PC Buyer’s Guide - Intel Entry level for Gaming $500

Our entry level PC is designed for the gamer on a tight budget. This system will play most modern games on high settings with 2xAA/8xAF and some at up to 4xAA/16xAF.

Intel Entry-level Gaming PC
$500
GPU:	ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 4850	$99.99
CPU:	Intel Pentium E6300	$87.99
Motherboard:	Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3L	$79.99
RAM:	G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2-800	$46.99
Hard Drive:	Western Digital Caviar SE16 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB	$49.99
Optical Drive:	Samsung 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA	$24.99
Case:	NZXT Beta Series CS-NT-BETA-B	$49.99
Power Supply:	hec Orion XPOWER585 585W	$34.99
CPU Cooler:	Masscool 8WA741	$22.99
	Grand Total:	$497.91
Prices Sourced from Newegg

We’re sticking with the Radeon 4850 for our Intel budget setup for all the reasons outlined on the previous page. Intel CPUs are a little pricier than AMD’s though, so we had to step down from a Core 2 Duo processor to Intel’s Pentium E6300 CPU.

The E6300 is based on Intel’s dual-core 45-nm Wolfdale core and runs at 2.8GHz with 2MB of L3 cache and 1066MHz FSB. Like all Core 2 processors, the chip OCs like mad, but as we observed in our recent Phenom II/Athlon II article, performance takes a hit in comparison to the Core 2 Duo E7000 series due to the small L2 cache.

While we linked to the fully boxed Intel processor with heatsink/fan, the stock cooler Intel provides is junk. Throw it away and replace it with a nice cooler like the unit we mentioned from Masscool. Your processor will thank you.

For the motherboard we opted for Gigabyte’s GA-EP43-UD3L. We actually debated between this board and ASUS’ P5QL, but opted for the Gigabyte board due to its larger North Bridge cooling and Ultra Durable 3 features. The ASUS board is priced identically with somewhat similar features, so this was a close decision. The power supply is a tough call. We decided to highlight a different PSU than the Cooler Master used in the AMD build, honestly we trust the Cooler Master brand more, but if you’re willing to try an unknown brand, the hec PSU would be an interesting choice. Based on the user reviews, it’s biggest issue seems to be units that arrive DOA. Here we should also mention that name brand companies like OCZ offer 600W and 700W PSUs that sell for $50 after mail-in rebate. Honestly this is the route we would go if it were our money, but we also needed to stick to our $500 budget as closely as possible and we aren’t factoring mail-in rebates as some users just don’t like them.

Alternatives

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Besides the aforementioned alternatives on the motherboard and power supply, if you’re willing to splurge the Core 2 Duo E7400 delivers better performance than the Pentium E6300, only it will set you back about $120.

INF Update Utility - Primarily for Intel® 5, 4, 3, 900 Series Chipsets

The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility installs INF files that inform the Windows* operating system how to configure the chipset for specific functionality such as AGP, USB, Core PCI, and ISAPNP services.

**Note**

Intel® Chipset Device Software is the new name for the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility; this name will be seen when running the installation package.

**Important**

The Intel Chipset Device Software provides functionality for AGP and USB, not drivers for AGP or USB. DO NOT DOWNLOAD THIS UTILITY IF YOUR DEVICE MANUFACTURER IS RECOMMENDING IT TO CORRECT AN "AGP DRIVER," "AGP GART," OR "USB DRIVER" ISSUE; IT WILL NOT CORRECT YOUR ISSUE.

Read Me (txt) Release Notes (htm)

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Multi language: infinst911autol.exe Download
Ver:9.1.1.1019 Date:9/7/2009 Size:2735 (KB) Time @56Kbps:6.33 min

OS:Windows 2000*, Windows 7 RC1, 32-bit*, Windows 7 RC1, 64-bit*, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition*, Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition*, Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition*, Windows Server 2003*, Windows Server 2008*, Windows Vista 32*, Windows Vista 64*, Windows Vista*, Windows XP Home Edition*, Windows XP Media Center Edition*, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition*, Windows XP Professional*

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MANLI ION Motherboard Mini-ITX NVIDIA ION 90W Atom 330 1.6GHz Dual Core Support HD Video

Experience smooth and vivid high definition video playback with ultra-compact Manli ION ™ motherboard. The mini-ITX Motherboards Manli ION ™ combines high-performance NVIDIA® graphics processor ION ™ with an energy efficient Intel® Atom ™ to the extreme eco-friendly platform that has no problems handling Web browsing, e-mail, productivity and functions of HD video playback.

