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

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

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

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

Why is this surprising? :?? Any PC can reach 1 watt when off with the right PSU.

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

Your exclamation mark. ;)

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 :)

then it would have been :o :D
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!