[Fraterns]

I have an older HTPC that I want to rebuild.
My objectives are space savings, energy savings, technology refresh.

Here is the current build

2.00 gigahertz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core
Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd. GA-MA78GM-US2H
5 GB (2x2,2x512) DDR2
(3) SAMSUNG HD154UI 1.5TB
(1) SAMSUNG HD501LJ 500GB
NVIDIA GeForce GT 240
An nMediaPC HTPC case (looks like stereo rack equipment) with a 400-500w Silent PSU

It does everything I want, sometimes CPU is a little high, but the nVidia GT240 handles my decoding just fine 1080p, etc..
It is used for playback of content (XBMC Windows) from low SD xvid's to x.264 1080p DTS, etc. etc. I don't play streaming media on it, but use it as a file share where people can get to the stored data.
I take audio and video out via the HDMI port on the nVidia card

I am looking at this case LIAN LI PC-Q08B
to hold my existing drives, and to transfer over my existing PSU.
I would like to reuse the memory and Video Card as well if possible.
I need to do this as on the cheap as possible.

Reading the recommended build threads I am getting a little confused concerning CPU/GPU trade off.

In short, since I will be using the nVidia GT 240, would an non-ION Atom board do everything I want, or are the Atoms only a good answer when paired with the on board ION's

Or better yet, based on the information I've given and my stated goals,
does anyone have a suggestion as to how to rebuild this HTPC, reusing as much as possible to keep costs down, but get it into a much smaller footprint, updated tech (faster more powerful would be nice), and draw less energy (quieter/cooler would be nice).

Thanks

[eskro]

your current hardware is great!

i would just get an SSD to install the OS on it...

that will give you a snappier feeling and improve overall user experience...

[Fraterns]

I'd like to. Really shouldn't spend the money, but situations have changed where I just don't have the space for the larger box. Right now it's on a shelf with about 3 inches of it sticking out into the room, the edges of the feet are actually over the edge of the shelf, and with barely and inch of clearance in the back for air/wires. I really need to get it to a smaller foot print.

[eskro]

im not sure what your asking for O,O

[Fraterns]

I'm sorry,let me try to explain again.

The specs above is for my already working HTPC.

I need to rebuild to make something that takes up less room.
To reduce space, I'm looking at a mini-itx build.

Since I want to reuse as much out of the old build as I can, I am looking at the Lian-Li case to hold
1) my existing 4 hardrives
2) my existing PSU
3) my existing nVidia gt240
4) possibly reuse existing DDR2 memory if the new motherboard takes it.

What I need help choosing is what CPU/Motherboard to use.

The Intel Atom boards look attractive due to low power/heat as well as price.
I have seen the info where Atom/ION is sufficient to handle 1080p, etc.

Since I have an nVidia gt240 card, I see no reason to by an Atom board with ION. I can get this board for $79

What I don't know is

1) will Atom plus my gt 240 be as good or better than what I already have.

2) will Atom work as well with the gt240, or is it really only an option for an HTPC when it's paired with ION on board.

....or, is there some other option of a current cpu/mini-atx board that would be a better choice(performance/price) to use for this rebuild?

[eskro]

as motherboard, grab the ZOTAC G43ITX-A-E LGA775 mini-ITX ($81 + Free Shipping)
as cpu, grab the CELERON E3400 2.6Ghz Dual-Core LGA775 ($50 + Free Shipping)

Now, you can re-use all the parts you currently have in hand!!
and you'll definitely have enough power to even play the meanest 1080P movies out there!!

[Fraterns]

Thank you so much.

At a better price is this an option?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealD...mbo.646398

[eskro]

hmmm...

Memory Type: DDR2 800 (were in the DDR3 era now)
Onboard LAN: 10/100Mbps (not even 1000Mbs)
Chipset: nForce 610i / GeForce 7050 (you might have trouble with 1080p playback)

i say NO, but thats me,,,