[hpmoon]

So, here's what we've got so far in terms of HTPC nettops that make use of the new dual-core Pine Trail Atom D510 processor and, most importantly, nVidia's new second-generation ION GPU:


1. Zotac ZBOXHD-ID11-U (available now) [review 1] [review 2] [setup guide] [discussion] [video]

2. Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 (to be released by the end of June)

3. Shuttle Barebone XS35 (available Q2) [video]

4. Asus EeeBox 1501P (release date unknown)


I'll keep updating this as products are released/reviewed/discussed below.

 

[tux99]

Just as a cross-reference I would like to add here the link to the Linux specific avsforum ION2 thread for anyone looking into running Linux on ION2 hardware:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1231833


(I have added a link back to this Windows thread in the first post of the Linux thread too)


A full overview of all available ION/ION2 devices with technical details, pictures and links to the related manufacturer page, can be found here: http://www.linuxtech.net/features/nv..._overview.html

 

[zicoz]

Are there any reasons to use a second generation ION card over a first generation ION card for a HTPC? Unless they added bitstreaming I don't really see any reason why it should even be called an upgrade. Sure the GPU is more powerfull, but do we get anything out of that when it comes to HTPCs?

 

[hpmoon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by zicoz /forum/post/18630183


Are there any reasons to use a second generation ION card over a first generation ION card for a HTPC? Unless they added bitstreaming I don't really see any reason why it should even be called an upgrade. Sure the GPU is more powerfull, but do we get anything out of that when it comes to HTPCs?

As I understand it, the power consumption went down with the second generation, which may or may not be significant to most users (since it was already low to begin with). Also, I think that in order to use the new dual-core Pine View Atom D510 CPU (rather than the previous single-core Atom), you need the second-generation ION chipset for compatibility. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here.


You can read more insight from the Anandtech review linked to in the original post.

 

[fitbrit]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hpmoon /forum/post/18630404


As I understand it, the power consumption went down with the second generation, which may or may not be significant to most users (since it was already low to begin with). Also, I think that in order to use the new dual-core Pine View Atom D510 CPU (rather than the previous single-core Atom), you need the second-generation ION chipset for compatibility. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong here.


You can read more insight from the Anandtech review linked to in the original post.

The previous Atom 330 was also dual core, and it was used in machines like the Revo 310, and came with certain Zotac mini-ITX motherboards. The 270 was single core and used in other lesser lines.

 

[Toneloc427]



Quote:
Originally Posted by fitbrit /forum/post/18630480


The previous Atom 330 was also dual core, and it was used in machines like the Revo 310, and came with certain Zotac mini-ITX motherboards. The 270 was single core and used in other lesser lines.

There are dual-core, single-core, and low-power variants of both Diamondville and Pine Trail:

Diamondville:

N270 (and N280): Low power single core with 945GSE chipset for netbooks and fanless systems; not necessarily "lesser" lines, just a different focus

230 (Single Core) and 330 (Dual Core) - "desktop" architecture (includes HyperThreading) and power consumption, could be paired with 945GC Intel chipset or ION


Pine Trail:

N450 (and 470): low power single core for netbooks and fanless systems

D410/D510 (single/dual core), can be paired with NM10 (GT218 optional) or ICH8M.


For comparison, see Intel's ARK: http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?id...35,35641,36331 ,

NOTE: For complete system TDP, click on each CPU and scroll down to "Compatible Chipsets" - hover over the balloon to see the full system TDP


There's also the Zxx series, but that's a whole different story...

 

[hpmoon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Toneloc427 /forum/post/18631470


There are dual-core, single-core, and low-power variants of both Diamondville and Pine Trail:

Diamondville:

N270 (and N280): Low power single core with 945GSE chipset for netbooks and fanless systems; not necessarily "lesser" lines, just a different focus

230 (Single Core) and 330 (Dual Core) - "desktop" architecture (includes HyperThreading) and power consumption, could be paired with 945GC Intel chipset or ION


Pine Trail:

N450 (and 470): low power single core for netbooks and fanless systems

D410/D510 (single/dual core), can be paired with NM10 (GT218 optional) or ICH8M.


