Is IGP mobo enough?

[qbek]

Hi everyone,

I am new to Anandtech. I am trying to put together an upgradable, budget (say $1000, with monitor) system. It will be used mostly for:
1. Computing (think matlab/octave) and editing (office and LaTeX) for school and
2. Occasional home-video editing.
3. In the further future (say 6-12 months) I would like to add HDTV-capable PVR/DVR funcionality (HDTV-video capture card)

I am not into gaming (well, I might pick up a new CIV game when its released ) nor do I plan to overclock.

For best upgradability, I am thinking Athlon 64 and soc. 939 PCI-e mobo with firewire support. There are a couple of things I am uncertain about, though.

Will an IGP board be enough for tasks 1-2? How about 3? Any recomendations about specific brand/model?

If IGP is not enough will a low end video card (say 6200 or even 6200-TC) suffice for 1-2? Will it need to be upgraded when add DVR support?

What would be the best upgrade path? I thought spending more money on a better processor and IGP mobo now and an extra video card//video capture/extra storage later is the best way to go. Would you agree?

All comments/sugestions are welcome. Thanks!

 

[mshan]

"I would like to add HDTV-capable PVR/DVR funcionality (HDTV-video capture card)"

If you are planning on using an ATI HDTV Wonder, be aware that it is rather finicky about associated hardware. I would recommend a Built by ATI video card (9600XT is what I read ATI was using with this card). I would do some research on the specific mobo and video card you plan to use and make sure it's a compatible combo with the ATI HDTV Wonder. Don't know how the new X series ATI cards work with the HDTV Wonder.

 

[airfoil]

The IGP solution will do fine for those tasks. A dedicated AGP card will be better, but thats always an open option for the future.

When you get to the PVR stage, buy the Hauppauge PVR-150. For the OS, consider getting Microsoft's XP Media Center Edition ($125 OEM) instead of XP Pro.

 

[Blain]

IGP version MBs cost slightly more than their non-video brothers. But they do make good bases to build on later.
:laugh:

 

[airfoil]

You'll want to read this article about building an AMD HTPC for under $1000.

 

[Melchior]

I think the MSI RS480 Would fit your bill perfectly.

Integrated Xpress Graphics
PCI-express
On board audio/Firewire
Socket 939 Athlon support