Upgrading to Core i7?

**HeavyG** · 03-06-11, 10:09 AM

Yes... and before I am called a hypocrite for pushing the i5 like nobody's business, I have very valid reasons behind my upgrade choice... Video encoding! I have been doing more and more video encoding... and some audio and I really need to get the benefits of Hyper Threading.

So I will be pulling out the Core i5-760 and putting in a new Core i7-870. The Core i5-760 will be transplanted into my new HTPC. I still have to say that the 760 was the best bang for your buck CPU I have ever owned based on it's performance, high overclock ability, and price ($200). I still think it is the sweet spot for mainstream gamers that want to build a kick ass system without having to empty their pockets for 1366 or Sandy Bridge Core i7 systems.

I will post up some new benchmarks when get the new CPU installed. I will also take some pics of the HTPC redesign. It should be pretty friggin bad ass when complete.

**Phyrelight** · 03-06-11, 10:51 AM

I love my i7. The i5 is the best chip imho for a HTPC. On board HD works really well on the i5 so no need for an external video card so there is less power need and less heat and less noise in your HTPC. My next HTPC will be an i5.

**HeavyG** · 03-06-11, 12:24 PM

I have a passive ATI HD4550 with HDMI out, so I am set on the GPU. I am thinking of this CPU cooler for my HTPC:

Newegg.com - Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000 120mm CPU Cooler

This should keep my HTPC cool and quiet.