Search found 98 matches

by GnatGoSplat
Sun Aug 03, 2014 10:52 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Bay-Trail vs AM1 (and the winner is...)
Replies: 17
Views: 23068

Re: Bay-Trail vs AM1 (and the winner is...)

Yeah, I wish they'd offer that combo promo again as I wouldn't mind having another for my the projector HTPC in the basement. It was from Tigerdirect. I did pick up an Asrock Q1900M to try in my wife's exercise room HTPC. Had a $10 cashback promo I wanted to use, so ended up picking that up for $60....
by GnatGoSplat
Wed Jul 30, 2014 5:37 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Bay-Trail vs AM1 (and the winner is...)
Replies: 17
Views: 23068

Re: Bay-Trail vs AM1 (and the winner is...)

I ended up going with the 5350 as well. Got the 5350 w/Gigabyte AM1M-S2H motherboard in a combo for $70 shipped. It works quite well as an HTPC. I don't really notice any difference between it and the Athlon II X2 250 w/880G motherboard that it replaced, except for using 30W less power while playing...
by GnatGoSplat
Thu Jul 17, 2014 7:48 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Bay-Trail vs AM1 (and the winner is...)
Replies: 17
Views: 23068

Re: Bay-Trail vs AM1 (and the winner is...)

Would the power consumption of a Haswell system be close to a 5350 or J1900 while playing HD video? I'm thinking about upgrade paths for my HTPCs. The low power consumption of one of these systems sounds pretty nice for an HTPC, but if power consumption is the same while playing HD video, there real...
by GnatGoSplat
Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:05 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

I tried a different way to measure the HDD load. First, I used the same 150W Coolermaster PSU with motherboard connected and sitting at the "can't find boot device" screen, with no drive connected. It saw 27W. Then I plugged in the Maxtor 320GB and when it leveled out, power read 35W. I then unplugg...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:15 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

10W seemed really high. The explanation is that you're also measuring the brick's inefficiency. The actual difference isn't 3W and when you bring other components in play, the inefficiency will drop so you may be underestimating the difference between the boards by a watt or so (which doesn't chang...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Apr 24, 2012 6:27 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

I'm not sure how accurate this test is, but I tested idle power consumption of the drives by connecting them to a standalone power brick (one of those designed for external drives) and measured with Kill-A-Watt. The drive consuming 10W at idle is an old Maxtor (Seagate) 320GB. The drive consuming 7W...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Apr 24, 2012 5:43 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

Just thought I'd update that I did pick up the MSI E350IA-E45. Not from the deal I mentioned, because I thought on it too long, but MSI had another rebate offer 2-weeks later so I ended up getting it for $65 shipped. Performance seems okay, I haven't done anything particularly taxing with it yet. It...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:24 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: AM3+ inexpensive mainboards
Replies: 14
Views: 4543

Re: AM3+ inexpensive mainboards

I picked the Gigabyte 970A-UD3 only because I have a 970A-D3 and it is rock-solid stable and really well built. They're all reputable brands though, had good luck with MSI, ASUS, and Asrock in the past 5yrs so I'd probably just go on layout and price. One thing to consider is usually Asrock has the ...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:16 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

My tablet and wife's tablet, also her phone, are Android so they are hackable (though I don't know Linux well enough to figure out how myself), but my phone is an iPhone so not really hackable. I just read the LGX AG150 review, which uses the DN2800MT and learned it doesn't have x64 support at the m...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:05 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

Yes, the MSI board does require (and has) a fan. I think that's not entirely a bad thing, Newegg had a deal for the ECS HDC-I2 for $50 after rebate. I seriously thought about getting it until it went out of stock, but that board was passively cooled. All the reviews say it runs really hot, even in a...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:16 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

Re: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

Thanks, that does give me more to think about. I'm not seeing any Atom boards on Newegg for less than the MSI E350. They are less before rebate, but I don't mind a rebate, especially since I've done several MSI rebates and they've always come. I don't need fanless. I'd like it, but pretty sure one m...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Mar 30, 2012 6:51 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: 24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?
Replies: 14
Views: 8667

24/7 server: Celeron G530, AMD E350, or something else?

