightly slower than buying a separate one.

 

[jsc]

If I were building a pure HTPC, I'd use one of the AMD Fusion CPU's.

 

[diellur]

I'd personally avoid ION chips...I found my ION HTPC (first one I had) not to be powerful enough.

 

[simonb530]

Best answer selected by simonb530.