NVIDIA® PureVideo ™ HD uses the power of the top 16 processors NVIDIA® ION™ GPU-velocity flow for high-definition Blu-ray playback capabilities. PureVideo™ HD Technology decode HD video formats and improves standard-definition videos with the ion GPU NVIDIA®™ HD impeccable and higher SD video playback. This is the best solution with the Atom processor to a better quality HD video support and strips for multimedia platform.

Platform:
Atom 330 1.6GHz Dual Core
ION NVIDIA chipset with PureVideoHD
Mini-ITX

Key features:
Atom platform with NVIDIA chipset ION
2 DIMM supports dual-channel DDR2-800-4 GB
Ions support DX10 graphics card with HDMI / DVI / VGA
3 Supports SATAII ports, 1 eSATA port, 5.1 channel HD 10USB ports
Supports 802.11g / b wireless, Giga LAN
IONITX C model with integrated 90W PSU cord and plug

AMD unveils Phenom II architecture for newer gaming focus

AMD was the start of the conference with the official debut of the Phenom II, his first major processor 45 nanometers. The upgrade is based on the same basis "Shanghai" Opteron recent architecture and offers a speed of about 20 percent during the last best pulse 2.6GHz chip through changes associated with an optimized design with more detailed instructions processed per clock cycle, 4 MB cache extra total, and support for DDR3 memory at 1333MHz Intel competing systems. The design is now much more tolerant of the high clock speed and will continue to 3 GHz in stock trim.

Reflecting a new focus Thursday AMD is a new grouping, the usefulness of a simplified overclocking with its highest-end model, en tout a large number of options for higher speeds. The chip is capable of so much 4GHz based on the fan, the company claims. Exotic overclocking using liquid nitrogen to the system to 6GHz or more; Core i7 and material support from the older generations can not reach this point, because they physically limited by a cold bug "that prevents them fall below a certain temperature, according AMD representative Simon Solotko.

When asked why the system is Intel 3.2GHz despite room for faster clock speeds, the official statement that the need for the chip to run at regular specifications without problems. Yet it is widely seen by some observers that the move is a deliberate attempt to avoid any race clock Intel, which saw the two companies ramp rates up to their limit.

The design is also reported that more than 30 to 40 percent more power at peak load. despite its 125W ceiling, and the plan to work with a 790GX chipset motherboard (mainboard) as part of a platform combined nicknamed "Dragon". The new Union is not only a 3.6GHz or faster, faster Hyper Transport (interface) bus, but also for better integration of images that can be used in a way to stop the Hybrid CrossFire video dedicated to saving energy with lighter loads.

Taking design is compatible and works on many games in the series 780-use of DDR2 memory simply by applying a firmware update. AMD claims that users have the option to upgrade to new models and get 790GX performance DDR3 architecture and other changes without replacing the transformer.

AMD's first Phenom II chip is available today and the introduction of a 2.8GHz Phenom X4 II 920 to $ 235 in large lots for PC makers. The flagship model of 3Ghz 940 is locked for overclocking and costs $ 275 in similar quantities. Retail kits are likely to cost more.

The introduction of vital importance for AMD, which has difficulties to maintain its competitiveness with Intel and had to abandon its forecast for this year by 25 percent that Intel maintains a current leyden performance in both desktops and laptops. Phenom II should not only AMD's competitiveness in the implementation, but also to win on price, according Solotko a typical mother for the new equipment Gigabyte or any of its rivals will cost about $ 140, about half of the minimum cost of entry for a Core i7 motherboard(Mainboard).

