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AMD Zacate - the next great HTPC chip? - Page 19

post #541 of 940
2/21/11 at 11:13am
Great, thanks for the feedback on 1080i60
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post #542 of 940
2/21/11 at 5:44pm
Not sure if this got posted or not - Zotac E-350 at hot hardware

http://hothardware.com/Reviews/AMD-F...Tested/?page=1
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post #543 of 940
2/21/11 at 5:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emerlin View Post

Not sure if this got posted or not - Zotac E-350 at hot hardware

http://hothardware.com/Reviews/AMD-F...Tested/?page=1

Am I the only one who has had terrible luck with Zotac?

2 boards and 2 deaths within 3 months.
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post #544 of 940
2/22/11 at 12:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by perpetual98 View Post

My recorded TV looks fantastic, but I think it's more because I'm finally able to use HDMI to my set and it looks better than the VGA did. I haven't noticed any issues with 1080i60, although I'd have to look up which stations in my area are broadcasting in that format.

NBC, CBS and FOX are all 1080i
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post #545 of 940
2/22/11 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emerlin View Post

Not sure if this got posted or not - Zotac E-350 at hot hardware

http://hothardware.com/Reviews/AMD-F...Tested/?page=1

Hmmm a bit flawed, they claim they had issues with HD Flash Content when owners here and other reviewers with the latest drivers haven't had that problem.

Seems many are going to be using Left For Dead as the default gaming demo for reviewing the system(s). The system performs well with it, so why not?

But you can always add a video card and roughly double the frame rate and that's not an option with the Zotac box because of its low case or the Atom/ION boards because there's no slot.

While I agree with Rene this is not for heavy duty HTPC use (whatever that is) to replace your standard def cable box with an advanced and affordable media center, yes! If your watching mostly SD content and some HD content then is this fine for a main rig.

I'm not quite sure what others are doing with their HTPC really to demand desktop power at all times. The Ilano will likely be the better on-die HTPC solution likely to support 3D and 24hz right out of the box.

But then Holographic will be the next holy grail won't it?
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post #546 of 940
2/22/11 at 12:48am
Here`s small mini preview (hopefully i`ll get around to play more with it tonight and post the review)

The board has very good fan control, so you can tweak the settings to make even the default fan very quiet. I`ve managed to keep the board passive with just on anemic 120mm case fan spinning at 500rpm. COmplettly inaudible.

Tested out playback of a 40Mpbs 1080 remux of Black Hawk Down with XBMC and MPC-HC + ffdshow. HD audio bitstreaming works fine for me to my Denon AVR2310 via ffdshow, XBMC only passes the DTS core, ofc (XBMC limitation). Playback was smooth as butter. I also tried Inception, over the network (1080 p/24 Mpbs/ HD audio /wireless 300N with constant speeds of 10-11 MB/s) and it worked fine.

PQ was very good, equal to my old HD5450. Regarding interlancing, VA doesn`t work, but MA does and the PQ was good.

Bitstreaming via TMT5 doesn`t work, we need a patch for it.
Flash in HD works fine, with the latest 1.2 . Older versions do not support Zacate, hence the shuttering some people reported

The CPU inside it is more powerful than the Atom, it even handles the heavy duty Aeon MQ2 skin well (which the Atom has serious lag issue with), which is the most advanced XBMC skin ever created (and most resource hungry). Some small lag when using Showcase/Coverflow view, but that seems to be the issue with the skin, the skind dev is working on rewriting that portion of the sking and submiting a patch for it.

All-and all it`s a great board, bringing down the HTPC to streamer price ranges (you can build a Zacate HTPC sub 200$ (100$ Zacate board 20$ ram 40$ mini-ITX case+PSU + some old HDD you have lying around for the OS)

Note : I tested this with only 1GB of ram and Windows 7, so the platform was the bare minimum, and worked great under these contitions.
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post #547 of 940
2/22/11 at 1:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by GreenEyez View Post

Here`s small mini preview (hopefully i`ll get around to play more with it tonight and post the review)

The board has very good fan control, so you can tweak the settings to make even the default fan very quiet. I`ve managed to keep the board passive with just on anemic 120mm case fan spinning at 500rpm. COmplettly inaudible.

