2012-03-07, 20:02
I have decided to build a new HTPC using a Zotac system. I do not currently have a 3d HDTV, but the possibility of upgrading my TV within the expected lifetime of this HTPC (3+ years) does exist.
This is strictly for a front-end device. My library is hosted on a separate server and will be shared via NFS/CIFS. This front-end device will run Ubuntu or another linux-based distro.
The two systems I am looking at are:
1: ZBOX-ID80-U (~$250)
Intel Atom D2700 2.13 GHz Dual-Core
Up to 4GB DDR3 1066 SO-DIMM
nvidia GT 520M
2: ZBOX-ID36BR3D-U (~$350)
Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz Dual-Core
Up to 4GB DDR3 800 SO-DIMM
nvidia Next-Generation ION
BluRay Player
I would consider other options, but these two made it to my final selection.
The BluRay player is a nice to have, but not a hard requirement. My questions are basically:
Would option 2 be capable of running 1080p/3d in the future if I got the TV while running a linux-based XBMC frontend (ie Group 7 linux)?
Is the GT520M a significant enough upgrade over the ION2 to give up the BR player (and save $100)? I'm assuming that option 2 would also be a Group 7 linux server and have good driver supportability at the moment.
I'm not looking to spend much more than $350 for a bare system.
This is strictly for a front-end device. My library is hosted on a separate server and will be shared via NFS/CIFS. This front-end device will run Ubuntu or another linux-based distro.
The two systems I am looking at are:
1: ZBOX-ID80-U (~$250)
Intel Atom D2700 2.13 GHz Dual-Core
Up to 4GB DDR3 1066 SO-DIMM
nvidia GT 520M
2: ZBOX-ID36BR3D-U (~$350)
Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz Dual-Core
Up to 4GB DDR3 800 SO-DIMM
nvidia Next-Generation ION
BluRay Player
I would consider other options, but these two made it to my final selection.
The BluRay player is a nice to have, but not a hard requirement. My questions are basically:
Would option 2 be capable of running 1080p/3d in the future if I got the TV while running a linux-based XBMC frontend (ie Group 7 linux)?
Is the GT520M a significant enough upgrade over the ION2 to give up the BR player (and save $100)? I'm assuming that option 2 would also be a Group 7 linux server and have good driver supportability at the moment.
I'm not looking to spend much more than $350 for a bare system.