2019-02-16, 18:35
Beside the limitations already written in this thread (e.g. no HDR [afterwards averted by Intel!] and poor memory compatibility) there is another big issue with the Gemini Lake SoC: No Hi-Res audio over HDMI!
Audio (stereo) at HDMI is limited to a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz (16 or 24 bit) for 2-channel L-PCM audio (see also thread Hi-Res audio (24 bit/ 96 or 192 kHz) on Gemini Lake (HDMI)).
If you want real Hi-Res audio you must use a board with other alternatives (IMHO only TOSLINK or S/PDIF is suitable, but there you have no HD surround formats, e.g. Dolby True HD).
Gemini Lake would be a fine platform for a HTPC, but Intel doesn’t want this. They have cut back the SoC so that they can sell their more expansive Core-CPUs.
Also note that a fan-less solution like the ASRock J5005-ITX can get quite warm and start throttling. This should not be the default case, but I had it already several times in my small case, even with small and slow fans installed.
With all this limitations I would not suggest Gemini Lake for a HTPC at all. Maybe you make a better deal with an AMD Athlon 200GE, at least if you don't need a small form factor (Mini-ITX).
Audio (stereo) at HDMI is limited to a maximum sampling rate of 48 kHz (16 or 24 bit) for 2-channel L-PCM audio (see also thread Hi-Res audio (24 bit/ 96 or 192 kHz) on Gemini Lake (HDMI)).
If you want real Hi-Res audio you must use a board with other alternatives (IMHO only TOSLINK or S/PDIF is suitable, but there you have no HD surround formats, e.g. Dolby True HD).
Gemini Lake would be a fine platform for a HTPC, but Intel doesn’t want this. They have cut back the SoC so that they can sell their more expansive Core-CPUs.
Also note that a fan-less solution like the ASRock J5005-ITX can get quite warm and start throttling. This should not be the default case, but I had it already several times in my small case, even with small and slow fans installed.
With all this limitations I would not suggest Gemini Lake for a HTPC at all. Maybe you make a better deal with an AMD Athlon 200GE, at least if you don't need a small form factor (Mini-ITX).