Tested out playback of a 40Mpbs 1080 remux of Black Hawk Down with XBMC and MPC-HC + ffdshow. HD audio bitstreaming works fine for me to my Denon AVR2310 via ffdshow, XBMC only passes the DTS core, ofc (XBMC limitation). Playback was smooth as butter. I also tried Inception, over the network (1080 p/24 Mpbs/ HD audio /wireless 300N with constant speeds of 10-11 MB/s) and it worked fine.

PQ was very good, equal to my old HD5450. Regarding interlancing, VA doesn`t work, but MA does and the PQ was good.

Bitstreaming via TMT5 doesn`t work, we need a patch for it.
Flash in HD works fine, with the latest 1.2 . Older versions do not support Zacate, hence the shuttering some people reported

The CPU inside it is more powerful than the Atom, it even handles the heavy duty Aeon MQ2 skin well (which the Atom has serious lag issue with), which is the most advanced XBMC skin ever created (and most resource hungry). Some small lag when using Showcase/Coverflow view, but that seems to be the issue with the skin, the skind dev is working on rewriting that portion of the sking and submiting a patch for it.

All-and all it`s a great board, bringing down the HTPC to streamer price ranges (you can build a Zacate HTPC sub 200$ (100$ Zacate board 20$ ram 40$ mini-ITX case+PSU + some old HDD you have lying around for the OS)

Note : I tested this with only 1GB of ram and Windows 7, so the platform was the bare minimum, and worked great under these contitions.

Not bad GE...

I think concerns over interlaced content and other stuff is overblown. For a low cost HTPC for general duty this will be fine, I don't see what the concern over extra power is needed for. Back when video cards didn't support DXVA okay that was an issue but that's no longer the case.

I still say ATI/AMD has PQ on the market.

If the XMBC Aeon skin is CPU intensive and still performs well, then running Media Browser as others are doing shouldn't be a problem. Get updated drivers (when released) for the ArcSoft Theater and this would make a very good low cost HTPC.

For Media Playback it will crush Media Streamers because you can't run casual games or emulators on those things, add the GameTime! Media Browser plug-in and your emus and your in business. If you're happy with internet content and don't watch much TV, you can put in a $50 hybrid HD tuner card. I've even found a HomeRun HD network single tuner for $42 at Fry's (return).

Install W7, add Netflix, Internet TV plug-in, SecondRun 2.0 and maybe vmcPlayOn for a wide range of content for not much money. Use Media Center Master for metadata and uTorrent plug-in and that's a complete HTPC... For not much money.
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post #548 of 940
2/22/11 at 6:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post

Am I the only one who has had terrible luck with Zotac?

2 boards and 2 deaths within 3 months.

Nah. 3 boards, 3 deaths, 1 ~ 1.5 years. All of them NVIDIA-based (GF9300-G-E, IONITX-A-U, IONITX-D-E).
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post #549 of 940
2/22/11 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilovejedd View Post
Nah. 3 boards, 3 deaths, 1 ~ 1.5 years. All of them NVIDIA-based (GF9300-G-E, IONITX-A-U, IONITX-D-E).
So I am not the only one.

I think I'll steer clear for now of Zotac.
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post #550 of 940
2/22/11 at 9:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by assassin View Post
So I am not the only one.

I think I'll steer clear for now of Zotac.


makes sense - still a testament to the chipset. I thought that was good news.
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post #551 of 940
2/22/11 at 12:32pm
So what gives, you guys see the power figures for the zotac htpc. How do you think they got the power levels so low, think its just having an appropriate power supply?

