[scrolling]

I would to get some feedback on these two systems and what are the pros and cons of each would be. The operating system I would like to use is Windows 7 and eventually set it up with XBMC live. My media formats are M2TS, MKV and VC-1 files I also stream Netflix.

Option 1
ZOTAC H55ITX-C-E LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Mini ITX
Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333.

Option 2
ZOTAC GF9300-I-E LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 HDMI Mini ITX
Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800

CASE
Habey EMC-600B Black Aluminum Server Chassis with 12V DC power supply 120W

[bmcclure937]

Links? Is the main difference the Core i3 vs the Core2Duo?

If so, the Core2Duo will do fine for your HTPC if you are trying to save some money. The i3 is a better CPU (obviously) and is really good on power and heat. It will also be slightly more future-proof in general.

As long as your have a GT430 in your XBMC box you will be fine!

[ryan03rr]

I would to get some feedback on these two systems and what are the pros and cons of each would be. The operating system I would like to use is Windows 7 and eventually set it up with XBMC live. My media formats are M2TS, MKV and VC-1 files I also stream Netflix.

Option 1
ZOTAC H55ITX-C-E LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Mini ITX
Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333.

Option 2
ZOTAC GF9300-I-E LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 HDMI Mini ITX
Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800

CASE
Habey EMC-600B Black Aluminum Server Chassis with 12V DC power supply 120W

both are sick.... id say go with the i3 budget permitting. you will get alittle more life outta the i3 vs. c2d.. ( the c2d will be obsolete before the i3..however little time that may be)

[poofyhairguy]

Its tough either way.

Build one depends on an Intel GPU.

BUT

Build two puts a 775 in a small space, something I know from experience is a bad idea.


Of the two, build one is better. Don't do Core2Duos in small spaces.

[scrolling]

Thanks everyone for for your replies.

Links?

Add the link to my first post.

As long as your have a GT430 in your XBMC box you will be fine!

Build one depends on an Intel GPU.

Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question. But why do I would need a video card. Is the on board GPU inadequate to handle HD videos? Also does anyone have experience with the ZOTAC H55ITX-C-E mobo?

[eskro]

its always better to have a 3rd party video card....

and the best bang for the bucks are GeForce GT430 or RADEON 5xxx series....

but i would go with the GT430 because, it handles true 3D with its HDMI 1.4 port....