[mythtv-users] What processor?

[John Drescher]

On Thu, Sep 3, 2009 at 8:31 PM, Tom<listmail at athenet.net> wrote:
> For someone planning to build a myth box for the first time, what processor
> should one use, assuming one wants to built a fairly robust combination
> FE/BE with going significantly into the overkill range? I want to have
> plenty of horsepower for new developments in MythTV, but hey, I'm not going
> to play games on it that demand extreme overclocking and liquid cooling and
> dual $500 video cards.
>
> I have an HD HomeRun on order from the jungle bookseller, but still in the
> planning stages for the rest of it. I'm planning on using Mythdora. For the
> moment, I need s-video output to the TV, but later it will be HDMI when I
> join the real world and get a decent TV.
>

I would look at the Athlon 250. This CPU has a 6.8W idle power
according to the following review:

http://www.lostcircuits.com/mambo//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=42&limit=1&limitstart=6

It also is way, way more powerful than an Atom cpu and will serve well
as for a combined frontend / backend machine for HD. I would combine
that with a Gigabyte or ASUS AM3 motherboard and 2GB or 4GB of
Corsair, OCZ or GSkill DDR2 ram (get a twin pack). Also for HD I would
get a nVidia 8400 or better fanless card. Pair that with a WD green
1TB or 2TB hard drive.

John