I also wonder if all reviewers are waiting long enough for the HD's to go to sleep before getting the idle watt reading.
LL
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post #552 of 940
2/22/11 at 4:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dj4monie View Post

NBC, CBS and FOX are all 1080i

FOX is 720p.
PBS is 1080i still, I think, although some local affiliates convert to 720p in an attempt to squeeze more subchannels in.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dj4monie View Post

I think concerns over interlaced content and other stuff is overblown.

If you use the system for TV recorded through tuner cards, the quality of deinterlacing is a very valid concern.
If you get TV shows through "other methods", you're correct - those files generally aren't going to be 1080i.
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post #553 of 940
2/22/11 at 4:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffkro View Post

So what gives, you guys see the power figures for the zotac htpc. How do you think they got the power levels so low, think its just having an appropriate power supply?

I also wonder if all reviewers are waiting long enough for the HD's to go to sleep before getting the idle watt reading.


There are other power consumption factors in the sistem besides the Zacate APU (CPU + GPU). RAM and hardrives consume power, and the PSU efficiency is very important. Then comes the electronical components on the mobo.

Zotac probably used low power low voltage ram combined with a laptop 2.5 5400rpm HDD. The HDD alone consumes 7-8W less than a normal desktop 3.5 HDD. Then they used an 80+ efficient PSU
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post #554 of 940
2/22/11 at 9:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by NTNgod View Post

FOX is 720p.
PBS is 1080i still, I think, although some local affiliates convert to 720p in an attempt to squeeze more subchannels in.



If you use the system for TV recorded through tuner cards, the quality of deinterlacing is a very valid concern.
If you get TV shows through "other methods", you're correct - those files generally aren't going to be 1080i.

Okay I just checked your correct about Fox. PBS Los Angeles (KCET) is 720p and they have 2 sub channels.

But its been proven that it uses the same fix the HD5450 card uses, non-issue. Rene said it looked fine, other have said it looks fine.
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post #555 of 940
2/22/11 at 10:06pm
MSI E350ia off "pre order" available, six in stock - http://www.provantage.com/msi-e350ia-e45~7MSTB088.htm

$282.27 (24.90 in shipping, NO TAX) - https://www.provantage.com/scripts/cart.dll/x/0/review

E350is (USB 2.0, no Heat Sink Cover) still not in-stock yet.
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post #556 of 940
2/22/11 at 10:44pm
Newegg has the IS for 129.99 + 6.98 shipping.
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post #557 of 940
2/23/11 at 4:38am
So now that they are both available on newegg.....ASRock vs. MSI for Zacate mini itx...you thoughts?
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post #558 of 940
2/23/11 at 9:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by wickchucker View Post

So now that they are both available on newegg.....ASRock vs. MSI for Zacate mini itx...you thoughts?

Solid Capacitors?

If you look at the reviews for the ASRock some are complaining about the LED not working right. Not sure what that is, RMA'ed one board already.

ASRock quality tends to be so-so depending on who you ask. MSI might be worth $20 and you can over clock it if your so inclined.

At School A+
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post #559 of 940
2/23/11 at 9:45am
If you ask me, I say ASRock quality is pretty good, at least better than ASUS.

A problem of ASRock is only 1-year warranty in US (vs 3-year of MSI, GIGABYTE and ASUS).
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post #560 of 940
2/23/11 at 11:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

If you ask me, I say ASRock quality is pretty good, at least better than ASUS.

A problem of ASRock is only 1-year warranty in US (vs 3-year of MSI, GIGABYTE and ASUS).

You're kidding right? Asrock is ASUS bargain brand. They're OK but I had one fail on me after 6 months or so. Come to think of it I had an old ASUS board fail on me a decade ago too. You pays your money and you takes your chances.

Guy
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post #561 of 940
2/23/11 at 11:30am
Bargain? Yup, the latest ASRock P67 Extreme4 motherboard is the *only* P67 motherboard < $200 that has PEX8608 PCI Express switch supporting dual PCIe x8 + PCIe x4 + 88SE9120 SATA 3.0 controller + 2 x EJ168A USB 3.0 controller + VT6315N IEEE 1394 controller + ASM1083 PCIe to PCI bridge, all work *simultaneously* and got AnandTech recommendation over ASUS and GIGABYTE's much pricier boards.

