Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
RSS
Subscribe to magazine
  • DIGG
  • tweet
  • email

12 Great Components for the Ultimate HD PC

Looking for the ultimate high-def experience? With these outstanding components, you can build the HD computer of your dreams.

Zack Stern, PC World

CPU: AMD Athlon X2 BE 2400 4 of 12

You could build a good system with an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 or similar chip, but I decided to go with something less powerful and a lot cooler. The AMD Athlon X2 BE 2400 works well for home theaters because its peak draw of 45 watts helps minimize the cooling burden on the fans. This CPU's 2.3-GHz speed and dual-core architecture provide enough muscle for general media tasks; a dedicated HD video decoder on the graphics card will add more power.

CPU price: $110

System subtotal: $1180

  • Would you recommend this slideshow?
  • Yes
  • No
Add Yours

Comments Readers reply with their ideas and expertise.

Subscribe to this discussion via email or RSS

  • What do you think?

People who read this also read: