i3 2100(T) vs Pentium G620(T)

Avoid "T" version. It's like a "green" commercial release, but it's more expensive, and more important it does not consume less power for the same task, it is just slower.
The only reason why someone should buy the T version is for the different Intel stock cooler (smaller thant for the normal version) for very small cases.

That being said, for the need you describe a G620 or G840 would be perfect if you plan to use a discrete graphic card.
An i3 2100 would ba a better idea if you plan to use the IGP.

Why? I think they are pretty equivalent with the exception of 3D.

Since you won't be getting any hardware accleration with Linux I would go with whichever processor is fastest. I'm guessing that would be the 2100 but maybe someone can correct me.

From what I've read the IGP in the SNB Pentiums is the same as the IGP in the Clarkdale processors, isn't it? If so, it's more than adequate for HD playback so long as it's not 3D.

.....unless you live within a range of a Micro Center where the $99 i3-2100 continues for at least a few more weeks. (and by all appearances, will continue permanently).

The first gen Pentium G series did not have bitstreaming support, just PCM, has that changed for the second gens?

Let's put some numbers to this:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu...g840-g620.html

From what I glean from this article (Skip to page 8 fore G620 vs 2100T), a Pentium G620 is so close in performance to an i3 2100T, there's no reason not to save the money. You will miss out on hyper-threading, but it's likely you won't harness the advantages on hyperthreading on the type of machine you're building where you're considering an i3 caliber processor.

If you're trying to run a dual-cable tuner, record two shows, and watch a Hi-Def movie decoding HD sound simultaneously, then you're going to want to have a processor cable of hyper-threading, and maybe even a dedicated sound card to ease the pain and relocate some of that heat to a different component. However, if you're running XBMC and just watching movies served up from your home server it's likely that the SLIGHTLY reduced IGP on the G620 (It's still sandy bridge) will serve your purposes.

I'm planning on a G620 based HTPC without a TV tuner, so I'll have to eat my words if it doesn't perform, but the numbers look good.

Godspeed.

Can you elaborate on this? I'm planning on running Ubuntu in my HTPC with a Pentium G620 (Sandy Bridge), and I'm not familiar with Linux as far as viewing HD media goes.

Good to hear man, I look forward to your results, as I will be probably be doing the same thing with either Mint or Ubuntu. Do you know if Mint or Ubuntu still use xorg.conf for graphics settings? I'm running Fedora 14 on my server box and have found it impossible to adjust the color depth to 24 or greater bit because they did away with xorg.conf after Fedora 9.

Any results to report? I also have been considering a G620 or an i3-2100 for a XBMC system on Windows -- HD only, no 3D or bitstreaming -- and would appreciate hearing about your experience.

Are the CPU and GPU fast enough for your use? Have you seen any effects from the 24 fps problem?

Thanks for the reply.

I have read comments in several forums that say the CPU in the G620 should have more than enough power for all but bit-streaming and 3D.

You are the first I have seen that has tried using the G620 without a graphics card. Maybe there are some Linux gurus here that can help -- otherwise, maybe a graphics card will solve the problems?

I have built 2 systems with the G620 and 1 with the i3-2100. For what I am doing: watching blurays, streaming movies, music, pics, etc. the G620 does everything as well as the i3. Save 50 bucks each on the G620s too. One of the G620s is in my son's rig and in that one we use a dedicated GPU for light gaming. He loves the machine. For 77 bucks shipped can't beat it in my opinion.

Windows 7 Home Premium

None so far. We use that one in our work out room and watch Hulu, etc. on it. Have streamed movies no problems as well.

The HTPC we use the most for movies is the i3 build. I use a discrete card in that one too - GTX430.

I have an i5 2500T... power when you need it, low power the rest of the time.
I agree the 2100T is a waste of the green.

I think its actually less power on load. So the rest of the time they are equal.

This is true, but for some people it still make sense. It sucks that it costs more, but some people need the low profile cooler. Spending $125 on i3-2100 plus an aftermarket cooler will be more expensive than spending $135 on the i3-2100T version. Chances are you will want the lower TDP with the T processor or underclocking the non-T version if you need a low profile cooler. So it may not be a waste of money for people that are building small form factor PCs.

+1

i5 2500T is quad with 45W TDP and an AWESOME "Max Turbo Frequency boost of 1Ghz"

http://ark.intel.com/products/52212/...Cache-2_30-GHz)
I would have gone with a i5 2500k, but the ITX Mobo has no underclocking or undervolting options.

The i3 2100T makes no sense any way you spin it.

Also the i5 2500T is hard to find and doesn't come in a retail package... so you need to buy a heatsink.