Seagate 1TB drive for my server died, so I figure this is a good time to replace my headless Windows 2003 server with something a bit more modern. Status quo is an HP think client with Transmeta Crusoe 700MHz, 512MB RAM, 8MB SSD for booting, with VIA SATA PCI controller in its only PCI slot, connect...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Dec 02, 2011 12:18 pm
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Celeron G440 or G530 for HTPC upgrade?
Replies: 3
Views: 7737

Re: Celeron G440 or G530 for HTPC upgrade?

I decided to pick up a pair of G530s a few days ago, they'll hopefully get here soon. I forgot to consider my custom case has no top ventilation holes, which was one of the reasons I had gone with a mobile CPU years ago, so I may have issues with the new CPU heating up the inside of the case too muc...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Nov 29, 2011 8:27 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Celeron G440 or G530 for HTPC upgrade?
Replies: 3
Views: 7737

Celeron G440 or G530 for HTPC upgrade?

I have a surplus of DDR3, so I'd like to upgrade my HTPC to use it. Currently, HTPC has an MSI Speedster A4R with Core Solo T1350 1.86GHz CPU and 2GB DDR2. The onboard GMA950 video is plenty adequate to play DVDs, downloaded 720p MKVs, and broadcast HDTV at 720p resolution to my old ED projector (In...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:28 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Asus M3N78 Pro: Geforce 8300 & HybridPower Explored
Replies: 33
Views: 28554

I was just curious if any of the BIOS or driver updates ever got Hybrid Power working on this motherboard? I have been considering this exact model of motherboard, but I don't want it if Hybrid Power won't work.
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:03 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: nVidia Hybrid Power worthwhile?
Replies: 14
Views: 7010

HybridPower is dead? The HybridPower version of EVGA's 9800GT just came out a few months ago (which is what I have) and I thought the 750a and 780a chipsets were pretty new.

Is it still in the current drivers?
by GnatGoSplat
Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:58 pm
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: nVidia Hybrid Power worthwhile?
Replies: 14
Views: 7010

Thanks for the input, I'm a little behind the times, I had not heard of the HD 4830 card. After spending some time doing some research, I see its performance is impressive and better than the 9800GT. Had I known about it 2 months ago, I probably would have preferred buying that over the 9800GT. It s...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:22 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: nVidia Hybrid Power worthwhile?
Replies: 14
Views: 7010

nVidia Hybrid Power worthwhile?

I'm currently using an AMD X2 5600+ on a Gigabyte GA-MA69G-S3H. It's an old AMD 690G board, but the machine is used for everything, including gaming so the IGP is disabled. I am using an EVGA 9800GT Hybrid Power video card. Last time I checked power consumption, I think my setup was guzzling around ...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue May 06, 2008 8:21 pm
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI (AMD 780G) power consumption
Replies: 7
Views: 5541

Yeah, it's definitely a good IGP and runs surprisingly cool, although this may just be the case with the Asus board since Asus uses a fairly large heatsink. The review that gives the 8400GS a 95 score is actually older than the one you linked to, it's a Chinese review here . Here is a Korean review ...
by GnatGoSplat
Mon May 05, 2008 5:37 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI (AMD 780G) power consumption
Replies: 7
Views: 5541

True, although I used the same PSU when I put both setups into my HTPC case so 780G seems to use the same power as the 6100/8400GS. The 780G is very impressive for an IGP and is working fine, but I've scoured Google for reviews and it looks like the 780G is scoring 45-55 on HD HQV with a non-Phenom ...
by GnatGoSplat
Sat May 03, 2008 11:19 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI (AMD 780G) power consumption
Replies: 7
Views: 5541

