After the turn of the year, I want to build my first Linux econobox around some Atom processor in an (as yet unreleased) Intel manufactured motherboard. I look forward to s-video outputs and Wi-Fi on the motherboard. Ubuntu gets the distribution nod and I want to run OpenOffice (Writer, Calc and Base), browsing and e-mail applications from within the Ubuntu distribution and also install a PCI analog TV tuner which will be used to record shows from local cable. The 1.2 GHz and 1.6 GHz Atoms are out and the future promises 1.86 GHz Atoms with 1 or two cores. Superlative performance in this context means (i) I can run some lightweight application OK (the application does not crash and processing delays typically are less than 3 seconds) when the TV tuner kicks in to record a show and (ii) the application does not impair the quality of the show recording. I don’t do games, high definition or graphics beyond images from the web. How do I identify what level of performance I need to have a reasonable chance of said superlative performance? Other than the “more is always good” strategy, how do I quantify which Atom meets my performance objective?
i dont know that you will be able to follow through with this plan i have only seen 1 atom a newegg and it comes with a old motherboard with an ancient chip set and no hope of up grade, 1x pci slot is all, searching around doesn't reveal much more
I agree, the Intel mini itx specification has only one PCI slot which is why I want Wi-Fi and s-video out on the motherboard. The slot will be used for an analog TV tuner. I prefer the familiarity of a PCI implementation of this to a USB implementation which would leave the slot open for other expansion. Further, I love neither the D201GLY2 ($57.24 delivered from Buy.com) nor the D945GCLF ($73.24 delivered from nextwarehouse.com) because the as yet unreleased Centrino Atom platform with its Poulsbo supporting chip set promises better graphics capabilities, a smaller electric bill and more capable Atom processors once Intel overcomes release delays and ramps production to meet market demand. Perhaps, I am over thinking this because the trailing edge graphics of the 945 chip set are likely more than adequate for the intended demands of playing an analog TV signal. However, all this begs the question. How much processing power in the Atom is required to provide "superlative performance" in this context which is I define as the lightweight foreground application runs ok when the TV tuner kicks in to record a show. How do I correlate the level of CPU performance required to satisfy the application performance requirements?
Intel literature tags the Atom with a marketing slogan like “connecting the next billion users” which is spot on but not my personal take. As the ramp progresses this stuff becomes disposable technology from an emerged market perspective. My target price for the build early next year is comfortably under $300 with 500 Gb hard drive, DVD +RW, and TV tuner for which Linux drivers exist. Both hardware and software technology have matured to a point that there are new opportunities. If the build goes well, next time I will target a diskless box for the bedroom that can play recorded TV shows without the need to first cut a DVD then sneaker net it to the bedroom VCR. This will require a mobo with Wi-Fi and s-video out, some memory and a case with power supply. By the time I get around to it, I think the required components may be assembled for under $125. Your comment that this stuff has no upgrade path is both correct and moot. It is not prudent to upgrade disposable technology. At least they got the mercury out.
Intel has big eyes for the Atom and it is available in a motherboard from them only in a mini-ITX format. My initial motive for the project revolves around the fact that VCR’s are not marketed locally (in Cavite Philippines) and the VCR’s no longer marketed in the US via the internet by Walmart and Best Buy would have the wrong voltage. Usually, I try not to substitute a $300 box for a $20 box (VRC) but I am a longstanding, trivial shareholder of Intel. Some hands on exposure to an Atom may be helpful in assessing whether Intel has its act together in this market. Some muck-a-muck with Intel is on record as saying that the Atom will be as big as the Pentium 4. I am real curious whether this is credible.
In other words, I am absolutely locked into the mini itx motherboard format despite the fact that today mini-ITX cases and power supplies are seriously overpriced. This will self correct as volume picks up and I may benefit by the time I place my order after the turn of the year. If powered mini itx case prices do not correct by the time I order, I will temporize by purchasing a disposable mATX case. While cutting edge, Atom sets no new performance records until you measure energy efficiency. Its sole saving grace is that it initially appears to devastate all competitive offerings and has killer gross margins that permit future price cuts as it ramps. It is nominally targeted at what I perceive as the most rapidly growing segment of the CPU market.
As a side note, the viability of Linux on Atom may have disturbing implication for the other half of Wintel. To me, that is a fascinating topic.
