Zotac Mini PC or build i3 system for HTPC

[lsv]

So here's my option...

Buy the $300~ Zotac MAG, Atom 330, 2gigs ram, 160gig HD, wifi, buy OS and wireless keyboard

or...

Build an i3 system using the Zotac 1156 mini-itx board.

Uses;

Will be used only as basic web browser, and media box for my 46" 1080p TV. Trying to keep costs down but I want it to last say... 3 years as that's what my current upgrade cycle is and I'll be keeping this no different.

Current rig is in sig for reference.

 

[lsv]

Zotac it is! No one cares for the little Atom nettops

 

[JWade]

i say the i3

 

[lsv]

Too late, bought the Zotac. It really will be to watch movies and very light surfing. Installing W7 on it right now, will do a mini review later on.

 

[Zap]

Looking forward to the mini review. I actually purchased a Foxconn mini PC recently (Shellshocker special) and haven't used it but am wondering how it will be.

 

[cbn]

http://www.zotacmag.com/zotac-mag-hd-nd01-with-nvidia-ion-2/

Nice packaging. That is a mini-itx board right?

 

[Bateluer]

Looking forward to the mini review. I actually purchased a Foxconn mini PC recently (Shellshocker special) and haven't used it but am wondering how it will be.

I have an Acer Revo, Atom 330 and Ion powered. The i3 setup would be much more effective as an HTPC, looking at building a miniITX system myself.

 

[Emulex]

http://www.devhardware.com/c/a/Computer-Systems/Asus-Essentio-CG5275AR003-and-the-Gateway-DX430015e/

got that for $379 shipped and will stuff it in a micro fusion antec i got for $79 . i am not sure about the i5-650 it is far less powerful only having 2 cores than my current fleet (all c2q) so if it doesn't work out i'll just sell it. nothing sucks more than late/drop frames

 

[cbn]

I have an Acer Revo, Atom 330 and Ion powered. The i3 setup would be much more effective as an HTPC, looking at building a miniITX system myself.

How about CULV vs upcoming Oaktrail platform?

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3696/...00-series-the-fastest-smartphone-processor/13 (according to the Anandtech Moorestown article Lincroft supports 1080p decoding)

Or would CULV Core i3 still be a better choice for other reasons?

 

[BoT]

won't be in the price range but this would be a keeper
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3824/asrock-core-100htbd-bringing-htpcs-to-the-mainstream-market

 

[lsv]

won't be in the price range but this would be a keeper
http://www.anandtech.com/show/3824/asrock-core-100htbd-bringing-htpcs-to-the-mainstream-market

Agreed, I bought the MAG and a few days later that review comes out. Doh

I'm happy with the MAG though.