View Full Version : Everex gPC Mini - Almost perfect for XBMC?
Everex announced a new gPC computer:
http://www.techworldspace.com/2008/02/26/everex-gpc-vs-mac-mini/
The specs seems perfect for XBMC. It will definitely run 720p. Need to check about 1080p. Could be that 512MB would even be enough.
Worth considering...
-Yuval
maybe enuff for 720p with a little offloading onto gpu
Seems very interesting. Will probably never reach sweden though :sad:
Razor_109
2008-02-27, 15:22
i was just wondering, both the Mac Mini and now this gPC run on a Mobile-CPU Dualcore @ 1,86Ghz..
but as mentioned in the forums a couple of times is that for a steady 1080p playback a 2,6ghz or even better a 3ghz is needed.. so i was wondering is this really a 'perfect' system for XBMC? i mean, is expected that in the future GPU-Based decoding (even on a Graphics Media Accelerator GMA950) would be powerfull enough so a 1,8Ghz DualCore could run HD-Content (1080p)? Both PC's have limited expansion possibility's and no possibility to add a graphicscard or hd-tvtuner.. Maybe not as important but it doesnt contain a HDMI-Out.. so you'd always be dealing with seperate DVI + Audio cables.
By the way... correct me if i'm wrong and playing 1080p is not a criterium of XBMC-Linux.. I know HD is a criterium.. but dont know if 720p of 1080p is meant..
It sure is a nice concept, very small and quiet.. but bit expensive though.. for 300euro its possible to build a e8400 based system.. not as pretty and quiet.. but still.. well i'm just still deciding what to buy and i'm leaning towards starting of with a 300euro system based on e8400 which should be pretty future-proof..
This post is not meant to 'bash' these systems because i think its the beginning of something very nice (small, quiet, relitivaly fast) but still i think they are not yet powerfull enough to be future proof and still lack some important HTPC-Specs..
My TV is only capable of 720p so it would be good for me but it might have to little oomph for 1080p.
I want a quiet one and a small one is a must, otherwise it just doesn't fit in my stereo capinet, Didn't messuare it before I bought it :S
Gamester17
2008-02-27, 16:51
i was wondering is this really a 'perfect' system for XBMC? i mean, is expected that in the future GPU-Based decoding (even on a Graphics Media Accelerator GMA950) would be powerfull enough so a 1,8Ghz DualCore could run HD-Content (1080p)?No, I think that Yuval was refering to 'perfect for a low-end' machine for 720p playback. Some people only own a 720p capable TV/display while others may think that 720p to 1080p upscaling is good enough, so it could be perfect for those people.
You will note that the Everex gPC has a 1.86GHz Intel Pentium Dual Core Mobile Processor T2130.
While the Mac Mini has a more modern 1.86GHz Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo Mobile Processor T5500.
Personally I am still hoping that Apple will release a Mac Mini update before the summer.
Gamester17
2008-02-27, 17:16
AOpen MiniPC MP965-DR barabone is another contender
http://minipc.aopen.com/Global/
More expensive but support Inel 45nm Penryn CPU (the latest Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo Mobile Processor)
http://minipc.aopen.com/Global/news/20080110.htm
http://minipc.aopen.com/Global/rcl.htm
Or for the DIY. I've been eyeballing these, although they are IMPOSSIBLE to find in sweden :S
Albatron KI690-AM2 (http://www.albatron.com.tw/English/product/MB/pro_detail.asp?rlink=Specification&no=239)
And the Silverstone lc-09 (http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_contents.php?pno=lc09&area=)
Combine that with a reasonable fast AM2 processor and that's quite a machine.
Here's what I wish I'd gone with - an XPC (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101042). They have a couple of models capable of handling the 775 (another (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101061)) and at least one has an overclocked 45nm E8400 running 4Ghz from what I've found reading various forums. We don't need that kind of speed but hey it might be nice to have anyway:D The video would probably have to be disabled and an 8500GT used but these are pretty nice boxes with a fairly small form factor. I have a few of them here that are older models and I really like them - slap them in a carrying case, sling it over your shoulder, and goto someone's house to play games or video on it. Sadly the ones I have are probably not near fast enough for XBMC to run 1080 which is my desired target. <shrug> All added up I paid more than that for my XBMC machine, I kick myself for it too. I may buy one to process video on and I'm pondering a Mini for my small upstairs TV. I too would like to see a refresh done on the Mini, they just bumped the MBP so maybe come next Tuesday we'll get a surprise:;):
Keep the little PC ideas coming, if nothing it's interesting to see what all is ouot there!
majorheadache
2008-02-28, 09:19
Keep the little PC ideas coming, if nothing it's interesting to see what all is ouot there!
