Intel HTPC
We detailed our assumptions about the HTPC configurations in the introduction to the AMD HTPC. You may want to look back at the considerations. We assume the end user has already selected an HDTV or monitor and a sound system. Very few end users need a TV tuner anymore so we are not making that recommendation. We also assume the primary use of the HTPC computer is to play, store, and stream Blu-ray movies and other video entertainment.
| Intel HTPC System | ||
| Hardware | Component | Price |
| Processor | Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200 Wolfdale (Dual-core 2.5GHz, 45nm, 65W, 2MB Shared L2, 800FSB) |
$70 |
| Cooling | CPU Retail HSF | - |
| Video | On-Board | - |
| Motherboard | Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H GF9400 Micro ATX | $130 |
| Memory | Patriot Viper Model PVS24G6400LLK 4GB DDR2-800 4-4-4 ($52 less $25 Rebate) |
$27 |
| Hard Drive | WD Caviar Green WD10EACS 1TB 32MB cache - OEM | $90 |
| Optical Drive | LG BD/HD DVD / 16x DVD+/- RW GGC-H20L - Retail | $110 |
| Audio | On-Board | - |
| Case | Antec NSK2480 Black/Silver Micro ATX Case Includes 80 Plus Certified 380W PSU |
$120 |
| Power Supply | Earthwatts 380W Included with Case | - |
| Base System Total | $546 | |
| Input | Logitech Cordless Desktop EX110 USB RF Wireless Keyboard and Optical Mouse |
$30 |
| Operating System | Microsoft Vista Home Premium SP1 (for System Builders) | $99 |
| Complete System Bottom Line | $676 | |
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As discussed in the Intel Entry PC, the E5200 is an excellent value in the Intel CPU line. Anything lower priced is generally a lot worse in performance, but higher priced CPUs do not gain that much in performance. At the new lower price of $70, the dual-core E5200 is also an excellent match to an NVIDIA 9400 chipset motherboard. It also doesn't hurt that the E5200 is rated at 65W TDP, which will help in keeping the HTPC as quiet as possible.
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Our motherboard choice for the Intel HTPC is the $130 Gigabyte GA-E7AUM-DS2H featuring the NVIDIA GeForce 9400 chipset. Our motherboard reviews found this chipset and the GF9300 a better choice than G45 in Intel HTPC systems due to superior video playback and overall system performance. Some users have reported that the stock Intel CPU heat sink touches the chipset heatsink on this motherboard and they found the heatsink fit best and worked best by rotating the heatsink 90 degrees. For best results, check the fit and best positioning before completing the mount of the heatsink/fan.
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The HTPC case is one of those very personal options in building an HTPC computer. Some like the small cube form factor that can easily hide next to books on a shelf, while others prefer the audio component look. If prefer the "audio component" look in your HTPC the Antec New Solution NSK2480 case selected for the AMD HTPC system should be your choice. If you prefer to tuck away a cube on the bookshelf, the Lian Li PC-V350B is a better choice. The Lian Li does not come with a power supply, however, so you will need to add a PSU if you choose the Lian Li cube. Our pricing tables on both systems list the Antec NSK2480.
The rest of the components are the same as those found in the AMD HTPC system. For detailed information on the rest of the components chosen for the Intel HTPC, please refer to the detailed discussion on the AMD HTPC page.
AMD systems have held the lead for some time in HD video and HTPC boxes. The AMD advantage was large enough that AT hadn't recommended an Intel HTPC build until the December 2008 Buyers' Guide. The NVIDIA GeForce 9300/9400 chipsets have done a lot to level the HD and HTPC playing field - but at a premium price. The Intel HTPC problem was never the CPU but rather the motherboard chipset. That is the reason we can combine a cheaper Intel CPU with an NVIDIA GF9400 chipset motherboard to create a competent HTPC box.
While we can't tell you HD playback capabilities are completely equal between AMD and Intel today, we can tell you that both HTPC builds provided smooth, stutter-free Blu-ray playback. Certainly that is the primary concern of most HTPC system builders.
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jelifah - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
Assuming a computer is on an average of 8 hours a day, what cost savings is potentially realized when using a 45nm processor in lieu of a 65nm processor?Heck, I'm still on a 90nm Opteron 170 so anyway I could lie to myself, by 'saving' money upgrading, would be appreciated.
JarredWalton - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
From our http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?...">Athlon X2 7850 vs. Core 2 E5300 article, idle power for the Intel system will be around 123W vs. 126W for the Intel system. Load power favors Intel by a larger margin, at 148W vs. 188W. If you're like most users and average 90% idle/10% load (possibly even less than that), it would work out to an average power draw of 125.5W for Intel and 132.2W for AMD.Eight hours per day, 365.25 days per year, and a cost of $0.10 per kWhr thus yields a total of $38.62 for AMD and $36.67 for Intel (based on these systems). The bigger concern would be potentially higher noise levels under load, I think, unless you plan on running something like Folding@Home in the background.
jelifah - Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - link
Thank you for taking the time to run all the info, Jarred.Roland00 - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
Recently LG has created an e-ips panel (an ips panel that allows more light through thus you don't need a larger backlight.)It has already begun to appear in monitors including the dell 2209wa. Unfortunately prices have gone up on this monitor due to high demand, it is now near 280 in price when it was down to 240 when it first launched.
JarredWalton - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
At $280, that's probably one of the best compromises between price and quality you're likely to see. It's ironic that Dell doesn't even mention the IPS panel in their technical specs... aren't they proud of that fact?Spacecomber - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
They probably don't want to be married to that spec; so, when the supply runs low, they can substitute something else.strikeback03 - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
They should be. Is it offered in larger sizes?Roland00 - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
LG had (has) plans to make larger size versions of the e-ips panels but I haven't heard anything new for the last 3 months on them. To my knowledge only the dell 2209wa uses the lg e-ips panel.Springfield45 - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
Like your editors, I am excited about the 4770 also. I have one sitting on my desk next to my computer. The reason it is not yet IN the computer? I can't find drivers for it. Sapphire (the flavor I purchased) does not have any on their website, nor does AMD. Do you happen to know of a good source for the drivers?Gary Key - Thursday, May 14, 2009 - link
The 9.5 release should be out very shortly (within a week is what I was told) and will offer full HD4770 support under Win7. After testing the 9.5 beta for the last week, I found it improves performance and compatibility across the board over the beta Vista CD drivers.