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Intel i3 2100T instead of 2100? - randominator - 2011-10-10 15:03
Any thoughts on using the i3 2100T instead of the i3 2100? The T is clocked lower but has a Max TDP of 35W instead of 65W.
Noise and as-small-as-possible-case is a top-priority for me and hence power consumption, so I would be tempted to go for the low power version for 10$ more. Is there anything I'm overlooking? Anything I would be able to do with the "full" version, that the the T-version can't cope with?
TIA,
randominator
Ninja-edit: Sorry, I'm a tool and didn't use the search properly. I'll leave my comment as a momument to n00bishness and point readers to this fine thread.
- Superorb - 2011-10-10 17:40
randominator Wrote:Any thoughts on using the i3 2100T instead of the i3 2100? The T is clocked lower but has a Max TDP of 35W instead of 65W.Save some money and buy the non-T version. It's cheaper/faster, and it will use as much power at idle as the T version. Plus, since it takes less time to perform operations it will likely use less power than the T version. You could always lower the multiplier on the non-T to achieve the same max speed.
Noise and as-small-as-possible-case is a top-priority for me and hence power consumption, so I would be tempted to go for the low power version for 10$ more. Is there anything I'm overlooking? Anything I would be able to do with the "full" version, that the the T-version can't cope with?
TIA,
randominator
Ninja-edit: Sorry, I'm a tool and didn't use the search properly. I'll leave my comment as a momument to n00bishness and point readers to this fine thread.
- jackh - 2011-10-11 21:30
I'm going to ask a very simple question, so please forgive me if the answer seems too obvious to you (PC/XBMC gurus) for it's not quite clear to me (aficionado on the bumpy road to my first custom build).
This guide is basically suggesting 2 platform options: either i3-based or G530-based CPU's. The case, bigger or smaller, fancier or not, it's just the chrome on the exhaust pipe
So while "all of them" can pretty much play anything you can throw at them, what's the practical difference for XBMC usage? Is it going to be smoothness when using the most badass skin? Or will there really be some dropped frames at 1080p right when bad guy eats the bullet from the good guy and then I'll think "I wish I spent a few extra $$$ on the i3"...
Thanks!
- eskro - 2011-10-11 22:03
no matter what i would suggest 'build wise'
it seems everyone always wants extra muscles to their HTPC's
just in case...
thats why there's a G530 & i3 build suggestions,,,
but to me, i think the G530 is all you need,,,
its strong, handles everything HTPC needs to,,,
- Superorb - 2011-10-11 22:26
^^ +1. I had an XBMC setup on a 13 year old pentium 3 PC and it ran fine. People wanting top of the line, most modern processors are total overkill. Even an Atom will run XBMC fine with the right graphics.
- jackh - 2011-10-11 22:33
This is exactly what I suspected! Thanks a bunch!!
- nikc0069 - 2011-10-13 00:01
eskro Wrote:hi aptalca, i removed them, not because their not good,
but because currently, as of today, INTEL builds are priced well
and are slightly more powerful while having a great price point!
i was really looking forward to place AMD builds again,
mainly, i was waiting on first impressions about those new APU's from AMD!
however, initial testing in 'htpc' environment didn't prove anything conclusive yet,,,
im still waiting on more testing from members,,,,,
complaint so far about them is the poor ATI CCC software...
The main issue with the AMD APUs is the fact that when XBMC changes your refresh rate to match your TV (e.g. to 24P), the overscan setting (which should be set to Zero) doesn't apply.
It is a pain but a one time setup issue. Latest catalyst hasn't minimised XBMC on the latest nightlies.
If the overscan settings can be done via batch, I'll write one soon to save other people the trouble.
Otherwise, very happy with this little board. One other thing to note - the AMD All in One installer doesn't actually install the latest catalyst.
Once that is on, bluray is smooth as silk too
- Superorb - 2011-10-13 00:06
nikc0069 Wrote:The main issue with the AMD APUs is the fact that when XBMC changes your refresh rate to match your TV (e.g. to 24P), the overscan setting (which should be set to Zero) doesn't apply.No problems with the AMD hardware not playing nice with Linux? Are you using Linux XBMC?
It is a pain but a one time setup issue. Latest catalyst hasn't minimised XBMC on the latest nightlies.
If the overscan settings can be done via batch, I'll write one soon to save other people the trouble.
Otherwise, very happy with this little board. One other thing to note - the AMD All in One installer doesn't actually install the latest catalyst.
Once that is on, bluray is smooth as silk too
- jonoff - 2011-10-14 06:54
jackh Wrote:I'm going to ask a very simple question, so please forgive me if the answer seems too obvious to you (PC/XBMC gurus) for it's not quite clear to me (aficionado on the bumpy road to my first custom build).
This guide is basically suggesting 2 platform options: either i3-based or G530-based CPU's. The case, bigger or smaller, fancier or not, it's just the chrome on the exhaust pipe
So while "all of them" can pretty much play anything you can throw at them, what's the practical difference for XBMC usage? Is it going to be smoothness when using the most badass skin? Or will there really be some dropped frames at 1080p right when bad guy eats the bullet from the good guy and then I'll think "I wish I spent a few extra $$$ on the i3"...
Thanks!
I'm specifically interested in the bolded line...
eskro Wrote:no matter what i would suggest 'build wise'
it seems everyone always wants extra muscles to their HTPC's
just in case...
thats why there's a G530 & i3 build suggestions,,,
but to me, i think the G530 is all you need,,,
its strong, handles everything HTPC needs to,,,
Thanks eskro, can anyone confirm it'll run the nice XBMC skins?
I noticed void-ninja did not consider the A4-3400 to be snappy while using Aeon nux.
Will the G530 be as smooth as the i3? If so I'll get it and a discrete GPU (GT430 from what I've read).
EDIT: eskro confirmed it here
- nikc0069 - 2011-10-14 23:22
Superorb Wrote:No problems with the AMD hardware not playing nice with Linux? Are you using Linux XBMC?
No I'm using Windose. Was looking at openelec but it seems to hate me for some reason