For comparison, see Intel's ARK: http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?id...35,35641,36331 ,

NOTE: For complete system TDP, click on each CPU and scroll down to "Compatible Chipsets" - hover over the balloon to see the full system TDP


There's also the Zxx series, but that's a whole different story...

Thanks for that comprehensive information. I am reading this to mean that if you want the current best-in-class CPU (Pine Trail D510) as well as an ION-based HTPC, you need to use the second-generation ION chipset and you cannot use the original ION chipset.

 

[ilovejedd]



Quote:
Originally Posted by hpmoon /forum/post/18633043


Thanks for that comprehensive information. I am reading this to mean that if you want the current best-in-class CPU (Pine Trail D510) as well as an ION-based HTPC, you need to use the second-generation ION chipset and you cannot use the original ION chipset.

Yes. The new ION2 is basically a discrete GPU that communicates to the NM10 chipset via a PCIe x1 lane. I really don't see much of a benefit with ION2, though. The original ION made for a low power, HD-capable replacement to the power hungry Intel 945GC chipset while the newer one even adds to Pinetrail's power consumption.

 

[RobbK]

I really wish we could get some more details on the Lenovo and Shuttle systems. I have been looking into buying an Ion system for months now, but I am holding off until I can really get some details of the cost and specs of these Ion 2 systems.


The Lenovo device is visually very attractive, but I want to know configurations and prices beyond the fact that it starts at $250 for the diet version. I want to know what a tricked out version will cost.


And the Shuttle is very enticing, because the DVD drive and fanless operation are 2 very attractive features. I just wish they would throw us a bone and give us a bit more detail on pricing, specs, and release dates.

 

[hpmoon]

Original post updated with new review of the Zotac at Hot Hardware, here .

 

[hpmoon]

 Orders of the Zotac appear to be taken now at Amazon.com ; although the item is not in stock, this is a preferable option for many because of the free shipping and no tax in most states, as well as the comfort of ordering from Amazon.


As of today, several other vendors began showing availability, or at least ordering capability:

Google Product Search


Mod's note: Fixed link.

 

[hpmoon]

Wow. Someone blogged a killer startup guide to the Zotac HD-ID11. Check it out .

 

[RobbK]

Lenovo Q150 is now shipping on Amazon.

Version 1 has the Atom D410, 160Gb HDD, 1Gb RAM, integrated graphics (not Ion), N wifi, and Windows XP Home...$218

Version 2 has the Atom D510, 250Gb HDD, 2Gb RAM, Nvidia Ion 2, N wifi, handheld wireless keyboard/mouse, and Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit...$350


Apparently there doesn't appear to be an IR sensor on either.

 

[skro]

Looks like the XS35 from Shuttle has been delayed until the Fall in Europe. Maybe here as well. They redesigned it a bit, but I think it might be worth the wait.

 

[kevinqian]

 http://www.anandtech.com/show/3765/n...n-nvidia-ngion


This article makes me nervous about ION2's architecture as it seems fundamentally flawed by design of the limitation of the cpu--gpu link at PCIe x1. Original ION may be the safer bet as at least it works flawlessly.

 

[skro]

Yeah,

That Anandtech article got me worried as well.

I think the Q150 is ION , not ION2, as mentioned above, is that correct? I wonder if the Q150 is fanless.


That might be a great option.

 

[hpmoon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by skro /forum/post/18805534


Yeah,

That Anandtech article got me worried as well.

I think the Q150 is ION , not ION2, as mentioned above, is that correct? I wonder if the Q150 is fanless.


That might be a great option.

It's not fanless, and it is ION2 because the D510 CPU is not compatible with the first-generation ION chipset.

 

[skro]

Looks like the shuttle XS35 will be called the X350 in the US, and will be available for preorder this week

http://us.shuttle.com/news.aspx

 

[hpmoon]



Quote:
Originally Posted by skro /forum/post/18818856


Looks like the shuttle XS35 will be called the X350 in the US, and will be available for preorder this week

http://us.shuttle.com/news.aspx

Cool. And in this video , Shuttle mentions that the price point will be under $300.


Makes me tentatively regret getting the Zotac Zbox HD-ID11. We'll see.

 

[skro]

But we'll have to add an OS, Hdd, and ram, right? So, probably closer to 500.