Really depends on what software and OS you plan on useing. But I use a Dual PIII 800 system as my htpc running xp32 sp3 and miro and a 5500OC agp vid with 512mb rdram and run MIRO 24/7 fine. Only problem I have is on 720p MKV files. But I also use it as a folder and fileserver and irc client.
A P4 should do the job fine. But before you choose parts figure out what OS and Apps you will be useing. Also What Media you plan on playing. I really don't know what kind of overhead alot of the new codecs are useing for HD.
A P4 should do the job fine. But before you choose parts figure out what OS and Apps you will be useing. Also What Media you plan on playing. I really don't know what kind of overhead alot of the new codecs are useing for HD.