To PCH or not...that is the question

[mvallevand]

Agreed that is low end pricing but I am not convinced to go that low for my G45 system. It also still won't do DTS well, True HD at all and you might still need a DVD player but what concerns me the most is that avsforum doesn't rate the low end systems very high for HDTV. Also I've never seen Vista that low even OEM and what OEM is going to put that combo together?

Martin

[ilovejedd]

what concerns me the most is that avsforum doesn't rate the low end systems very high for HDTV

Using updated G45 drivers, renethx has updated the results for the MicroATX systems:


The Intel G45 seems to be the winner in low-cost, low power consumption, integrated solution.

Also I've never seen Vista that low even OEM and what OEM is going to put that combo together?

Fry's often has Vista Home Premium OEM for $90~100 during their weekend sales. I've also seen it at that price from Newegg post-coupon (newsletter subscribers only).

For my own HTPC build, I was looking at the Intel BOXDG45ID + E5200/E7200 (~$200 total). Alas, the case I'm looking at will likely end up being a third of the price of the build (still in two minds whether I should go with the Lian Li PC-C36B or PC-C37B). Keyboard I want is also quite expensive (Logitech diNovo Edge). Good thing I already have the operating system covered (bought a WinXP Pro 3-pack when I built my server).

[mvallevand]

Low end still doesn't do BD@24 and I still think you will need PowerDVD or equivalent to get DTS-HD

The HTPC you mentioned on the other link is close to what I was looking at except I won't buy the E5200 because it doesn't support Intel VT. I agree the case is often overlooked and I am glad to see that you might not do cheap. However I've got an Antec NSK2400 and my wife won't let it in the living room, and I would not say it is silent either, but with the mvp/pch any noise is a change.

Martin