[mythtv-users] Single vs. Dual Core

[Patrick Wagstrom]

Matt Emmott wrote:
> In the low end, AMD spanks Intel when comparing dual core CPUs, but as
> power increases nothing beats the Core 2 Duo at the moment.
> 
> I believe Pentium D dual core CPUs are right around fifty bucks at
> either Tiger Direct or Newegg. They're socket LGA775, and if you get a
> motherboard that supports a Core 2 Duo, it's an easy upgrade* when those
> CPUs become cheap enough. My latest Myth box is a Pentium D-based system
> and will probably be a C2D in a year or so.
> 
> * - I'm assuming it's just a matter of swapping CPUs with no software
> changes - If it's more complicated than that, please correct me.

It's a little more than that.  What you're missing is the difference in
power consumption between the two CPUs.  With power generally hovering
near $1/w/yr, the added power for the PentiumD over the Athlon 64x2 will
eat up almost all of your savings.

--Patrick