HTPC CPU for blu-ray

How powerful must a CPU be to playback 1080p without breaking a sweat? I've read varying ideas on its speed, so that's why I'm here to ask for help. Some say that a dual core 1.4 ghz is the minimum, and that a 2.0 ghz dual core will play 1080p smoothly. Others have said that anything below 3.0/3.4 ghz on a dual core Intel/AMD cpu (respectively) will cause stutters. I'm not sure which to believe. Any help is appreciated.

BTW, this is the CPU I'm currently looking at: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103274

 

That cpu is more than enough

More of it comes down the the graphics card.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255

Save yourself heat/power a HTPC is supposed to be quiet, low power, and usually on all the time so this is a better fit.

I use it in mine and it handles 1080p without a problem and if your smart you can get a motherboard with an IGP that also helps decode BR with the gpu.

Dont forget the cpu you linked is cpu only, the one I linked comes with a fan/heatsink, and its good enough to cool it even overclocked. Though for htpc you have no reason to do that.

 

Most graphics cards will unload the decoding work from the processor now, the usage should hover around 20% for the processor. On this computer I have a hd4500 and playing back 720p stuff doesn't make it go past about 15%

I've never had the chance to try 1080p stuff because the screen isn't that resolution and it's mac style. There isn't a monitor socket either so I can't use an external moniter either

 

My netbook (approximately 400mhz core2dual) can play blueray rip from the internet without breaking a sweat at 60-80% cpu ussage with no gpu acceleration.

My quadcore desktop with hd3200 integrated graphic card plays blue ray videos with 2% cpu ussage.

 

Thanks all, I thought that the 5800+ was overkill but just making sure.

Also, how's this for a motherboard? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135075

I did a lot of searching around to get a good price/performance ratio here. It comes with the IGP HD 3200 and HDMI to handle all that hi-def goodness

 

zomg desktop hardware this cannot be. I would go with an athlon 7750 x2 by the way its built on new architecure by the way. Also inb4 go to desktopreview.com

 

If you're using this motherboard, even a old sempron can handle blueray videos. ATI HD3200 IGP is probably the best IGP right now. You can even play Left4dead at decent FPS.

It would be much better to use this cpu in your htpc.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103298

It keeps everything cool.

If you're tight on budget, this would work just as well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103672

 

Going there now.

 

If you want mobo's then you should go with asus, they make hands down the best mobos you can get. They are a good price as well, forget all your stupid skulltrail rubbish

 

Asus mobo are expensive. And if you don't overclock with it, it's a waste of money unless you like to show off or you're an ASUS fan.

 

for what you get, asus mobo's are actually quite good value. The thing is that most people who you hear about having asus mobo's are geeks who like to show off their fancy rig. What they have are the top of the line rampage ones, those cost £300. The lower end ones are still very well made and don't cost nearly as much, part of what you pay for is the excellent customer support and build quality. Seriously, asus don't skimp

 

Mines works pretty well. Usually hovers at 60% or so.

 

Same one I recomended.

I actually gave that HTPC to my step dad when his PC broke and he uses it as his full time PC & Gaming machine and its holding up well, its faster than his old PC was and the IGP is actually handling games well. he was playing left 4 dead on it the other day.

 

That Asus component is quite dependable indeed, even if you don't have to get the newest of their models..