10. Processors: AMD Athlon 64

The processor sits at the heart of every PC. For some time now, in fact, these have been beating double-time, in so-called dual core architectures. Builders must decide for themselves, however, if a dual-core CPU is a worthwhile choice for an HTPC since these processors emit more heat than single-core CPUs.

Because most people want a quiet if not completely silent PC in their entertainment centers, AMD Athlon 64 and Intel Pentium M processors make better choices. These can almost be passively cooled, where the emphasis in that claim must surely be placed on the word "almost."

The AMD processors support Cool'n'Quiet monitoring, which can manage the CPU cooler's fan speed independently, and turns it on (or up) only when necessary. If you want to know more, you'll find a great overview of the last year's crop of CPUs in our latest CPU Benchmark Marathon.

AMD Athlon64-Series