[mythtv-users] Should I Upgrade Frontend from AMD 3200+ to AMD X2 3800+ (DualCore) ?

[Brad Templeton]

On Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 06:07:56AM -0500, William wrote:
> Ben Coleman wrote:
>> I have the option to purchase a dual core processor for an existing  
>> legacy motherboard (socket939) that currently only has a single core  
>> chip.
>>
>> Do people think I will get any benefit in uplifting this frontend to  
>> dualcore?
>>
>> I don't currently playback a lot of HD content but will be when I  
>> upgrade the TV in six months.
>
> More processor is always good. You dont need it now however you will  
> need it to play some of the flavors of HD files out there.
> _______________________________________________

Yes, and video playback and transocdes are some of the things that make full
use of extra cores.  Presumably even 3 cores is good.

Though right now I am buying all core 2 duo.   Most myth systems end
up being up 24/7.    And being up 24/7 makes every watt of power count,
and core 2 processors are lower power than the AMDs, unless AMD has changed
a lot recently.

In the 3 year lifespan of an always on machine, each watt translates to 26 kwh.
How much you pay for kwh varies.  In California, if you are on tier 3 like I am,
it's 31 cents, meaning each watt costs $8.  If you get cheaper power, like 11 cents
in some places, each watt is around $3 ($1 per year.)

But it does mean that saving 10 watts, with a better processor can mean $80,
which cuts away any price saving on AMD.   It also means you should go and buy
a new high-efficiency power supply since that will save you 10 watts, and you
can get those for less than $80 -- I just got a nice barely used Earthwatts on
ebay for $15.   Sell your old PS on ebay.

Extra hard drives, costing 8 watts, may well cost more electricity than the
price of the disk!

So buy the lowest wattage stuff you can get.