I only have 2 tuner cards and 2 drives: - Vbox Cat's Eye 164e dual ATSC tuner - Twinhan 1025 DVB-S digital satellite tuner - Pioneer DVR-106 DVD slot drive - Seagate 250GB ATA drive I think PSU is a Seasonic but I didn't look last time I had it apart. My test setup with the 780G mobo hooked up to a ...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri May 02, 2008 11:29 pm
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI (AMD 780G) power consumption
Replies: 7
Views: 5541

Asus M3A78-EMH HDMI (AMD 780G) power consumption

I got bored and got the bug to switch motherboards in my HTPC. I read great things about the 780G and being fascinated by the latest low power consumption chipsets with powerful IGPs, I decided to replace my aging setup. Old motherboard was an Asrock ALiveNF6G-DVI with Geforce 6100 chipset, AMD Semp...
by GnatGoSplat
Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:14 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Looking for new AM2 motherboard, suggestions?
Replies: 2
Views: 2051

Looking for new AM2 motherboard, suggestions?

I currently have a GA-MA69G-S3H full ATX AMD 690G motherboard. I've had it awhile, so I have the bug to upgrade again. I use the machine for gaming so I have no use for onboard video. Would I be better off with an AMD 770 or 780G as far as power consumption if I do NOT intend to use onboard video? A...
by GnatGoSplat
Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:26 pm
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Motherboards that have core2duo mobile processor support
Replies: 25
Views: 13491

I don't think SODIMMs are of any benefit whatsoever. I had some SODIMMs and regular DDR2 DIMMs that used the exact same chips. I prefer SODIMMs zero insertion force and their compact design (which I think should have been a standard for both desktop and laptop), but that's about the only benefit to ...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Oct 16, 2007 4:48 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Motherboards that have core2duo mobile processor support
Replies: 25
Views: 13491

I had a special need where I replaced the motherboard in a sort of embedded PC (media server from a now defunct company) and its custom, proprietary PSU is only 166W. As a result, power consumption under load was actually more of a concern than at idle.
by GnatGoSplat
Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:58 am
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Passive video card for the non-gamer?
Replies: 18
Views: 10111

Looks like 8500GT supports the same HD-DVD/BD acceleration as the 8600GT.

http://www.nvidia.com/docs/CP/11036/Pur ... arison.pdf
by GnatGoSplat
Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:41 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Intel alternative to Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S3H am2 board
Replies: 13
Views: 6440

DOH! I had a reply typed up, but I guess the DOS attack we suffered got rid of it. Anyway, yes, it may have been a driver issue, but I tried Catalyst 7.7, 7.8, and 7.9 in both XP and Vista. It seems if it's a driver issue, it's an issue ATI has not fixed in any version. I couldn't get smooth 1080i p...
by GnatGoSplat
Thu Oct 11, 2007 5:09 am
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Passive video card for the non-gamer?
Replies: 18
Views: 10111

If you don't mind DVI+VGA and if you're in the US, how about Geforce 8400GS, $34 shipped after $20 rebate . There's an extra $10 off if you use Google Checkout as well. I picked one up yesterday for $30 shipped from ZipZoomFly, but they're out of stock at the moment. You don't need 128-bit, it makes...
by GnatGoSplat
Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:56 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Intel alternative to Gigabyte GA-MA69GM-S3H am2 board
Replies: 13
Views: 6440

I have both the AMD 690G and Intel G965. The G965 IGP by FAR blows away the 690G for HTPC use. The only reason the 690G looks better in reviews and benchmarks is because its 3D acceleration is better - it's better for gaming... but anyone who thinks an IGP is good enough for gaming is nuts. In Vista...
by GnatGoSplat
Tue Oct 09, 2007 4:57 am
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Anyone using an ADD2 card?
Replies: 37
Views: 38078

I picked up an ADD2 for my G965 board. It should be arriving any day now (hopefully today). If I have the same problem, I'll attempt the resistor fix on it and see if that works. I'll take pics if it does the trick.