I do agree the option of 3 PCI-E x1 slots are nice, although as of right now, I've seen no devices that use them :)
I guess I'm just on the other side of it.. for a HTPC unit, overclocking potential is moot, and since MSI board has coax/digital output, the addition of another soundcard is a wasted effort.. since both have 3 PCI slots, which is where your encoder devices would be, it's a wash. But the smaller form factor means a better selection of more HTPC type cases. But I do see your point as well.. there are two boards on the AMD side with the same chipset (Epox/ECS) which also use the RS480 ATI, and are full format (3 PCI-E, etc.) I just didn't consider them ;) CW -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of rls Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 9:57 AM To: 'The Hardware List' Subject: RE: [H] CPU Intel 6xx series v. AMD 939 (3 gig plus) Well Chris I did look at the MSI board but it has one minor and one major flaw. Minor flaw - no overclocking potential. Major flaw - does not contain the gamut of Expansion Slots The Asus/Intel version of the ATI chipset includes 3 @ PCI-E x1 Now I am not really aware of any PCI-Ex1 devices but sooner or later there will be sound, modem, etc and I would like to go that direction in the future should the opportunity present itself. Bob .-----Original Message----- .From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Reeves .Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 1:58 AM .To: 'The Hardware List' .Subject: RE: [H] CPU Intel 6xx series v. AMD 939 (3 gig plus) . .If you don't want to move a lot of air, etc. the MSI R480-M2 board on .the .AMD939 side is pretty nice, though S-Video & VGA Only out :( But .still, .it's functional for MCE2005, has no fan on the .southbridge/northbridge, and .with a Venice core and the right case will stay nice and quiet. . .Either option will serve you well for MCE services ;) . .-----Original Message----- .From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] .[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of rls .Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 11:49 PM .To: 'The Hardware List' .Subject: RE: [H] CPU Intel 6xx series v. AMD 939 (3 gig plus) . .Well on the AMD side was looking at the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice .1GHz $205 .And Intel Pentium 4 640 Prescott 800MHz FSB LGA 775 Processor $280 . .Thing is I want to use the ATI 200 express chipset. So on the AMD side .they .only make MATX - so limited slots - and the MSI version has a few .wrinkles .than need addressed. . .Intel cpu would go in a full size Asus m/b that has a nice selection .of .advanced slots . .I want to put together a Media Center PC in a case that will not move .a lot .of air - hence the heat gen on the cpu is important. . .I don't want to purchase a video card at this time - cost and heat - .and the .ATI 200 express has the best current onboard video. . . .BUT HEY - thanks for the observations - you always provide top notch .info - .thanks . .-----Original Message----- .From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] .[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chris Reeves .Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 11:14 PM .To: 'The Hardware List' .Subject: RE: [H] CPU Intel 6xx series v. AMD 939 (3 gig plus) . .Even in the 90nm configuration, the Intel is still significantly .hotter .(significantly so). . .If you're comparing, it's somewhat difficult; AMD has two different 90 .nm .chips on the market.. the newest being Venice. . .Venice offers SSE3, which is new to the AMD family, and a newer memory .controller, it basically is coming in to replace the Newcastle core. . .Now, here's the thing, so far, in all our tests, the SS3 function .doesn't .make a giant bang in all applications (though it does in a few), but .it .keeps AMD within 2-4% of DiVX encoding and basically dead on with .encoding .Nero MP4, which is all I care about. . .But more then that, the Venice runs so damn cool it's freakish, and it .makes .overclocking with even standard fans a cinch.. . .The 3800+ Venice core, right now, is one hell of a bang/buck. Below .that .I'd put a 3500+ Venice, then the P4 (right now). . .Venice 3800 - $386 .Intel 660 comparable: $620. . .So, a little more then $80. For that kind of price difference.. shew. .The .650, which would be closest comparable (about $80) is not a direct .compare .to the 3800+ Venice, because in multiple areas (outside of encoding, .where .it is neck & neck) it gets stomped. . .CW . . . .-----Original Message----- .From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] .[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of rls .Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2005 9:43 PM .To: 'Brian Weeden'; 'The Hardware List' .Subject: [H] CPU Intel 6xx series v. AMD 939 (3 gig plus) . .--- Note please comment if you have had hands on experience with both .of .these CPU's . .1 - AMD 939 with 90 nano design . .And . .2 - Intel 6xx with 90 nano design . . .Both cpu's can operate in an 64-bit environement .Both cpu's are designed to run 'cooler' . .The AMD is cheaper clock v clock .The Intel employs a 2 mg cache to offset the lack of significant .increased .clock speeds. . . .So the question - What was your overall impression of both systems? . .Did the Intel display a clear superiority in video creation - and if .the .video cards were the same, how about overall video performance. . .The Intel option is going to cost me about 70-80 more and I want to go .that .direction as that motherboard has the overall features I want. I would .feel .better about making the purchase if the Intel was faster in important .areas. . . . . . . . .
