OK - Chipsets and HTPC

[jameson_uk]

OK, following on from my previous posts, VIIV is just hype and onboard VGA is fine for what I need. My next question is about what mobo to get. Rather than going down the Intel vs AMD route, I presume it is better to compare chipsets and then look at which processors can use them...

I currently have an nForce2 which has ok onboad sound and I therefore presume the nForce4 will be on a par or better than this. I really do not know much about the Intel chipsets other than the specs.

Anyone got any thoughts on whether any chipset is more suited to HTPC use than another.

[stdRaichu]

My money is still on th Intel 9xx range - ideal for HTPC use. Low power and fine for 2D graphics. The mobo I have my eye on (Asus mATX thingy with Merom support) uses the GMA950 graphics chip.

TBH, there's not much to differentiate chipsets if all you need is 2D GFX, some SATA ports and some PCI slots.

[Tom]

Power's the main issue.

And technically-speaking, anything Nvidia have bundled with their boards since SoundStorm, hasn't set the world alight.

It's probably on a par (I believe it's all to the same 'Azalia' standard) with the Intel 9xx range.

Really, look at CPU power and go from there. If you can use a mobile chip; do it! (Eg. Merom, the Core 2 mobile line. ;) )