[Thebiker]

This question may have been booted about before, but I haven't been able to find it.....so if it is a repeat, just point me towards the right answer with a link.

I am in the process (researching because I am somewhat compulsive) of deciding to put together a PC based Squeezebox system.  I haven't decided whether to pick up a fresh PC to use for the system or use an existing unit and upgrade for my main PC use, which does include some gaming.

My question is in regard to processor chips:  Is there any differences and/or problems with using AMD instead of Intel?  I have heard of software compatibility issues with AMD in the past, but don't know if that is still the case.

I have always used Intel, but AMD has been around a while so they must be doing something right.  Since I know little about implementing a wireless Squeezebox other than my research, I don't want to start with a handicap by going to the wrong brand processor.

Thanks for any & all help.

Walt

[JEaton]

This question may have been booted about before, but I haven't been able to find it.....so if it is a repeat, just point me towards the right answer with a link.

I am in the process (researching because I am somewhat compulsive) of deciding to put together a PC based Squeezebox system.  I haven't decided whether to pick up a fresh PC to use for the system or use an existing unit and upgrade for my main PC use, which does include some gaming.

My question is in regard to processor chips:  Is there any differences and/or problems with using AMD instead of Intel?  I have heard of software compatibility issues with AMD in the past, but don't know if that is still the case.

I have always used Intel, but AMD has been around a while so they must be doing something right.  Since I know little about implementing a wireless Squeezebox other than my research, I don't want to start with a handicap by going to the wrong brand processor.

Thanks for any & all help.

AMD processors have been pretty highly compatible for the last couple of generations of chips.  I have an Athlon dual-core desktop system right now and it's rock solid.

Unless I had a need for a quiet or low energy machine to run SlimServer, I'd probably treat myself by retiring the old system to SlimServer duties and building a new desktop system based on an Intel Core 2 Duo such as the E6600 or E6700 Conroe.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115002

[lcrim]

Making the assumption that you are going to use Slimserver as your player software, the resource requirements are not very great.  I personally use a five year old laptop with a WiFi card and a USB 2.0 card in the PCMCIA slots.  You need storage drives for your ripped music and USB 2.0 transfer speed is necessary (older laptop had  USB 1.1-not fast enough.)  The laptop has a small form factor, I got it for free and all the noise including the EMI motor noise of the drives is elsewhere.  
You don't need to get the latest and greatest, it would be a waste.  I wouldn't spend a bundle on a fast PC for Slimserver.

[bpape]

I have built several AMD based music servers for people running the SqueezeBox.  I've never had a single issue with any of them.  As has been said, you really don't need a ton of processing power.  You can pick up a dual core AMD chip for about $60 that is more than enough.  Check out www.mwave.com

Bryan

[Thebiker]

Thanks for the info guys .  I knew I could get the answers here and I didn't want to start off by handicapping myself.

Walt