HTPC Lowest TDP Possible

[Guest]

Hi everyone,

I already got my own desktop. I am looking to build an HTPC for my parents(They keep stealing my laptop) just to watch TV online and Internet browsing-Music, some solitaire games for my grandma hehe, playing 1080p videos is also required(For me ,they cant even tell the diff, between 1080p and 480i ). BUT I am looking for the Lowest possible TDP ever made because that pc will be on 24/7 Fanless if possible. I know a laptop is the lowest TDP but laptops breaks more easly, battery problems, not easy to repare ... I guess that the lowest tdp motherboards are the 780-790 Amd variants. Is there a way to fit a Notebook cpu in a desktop motherboard? I found a CPU that uses only 8w load but its a notebook cpu SMF200UOAX3DV and not sure if it plays 1080p, Whats better for an HTPC, Linux or XP?

Budget: 300$

Thanks and I hope it is an interesting topic

 

[rwpritchett]

Have you considered an Intel Atom + Ion setup?

 

[rwpritchett]

Something like this: Asus AT3IONT-I Deluxe

 

[Guest]

That looks awesome, comes with the wifi adapter, so a ddr3 module and a hard drive togo.

 

[rwpritchett]

The trick with the Atom setups is finding a case. Nearly all ITX cases come with a power supply or power brick but the Atom board already has its own power brick. I guess you could just ignore the extra power supply but it's such a waste.

Larger cases may not have a power supply bundled, but they'll have a big hole where one is supposed to go.

 

[Guest]

I cant find any review other than that one http://www.nordichardware.com/en/news/69-cpu--chipset/257-asus-at3iont-i-deluxe-arrives.html

So the extra psu would also work? Its good as a replacement if it breaks at least.

 

[rwpritchett]

Haha, that's funny... I was just reading that same review.

This site has a good selection of ITX cases, some that even newegg doesn't carry:

http://www.mini-itx.com/store/?c=65

 

[DJRWolf]

You could also look into a Seagate HD Theater+ media player set-top box. On a sale it would only be around $125 and it does UPnP LAN streaming, playing content on a connected USB thumb/HDD drive, and can play it in 1080P.

 

[Guest]

You could also look into a Seagate HD Theater+ media player set-top box. On a sale it would only be around $125 and it does UPnP LAN streaming, playing content on a connected USB thumb/HDD drive, and can play it in 1080P.

I dont think its a pc though, looking to run windows.

 

[Guest]

Is there any motherboard integrated TV tuner or usb is the only option?

 

[coldsleep]

There are PCI tv tuner cards, I wouldn't expect to find one integrated into a motherboard. (Or if you do, you would pay a very high premium for it.)

Newegg -> Video Cards & Video Devices -> TV Tuners & Video Devices -> Tuner Card

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380047%201685342847&name=Tuner%20Card

 

[Guest]

Best answer selected by elie3000.