BTW ASRock is now totally independent of ASUS, that's why recently ASRock came into the enthusiasts market and gained popularity quickly. Not directly related to quality something, but an interesting news:

ASRock becomes the third-largest brand in motherboard industry in 2010
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post #562 of 940
2/23/11 at 11:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by renethx View Post

If you ask me, I say ASRock quality is pretty good, at least better than ASUS.

A problem of ASRock is only 1-year warranty in US (vs 3-year of MSI, GIGABYTE and ASUS).

ASrock better than ASUS? really?

As a component manufacturer, I have always believed they were one of the best. It also seems there laptops get very good reviews on the quality end as well.
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post #563 of 940
2/23/11 at 12:55pm
Hey all. This thread is an interesting read especially comments about the value proposition of htpc. I have to agree with some; when you talk your friends or family into trying out cutting edge tech it usually ends up biting you in the behind. Because they will get tripped up by the tiniest of things. Everything works for us but nothing works for the 'average joe'!

Anyway I just sold my xbox 360 and about to cancel my $122-a-month HD cable/DVR service. Basically I'm tired of the monthly bill and tired of the file limitations of xbox widows media sharing. Of course, it's only a half victory because my cable modem service is still going to cost some bucks.

I am all set to buy the mini-itx gigabyte GA-H55N-USB3 online and a core i3-550 from Microcenter (total price with tax = $215) and NOT use a video card.

I do like money, so trying to figure out if a Zacate solution is a good option or not. It would save at least $50 but I do value a snappy OS and no video stutter with whatever player I happen to use (usually MPC). I've read that the i3 is probably still the best htpc platform but wanted to run this past ya'll.

PS - someone mentioned a need for a good wireless keyboard/mouse. I just ordered one of these yesterday. It looks like a neat solution although I'm a little nervous about the build quality.
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post #564 of 940
2/23/11 at 1:11pm
That's cool-laser pointer.You can control your media and mess with your cat at the same time. ;-)
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post #565 of 940
2/23/11 at 1:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scopeyus View Post

That's cool-laser pointer.You can control your media and mess with your cat at the same time. ;-)

Right? For $40 though, it looks like a drop shipment that fell off a barge on its way from China
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post #566 of 940
2/23/11 at 1:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by scopeyus View Post

That's cool-laser pointer.You can control your media and mess with your cat at the same time. ;-)

Lol. I have this remote and made the mistake of messing with our cat. Now our cat knows the subtle sound of flicking the power switch on the remote and comes sprinting in the room going nuts thinking its play time every time I turn the PC on. It was funny at first, now it's annoying.

Anyway, as for the remote, it is cheap piece of Chinese crap but gets the job done for the most part.
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post #567 of 940
2/23/11 at 1:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by craig_plasma View Post

. I just ordered one of these yesterday. It looks like a neat solution although I'm a little nervous about the build quality.

I almost ordered one of those off ebay. There's a crapload of them over there. Didn't think it was worth the $40 though.

BT
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post #568 of 940
2/23/11 at 2:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarcSparks View Post

Anyway, as for the remote, it is cheap piece of Chinese crap but gets the job done for the most part.

Thanks for the info. I like to avoid anything 2.4GHz because it can mess with wi-fi. I like that it is bluetooth, and won't take up much space on the coffee table...
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post #569 of 940
2/23/11 at 5:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeffkro View Post

So what gives, you guys see the power figures for the zotac htpc. How do you think they got the power levels so low, think its just having an appropriate power supply?

My guess is that because ZBox does not have to support a PCI-e bus maybe they can eliminate the supporting circuitry. They could also cut corners in other places, again because it's not a open mobo. A watt saved here and a watt saved these numbers could add up.

My $0.02.
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post #570 of 940
2/24/11 at 7:29am
SOYO SY-E350. 6 x SATA, 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x1; good for a server.


LL
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