APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week
BUDGET RANGE: 0-$400 Before / After Rebates
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Watching movies via Instant Play on netflix, streaming music/movies from LAN server, surfing internet.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, remote, optical drive
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com, ncix.com, tigerdirect.com, microcenter.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: I have no brand loyalty. Whichever works the best for what I need.
OVERCLOCKING: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This is taking the place of a Mac Mini, so it should be the same size. The Mini gets very loud under load(excessive fan noise), plus the Mobo is getting long in the tooth (GMA950 chipset) and movies are getting very laggy. Currently it has the 1.83 core 2 duo and 2 gigs of ram. This HTPC will be hooked up to a 50" or larger LCD/Plasma/LED TV, so HDMI is a requirement. I really like the concept of the Asus Eee box but worry the video chipset does not have enough umpfh. Please help sort me out. I have done research but there seems to be so many choices and pros/cons I can't decide. What do you folks think?
BUDGET RANGE: 0-$400 Before / After Rebates
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Watching movies via Instant Play on netflix, streaming music/movies from LAN server, surfing internet.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS, remote, optical drive
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com, ncix.com, tigerdirect.com, microcenter.com
PARTS PREFERENCES: I have no brand loyalty. Whichever works the best for what I need.
OVERCLOCKING: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: (e.g.: 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This is taking the place of a Mac Mini, so it should be the same size. The Mini gets very loud under load(excessive fan noise), plus the Mobo is getting long in the tooth (GMA950 chipset) and movies are getting very laggy. Currently it has the 1.83 core 2 duo and 2 gigs of ram. This HTPC will be hooked up to a 50" or larger LCD/Plasma/LED TV, so HDMI is a requirement. I really like the concept of the Asus Eee box but worry the video chipset does not have enough umpfh. Please help sort me out. I have done research but there seems to be so many choices and pros/cons I can't decide. What do you folks think?