Solotko rejects notions that Intel Hyperthreading, which can sometimes make use of two program threads on a single core, is always the best for the games it supports, rather than the platform in conjunction with the focus on the effectiveness of the core chips, and the use of the latest video cards support general computing, need to be in general.

"Throwing threads games will not solve the problem," he said, referring to Intel technology.

New mainboard satisfies wide range for embedded computing

Based on Intel 945GSE Express chipset, Intel Atom N270 and implemented in 45 nm technology, the LV-67D was introduced earlier by Commell (Taiwan Commate Computer). The Board of Directors is GEMOTORISEERD optimized, so a solid performance per watt cost-effective solutions. The Board of Directors is proposing a solution for the embedded market, such as digital signage, kiosks, POS, thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, commercial and industrial control.

The LV-67D Mini-ITX mother is from 82945GSE Intel Graphic Memory Controller Hub and Intel I / O Controller Hub 7-M, the characteristics of power 32-bit 3D Graphics Processor core based on Intel GMA 950 with DVI or LVDS CRT, HDTV, supports multiple graphic display. The LV-67D older Mini-ITX supports DDR2 SO-DIMM SDRAM up to 2 GB of memory, and provides I / O capabilities, comes with PS / 2 keyboard and mouse, 5 x RS232C and 1 x RS232 / 422/485. Networking is provided by two Intel 82574L Giga LAN.

It also offers Realtek ALC888 HD Audio, 2 x SATA interface for data transfer up to 150 Mb / s, 8 x USB2.0 ports, Compact Flash socket. The Board provides the flexibility, high bandwidth expansion slots with 1 x Mini-PCI, a PCI slot and a small card for PCI Express system configurations and add them to the card upgrade, explains business.

Miniboard with Intel Socket P for Core 2 Duo processors

BVM of the new LS-573 high-performance feature-rich integrated motherboard is based on the 45nm Intel Core 2 Duo and Extreme Pentryn meets the system Socket P and a 1066 MHz FSB. Designed to meet the 5.25 standard mechanical miniboards, the LS-573 supports up to 4 GB of DDR3 SDRAM and offers 6 x GigaLAN ports, 4 x SATA interfaces, 8 x USB2.0 ports, and integrated HD Audio.

5.25 miniboards with Socket P for Intel Core 2 Duo processors from BVM. The exceptional performance of the system makes it ideal for demanding applications such as servers running the network intrusion detection systems, Unified Threat Management, Anti-Virus, Sun Microsystems' Image Packaging System , VPN gateway and other requirements of the information-intensive. In addition to the network-centric tasks, the Council also provides excellent flexibility for developers of embedded applications such as interactive clients, gaming platforms and industrial automation equipment offering graphics, memory and I / O bandwidth capacity of the management, storage, the reliability and speed.

The VGA interface is the Intel GMA 4500HMD with two VGA ports for dual-screen capabilities. Onboard 18/24-bit dual channel LVDS, 5 x RS232 and 1 x RS485 serial ports and 1 x PCI, 1 x Mini-PCI and 1 x PCI Express Mini Card sockets are provided, management of the system includes an 8-bit GPIO interface and a 256-level programmable watchdog timer.

NVIDIA demos Ion: 9400M for netbooks

NVIDIA let slip details of its proposed platform for netbooks and nettops through Ubergizmo. Nicknamed Ion, the platform combines both an Intel Atom and a GeForce 9400M on a Pico-ITX mainboard. The design lets NVIDIA reduce the number of main chips for such a system from Intel’s three to two by merging the graphics, interface and memory controllers into a single chip and creates a reference design that measures just 3.9in by 2.9in even with expansion ports.

Full Article

Tags: Intel, Nvidia, NVIDIA Ion, Atom, netbooks

Mini-ITX board uses "netbook" Atom

Axiomtek has introduced a mini-ITX motherboard using the "mobile" versions of Intel's Atom processor. With its low power consumption and impressive list of I/O, the SBC86836 targets "extremely slim" embedded applications such as in-vehicle infotainment, POS, lottery machines, and kiosks.

