HTPC Testing with Clarkdale's IGP

@ 2010/01/15
Intel has done what many would not have thought possible by creating an incredibly compelling platform for the HTPC. While not perfect, and sporting some teething issues, it’s hard to argue with the features and value that the platform offers. Of course while my id would like the entry price to be a bit lower (the cheapest part that supports HD audio is $113) my ego has a hard time reconciling that desire with the feature set provided.


For the HTPC crowd however, Clarkdale brings us that much closer to HT Nirvana. It’s a (somewhat) affordable solution which gives the user low power draw so it can run cool and quietly, supports the same HD bit stream capabilities of the highest end audio cards; while arguably providing the standard in HTPC picture quality…and it even properly handles standby and hibernation!

Comment from Kougar @ 2010/01/19
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmke View Post
but cheaper PSU sometimes use up to 20W (or more) even when you turn the PC off, just having the PC plugged into the mains is enough for the PSU to draw power and consume
Agreed. Good rule of thumb seems to be look for the 80 Plus certification, won't get any models that consume so much power when off. At least I have yet to see any!
Comment from jmke @ 2010/01/19
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kougar View Post
Your exclamation mark.
then it would have been
but cheaper PSU sometimes use up to 20W (or more) even when you turn the PC off, just having the PC plugged into the mains is enough for the PSU to draw power and consume
Comment from wutske @ 2010/01/19
I'd also go for the more budget-friendly (and slightly less performing) AMD setup with a better PSU as it'll probably be replaced after 3 years with a new setup.

However, an ION based HTPC would even be better
Comment from Kougar @ 2010/01/19
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmke View Post
who said anything about surprising?
Your exclamation mark.
Comment from jmke @ 2010/01/19
who said anything about surprising?
I've seen setups with 20W with PC turned off... so PSU does play a nice role here
Comment from Kougar @ 2010/01/18
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmke View Post
Power usage in OFF states S5/S4 is dependent on PSU used, with some PSU you can get 0~1Watt!
Why is this surprising? Any PC can reach 1 watt when off with the right PSU.
Comment from jmke @ 2010/01/18
if you take power usage out of the equation you are correct;
over time the Intel setup will be cheaper as it's more power efficient, but then we're talking about years of usage
Comment from Justchill @ 2010/01/18
Nice, but still intel remains the most expensive solution. AMD now is more budget-friendly, I think.
Comment from jmke @ 2010/01/15
Power usage in OFF states S5/S4 is dependent on PSU used, with some PSU you can get 0~1Watt!