Net Top PC for GBPVR?

[NumberFive]

Hi,

Just wondering can anyone recommend a net-top computer for use with GBPVR? My current setup is uses 2x USB Hauppage tuners, and frequently plays back 720p H264 videos (I'm guessing a familiar setup).

Any suggestions? I'm looking something reasonably priced as opposed to high end.

Cheers

[TimC]

I remember reading the current single core atom processors can not do 720p or 1080p very well but the dual core atoms are able to.

[sub]

I remember reading the current single core atom processors can not do 720p or 1080p very well but the dual core atoms are able to.

I had read that the nvidia ION boards can do 1080p without any problem. The notable exception was flash video playback, since it cant currently be hardware accelerated.

[mvallevand]

With NetTop there are two factors, the Atom CPU and the graphics chip, IMO the ION with the nvidia 9400 is far superior to those that use Intel video. If you choose the ION then the extra $$ for a dual core is money will spent, but I still find that they under-perform a desktop when you compare them to a less inexpensive desktop. I think of them more as a compact client machine than a full service GBPVR server especially if you add clients.

Martin

[ilovejedd]

I have a Zotac IONITX-D-E build and it's capable of 1080p Blu-Ray playback if hardware acceleration is used. It's not an inexpensive build, though. It's easily more expensive than a far more capable Micro-ATX build.

Mini-ITX

• Zotac IONITX-A-U, $190
  
• Mini-Box M350, $35 (this is likely the cheapest option for this form factor, I paid $100 for my case after taxes and shipping)
  
• 2.5" 320GB 5400RPM, $65
  
• 2x1GB DDR2 800 SDRAM, $25
  
• Total $315
  

Micro-ATX

• GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H, $80
  
• AMD Athlon II X2 240, $60
  
• Micro-ATX case w/PSU, $50
  
• 3.5" 500GB 5400RPM, $55
  
• 2x1GB DDR2 800 SDRAM, $25
  
• Total $270
  

For about 15% less, you get a machine that's capable of playing back practically everything you throw at it, including Flash HD (e.g. Hulu, etc). I would only consider the ION if you're really tight on space and are aware of the platform's limitations.

[KS4UA]

...

• GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H, $80
  
• AMD Athlon II X2 240, $60
  
• Micro-ATX case w/PSU, $50
  
• 3.5" 500GB 5400RPM, $55
  
• 2x1GB DDR2 800 SDRAM, $25
  
• Total $270
  

For about 15% less, you get a machine that's capable of playing back practically everything you throw at it, including Flash HD (e.g. Hulu, etc). I would only consider the ION if you're really tight on space and are aware of the platform's limitations.

I've had a list very similar to that in my newegg cart for several days, but haven't had the courage to click through and order it. My list had the same Gigabyte Motherboard, but the Sempron 140 CPU instead.

[ilovejedd]

I've had a list very similar to that in my newegg cart for several days, but haven't had the courage to click through and order it. My list had the same Gigabyte Motherboard, but the Sempron 140 CPU instead.

Lol, I'm tempted to build one myself but I really have no space for it. Not counting laptops, I've got 2 computers for every display in the apartment. :p

[NumberFive]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the replies. Some good points for me to consider there.

Question for 'ilovejedd'. Just wondering do you know can that Micro-ATX build handle BBC iPlayer HD? For some wierd reason its a particular resource hog.

Thanks!

[ilovejedd]

I don't have that particular build but I reckon performance is comparable to a Pentium E5200 (same price) which I do have. I'll test when I get home. Are there any geographic restrictions for BBC?

[speising]

hi,
i'd love an ION board, among other things for the low power requirements vs the micro-ATX.
only - does anybody know how to attach a tv with only analog input to a system without tv-out?