HTPC Testing with Clarkdale's IGP

jmke · 15th January 2010, 16:20

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!

http://www.missingremote.com/index.p...489&Ite mid=1

jmke · 15th January 2010, 16:21

Power usage in OFF states S5/S4 is dependent on PSU used, with some PSU you can get 0~1Watt!

18th January 2010, 14:22

Nice, but still intel remains the most expensive solution. AMD now is more budget-friendly, I think.

jmke · 18th January 2010, 14:33

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

18th January 2010, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmke

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.

jmke · 19th January 2010, 06:46

who said anything about surprising?
I've seen setups with 20W with PC turned off... so PSU does play a nice role here

19th January 2010, 11:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmke

who said anything about surprising?

Your exclamation mark.

19th January 2010, 11:38

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

jmke · 19th January 2010, 12:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kougar

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

19th January 2010, 12:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmke

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!

15th January 2010, 16:20	#1
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 79,021	HTPC Testing with Clarkdale's IGP 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! http://www.missingremote.com/index.p...489&Ite mid=1 __________________

15th January 2010, 16:21	#2
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 79,021	Power usage in OFF states S5/S4 is dependent on PSU used, with some PSU you can get 0~1Watt! __________________

18th January 2010, 14:33	#4
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 79,021	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 __________________

19th January 2010, 06:46	#6
jmke Madshrimp Join Date: May 2002 Location: 7090/Belgium Posts: 79,021	who said anything about surprising? I've seen setups with 20W with PC turned off... so PSU does play a nice role here __________________

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18th January 2010, 14:22	#3
Justchill Posts: n/a	Nice, but still intel remains the most expensive solution. AMD now is more budget-friendly, I think.

19th January 2010, 11:38	#8
wutske Posts: n/a	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