HTPC Client Build - ION2, i3/5, etc. I'm confused...

[ChaOConnor]

Good Afternoon!

I got it my head I'd like to build a small HTPC build for my HDTV. I already have an HD-200 and would move that to the bed room, but I like the idea of an HTPC that I could run SageTV on, as well as have WMC on so I could use the HDHomerun cable card tuner when it comes out. Anyway, this mostly academic exercise became confusing to me and I'm getting more confused the more I read. Can anyone help shed some light on the following for me?

1. I see these new i3 CPUs w/ integrated Graphics that supposedly can playback BluRay files which would be neccessary for my build. But others are saying it's crap and you're better off with an i5 and a dedicated GPU. Is this true?

2. What's w/ this ION2 talk? Does that replace the GPU? The ION2 stuff is for Atom CPUs only, right? Does an ION2 w/ an Atom CPU suffice for SageTV (and as best you know, WMC and BluRay Playback?)

3. Has anyone built a new HTPC Client recently that has some pratical advice?

Thanks in advance for any advice you have!

- Cha

[SWKerr]

The Ion2 is really just the onboard graphics chip from nVidia. It is there to help make up for the anemic atom cpu. It will work well as long as the graphics are properly offloaded to the GPU. I personally would go with a real cpu instead. The Atom is more power efficient but at a big cost to performance. If you setup a PC to go to sleep the difference in power usage is very small. Even running 24/7 the energy cost are not worth it.

Think about where you want to put the HTPC. If you want it tucked in a corner or mounted on the TV then the Atom is the way to go. If you have a spot in a closet or in an entertainment center the a real HTPC is the way to go.

The real HTPC will be a little more expensive but you would get a lot more in flexability.

I would also consider AMD as well. Generally better performance per dollar although they are not as energy efficient. Fact is you do not need a great cpu just better than the typical Atom. An ATI 5570 Video Card will make any AMD or Intel i? the perfect HTPC.

I would recommend a AMD Athlon X4 with 2GB RAM ATI 890G. You can always add a ATI 5570 Video card later but the onboard will probably be fine.

The cost of all other components would be the same regardless.

[ChaOConnor]

Thanks for the response. So I'm thinking it's better to go with the new i-Core series. Any suggestions on the i3 vs the i5? I'm going to build a box that will sit in the media center cabinet, so it should be quiet-ish, but not silent.

Thanks!

[razrsharpe]

you might want to give this a read (if you haven't already):

http://www.missingremote.com/index.p...489&Itemid=236

talks about using an i5 (or i3) with the new integrated graphics for htpc use. Andy makes a pretty compelling argument that the integrated graphics is perfect for the htpc. If i ever get around to it I'll probably build an i5 with the intel mb client...

[panteragstk]

I'm going to build an i3 box with an ati 5670. Should work very well. The 5670 is good enough for the minimal graphics power I need, and the 3.06ghz processor will be plenty fast. I'm also going to add an ssd just to make it as fast as possible when navigating through menu's.

Right now I'm still planning. I'll post results when I put it together.

[topperdude]

In addition to the link posted by razrsharpe, I found this review by Andy (babgvant) to be helpful as well.

HTH,
-Topper

[razrsharpe]

Originally Posted by topperdude

I found this review by Andy (babgvant) to be helpful as well.

missed that one...I'll have to give that a read too, thanks

[ChaOConnor]

Thanks all, I'll give them a read today!