Low powered machine

Cheetah Designs · 14 Jan 2013 at 14:23

I am looking to create a low powered (and cheap) HTPC as cheaply as possible and was looking for some ideas on the hardware.

I will be running Windows 8 as I need Silverlight capability and the only bit of software I will be running is Chrome (yes only Chrome even though its a HTPC). As I will only be running Chrome, I would like an integrated graphics card that can take advantage of Chromes GPU rendering.

As a guide for speed I need something that can at least run Netflix HD.

What sort of specification should I be looking at given my requirements?

Fire_fly · 14 Jan 2013 at 14:30

I would suggest looking at an FM2 socket Trinity setup. It should suit your needs.

What is your budget?

Cheetah Designs · 14 Jan 2013 at 14:35

Don't really have a set budget but lets say £300 for the machine for just motherboard, CPU, RAM and SSD.

There is no local media so only enough for OS and chrome is required.

I am still looking for the cheapest thing that will allow me to achieve what I want with the lowest power consumption.

What is the power consumption of FM2 Trinity? I've read about some new Intel CPUs that are 35W.

Mini ITX form factor too.

Fire_fly · 14 Jan 2013 at 14:48

The low end Trinity's are rated at 65W TPD.

I'm guessing that that 35W Intel is a G440 single core, you may want something with a little more power.

If you wanted something with even lower power requirements you could look at an AMD Hudson setup.

Cheetah Designs · 14 Jan 2013 at 14:52

Fire_fly said:
The low end Trinity's are rated at 65W TPD.

I'm guessing that that 35W Intel is a G440 single core, you may want something with a little more power.

If you wanted something with even lower power requirements you could look at an AMD Hudson setup.

I was actually referring to the new IvyBridge CPUs that were announced.

http://www.pcper.com/news/Processors/New-Low-Cost-35W-Ivy-Bridge-Processors-Coming

I wonder whether the Hudson would be powerful enough

EDIT: I also wonder what sort of CPU it would take to run completely passive with something like this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-021-PL&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=

Fire_fly · 14 Jan 2013 at 15:11

That G2100T should be ok for Windows 8 and Chrome, although if you have any extra in the budget you could always get the i3. (Both have the same graphics core)

you could try to run the cooler passively but keep an eye on the temps, you may need to add a low RPM fan depending on how good the air flow is your case.

Cheetah Designs · 14 Jan 2013 at 21:41

Anyone else got any opinions?