The SBC86836's complement of I/O includes dual gigabit Ethernet ports, both VGA and LVDS display support, eight USB ports, six serial ports, and dual SATA ports. The company does not actually quantify the SBC86836's power usage, leaving us to turn to power usage ratings for Atom chips in general.

Since the Intels Atom was first announced in May, the family of 45nm processors has become remarkably popular. In a November report on third quarter 2008 processor sales, the research firm IDC said that Atom single-handedly boosted the market by an additional eight percent, out of an overall 15.8 increase.

The first Atoms were the Z5xx series, ranging in speed from 800MHz to 1.86GHz, with TDPs from 0.65 to 2.4 Watts. The 1.6GHz Z530, for example, has a TDP of 2 Watts. These 13 x 13mm chips, generally associated with MIDs (mobile internet devices) and other highly mobile products, are invariably paired with Intel's relatively large SCH US15W, an integrated northbridge/southbridge.

The chipmaker's second wave of Atoms came in June, in the form of the N270 and 230, architecturally the same as the Z5xx series but using 22mm x 22mm packages, and different supporting chipsets -- the "mobile" 945GCSE and 82801GBM for the N270, the 82945GC and 82801GB for the 230. At 1.6GHz, the N270 and 230 have TDPs of 2.5 and 4 Watts, respectively.

As history will record, the N270 has now found a home in innumerable netbooks (Intel's name for mini-laptops). Back on the mini-ITX farm, though, the first motherboard to sport an Atom was Intel's own D945GCLF. Employing the 230 "nettop" CPU, the D945GCLF uses from 40 to 60 Watts overall, according to third party tests. Most companies creating mini-ITX motherboards have apparently followed in Intel's footsteps by choosing the 230, though Kontron used the Z5xx Atoms in its KTUS15/miTX.

The SBC86836 adheres to Via's seven-year-old mini-ITX format, measuring 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170mm). However it does comply fully with Via's Mini-ITX version 2.0 spec, announced earlier this year, since it lacks a PCI Express x16 expansion slot.

Lacking any specifics from Axiomtek, we'd have to guess that the company's selection of the 1.6GHz N270 for the SBC86836 has subtracted as much as ten Watts from the device's power budget. That said, there appears to be a lot more to the SBC86836 than just its low-power characteristics. For example, it has substantially more I/O than the Intel board already mentioned. It boasts a VGA port, two gigabit Ethernet ports, three serial ports, and four USB ports on its edge. Also on the edge are dual PS/2 ports, for keyboard and mouse, plus audio I/O, according to Axiomtek.

Axiomtek's SBC86836

Internally, headers supply an additional three serial ports, four more USB ports, dual SATA ports, and an LVDS interface, Axiomtek adds. Expansion potential includes up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a PCI slot, and a Type II CompactFlash slot.

Features and specifications listed by Axiomtek for the SBC86838 include:

* Processor -- 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270
* Memory -- Up to 2GB of DDR2 RAM, via single 240-pin slot
* Displays -- Supports CRTs up to 2048 x 1536 pixels, or LVDS LCDs up to 1600 x 1200
* Networking -- 2 x gigabit Ethernet ports
* Other I/O:

• 2 x PS/2 (for keyboard and mouse) o 8 x USB 2.0 (4 external, 4 internal)
• 1 x RS232/422/485 (external)
• 5 x RS232 (2 external, 3 internal)
• 2 x SATA-150
• VGA
• LVDS
• Audio I/O
• 8 channels of digital I/O (4 in, 4 out)
  

* Expansion:

• PCI slot
• Type II CompactFlash slot

* Operating temperature -- 0 to 60 deg. C (32 to 140 deg. F)
* Dimensions -- 6.7 x 6.7 inches (170 x 170mm)

Further information

Axiomtek did not announce pricing, but said the SBC86836 will be available during January 2009. Operating system support was not specified, but the Intel CPU and chipset have run Windows XP, Windows XP Embedded, Windows Vista, Linux, and other OSes on a wide variety of previous devices.

More information may be found on the company's website, here.

