Mini Itx VS Atx/matx HTPC BUILDS

[lixxus]

i never really understood why people go overkill on htpc system. considering these appliances are usually on most time of the day especially if you have a family.

can someone please explain the benefits of using a atx htpc as apposed to an intel atom based system, which uses less power and wont give you a heart attack when the elec bill comes

 

[WSS]

I presume some people might want to game on their television? Dunno about holding the keyboard and all, but that's probably one of the cases.

 

[Tute]

1080p is perfectly acceptable to game on, and means that you don't need to buy a separate monitor.

Seems a good idea to me.

 

[mr griffin]

I sometimes play grid on my mini itx system at 1080p with 360 pad and its great, why wouldn't you?. For games that required KB and mouse maybe not lol

 

[daniel_bourton]

im thinkign about getting a atm http for the pure fact i am just about to get rid of my atx system which i can put dtraight into it and be able to do anyhting over my 1080 tv downstairs it mihgt be a bit overkill but it works out cheaper over all

 

[Lanz]

i never really understood why people go overkill on htpc system. considering these appliances are usually on most time of the day especially if you have a family.

can someone please explain the benefits of using a atx htpc as apposed to an intel atom based system, which uses less power and wont give you a heart attack when the elec bill comes

Bottom line is, if you just want a device that streams video from your main PC, then get an Atom. But if you have multiple tuners, lots of storage etc, then you'll been something a little bigger.

I'd love to get a Atom HTPC, but I dont have Sky+ so I have 4 Tuners, hence I need something bigger.

Bigger HTPC doesnt really mean more power though, get energy efficient parts and you can quite happily idle at under 50W even on a big system.