For further information about IDC's report regarding Intel Atom sales, see our sister site eWEEK.com, here.

DSM - Small fanless control computer for POS/POI and digital signature applications

With its small dimensions of only 180mm x 180mm x 55mm, the PicoBox from DSM Computer, is seen as the perfect fanless control computer for POS/POI and digital signature applications. The PicoBox augments DSM's embedded systems product line with the high-performance NanoServers and the scalable BookSize PCs for ultra-compact applications, says the company.

The PicoBox is currently available in two variants. The first variant is the PicoBox C2 (96M1611L) model based on the low-POWER Intel Atom N270 processor with a clock frequency of 1.6GHz. The integrated Intel 82945GSE chipset with the Southbridge ICH7M also operates very energy-efficiently. Together they consume only approximately 4.5W. Despite the small power consumption, the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950VGA allows the PicoBox C2 to provide good graphic performance. A DVI output is provided as graphical interface.

The second variant is PicoBox C1 (96M1610L) based on the AMD Geode LX800 processor with 500MHz and the AMD CS5536 chip set with internal AMD 2D VGA controller. In contrast to the PicoBox C2, the display is attached using a VGA interface.

Both PicoBox variants offer a dual-LAN interface ideal for use as a client in network applications. Whereas the PicoBox C2 provides GigaBit LAN (2x 1000 Base T) connections, C1 provides two 10/100 Base TX interfaces. If required, WIRELESS LAN 802.11b/g is also supported. In addition to four USB 2.0 ports, two serial outputs and a PS/2 connection (PicoBox C2) or four serial outputs (PicoBox C1) are available. For specific customers, a separate interface panel allows additional external interfaces to be made available.

The high-quality PicoBox housing has space for a 2.5-inch hard disk (Ultra DMA/33/66/100). A USB 2.0 interface allows the external connection of a floppy or a CD/DVD-ROM drive. The CF socket permits the data storage to a Compact Flash.

An external 100VAC to 240VAC 45W power pack, an optional external 8VDC to 30VDC supply or a direct 12VDC input supplies power to the extremely compact embedded system. The operating temperature range is specified as 0C to +50C, says the company.

Kontron - Compact medical panel PC with 10.4-inch SVGA touch display

The highly-compact and cost-optimized 10.4-inch SVGA MediClient Panel PC, for medical equipment OEMs, has been introduced by Kontron.

The MediClient 104 is a fanless medical Panel PC with a durable, lightweight plastic housing that offers IP65 protection and can be tailor-made to suit OEMs' corporate designs. Despite its compact size, the MediClient 104 offers a comprehensive set of interconnects including dual Ethernet (10/100), dual USB 2.0, serial RS232 (opt. RS422/RS485) and an optional CAN bus interface. VESA arm mounting makes the fanless Kontron MediClient 104 the easy-to-integrate medical HMI for a wide spectrum of cost-sensitive OEM medical applications in operating theatres, emergency stations and other infection-sensitive areas that require sharp graphics and intuitive user interfaces in a space-saving, robust and hygienic design.

Scalable up to the Intel Celeron M processor with 1GHz, the cost-optimized MediClient 104 features up to 1024MB of RAM and a Compact Flash socket plus an optional 2.5-inch HDD for data storage. The 800x600, easy-to-read bright (230 cd/m_) TFT touch screen, which is usable with gloves and stylus pens, is resistant to disinfectants and detergents. The plastic housing (ABS UL94V0) is scratch-proof, corrosion resistant and chemical resistant for long life and easy cleaning.

Shock and vibration resistance, thermal stability and compatibility with EN60601-01 are standard features of the MediClient Panel PCs, as is long-term availability of at least 5 years. The fanless cooling concept not only reduces noise but also ensures very high reliability with a MTBF of more than 40,000 hours. The CE, FCC, cULus certified MediClient complies to US:FCC47 CFR PART15, Class A level, EN61000-6-2 and EN55022/A (CISPR22) regulations.

Windows CE.net, Windows XP Embedded and Embedded Linux are available as standard operating systems along with numerous protocols, including http, XML and RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), says the company.