+1 for little PC ideas!
Speaking of little ideas, I found a site that sells flash disk modules from 256MB to 8GB. A 2gig IDE model is only about 70 bucks. It looks to be about as big as your thumb (well, my thumb anyway) and plugs right into the IDE slot (SATA is available too). Does this seem like a good way to reduce boot times and eliminate HDD noise and power consumption (assuming you only need a streamer without storage)?
Would 2GB be enough for the OS and XBMC?
+1 for little PC ideas!
Speaking of little ideas, I found a site that sells flash disk modules from 256MB to 8GB. A 2gig IDE model is only about 70 bucks. It looks to be about as big as your thumb (well, my thumb anyway) and plugs right into the IDE slot (SATA is available too). Does this seem like a good way to reduce boot times and eliminate HDD noise and power consumption (assuming you only need a streamer without storage)?
Would 2GB be enough for the OS and XBMC?
Yeah it should be enough. But to be sure you should remove as many packages as possible :) openoffice.org-* and gnome-game* and such takes a bit of space, those two take a 250mb I think.
Bah! what I did was buy a WD Passport portable USB drive. Cracked it open, pulled the SATA notebook drive out, and used that - plugs right into standard SATA connectors.
Not quiet enough? Too expensive? Okay fine - head for eBay and get a CF/IDE adapter. Here's one that just ended (http://cgi.ebay.com/BOOTABLE-DUAL-IDE-TO-CF-COMPACT-FLASH-CONVERTER-ADAPTER_W0QQitemZ290209736790QQihZ019QQcategoryZ41 994QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). These are DIRT cheap, use standard CHEAP C/F, and with a dual device you ought to be able to get a good bit more than 2Gigs on there without a second mortgage. I bought one of the single ones before I knew about the duals but have not yet tested it. IMO if you want low power and quiet this would be an excellent way to go and possibly cheaper than the store found earlier:p
I don't mind spending money but I'll go cheap when I can and these little CF things were kewl enough and cheap enough I bought one a few months ago without even a need. Maybe if we get XBMC cut down enough I'll put it to use!
althekiller
2008-02-29, 02:15
Why not just net boot?
Why not just net boot?
Can honestly say I've never tried that but might be interested if I could figure it out:o
Gamester17
2008-02-29, 10:45
Stealth Computer's LPC-450 and LPC-450PCI = VERY EXPENSIVE mini PCs
http://www.stealthcomputer.com
http://www.engadget.com/2007/05/26/stealth-computers-lpc-450-mini-pc/Stealth Computer's LPC-450 mini PC
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/05/5-25-07-lpc_450.jpg
Itching for something to match real pretty with your $1,195 Stealth Computer keyboard? If so, the very same company has recently unveiled a miniature PC that costs just marginally more than the 'board itself, but the LPC-450 packs some pretty decent specs into a battle-ready 5.7- x 9.9- x 1.65-inch enclosure. The slightly unattractive case can pack a wide range of Intel's Core 2 Duo processors, up to 1GB of RAM, a DVD writer, between 80GB and 160GB of hard drive space (or an SSD for a serious upcharge), your choice of operating system, Intel's GMA950 integrated graphics set, gigabit Ethernet, and a plethora of ports including audio in / out, VGA out, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, RS232, FireWire, and even a parallel printer port for kickin' it like it's 1995. The case itself is said to be made of "rugged extruded aluminum," and the only fan noise should come from the one keeping the CPU from getting too toasty. Stealth's wee machine can be picked up now for just under $1,400 in the base configuration, but specing it out like you truly desire will push things quite a bit higher.
http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/26/stealths-rugged-lpc-450pci-little-pc-makes-room-for-pci-card/Stealth's rugged LPC-450PCI Little PC makes room for PCI card
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/02/2-26-08-lpc-450pci.jpg
If Stealth Computer's LPC-450 was just a bit too diminutive for your tastes, you'll be thrilled to know that the latest flavor has been opened up a bit to make room for a PCI card of your choosing. As was the case with the LPC-350PCI Little PC, this iteration includes PCI expansion slot capability along with a Core 2 Duo processor and an anodized aluminum chassis that could probably be dropped from the rear of a moving truck sans issue. Additionally, you'll find Ethernet, USB (x3), FireWire, PS/2 mouse and keyboard connectors, a 160GB hard drive (or an SSD, if you choose) and an optional DVD burner to boot. Seems as if these are made to be customized, so feel free to give Stealth a ring if you're interested in claiming one as your ownIntel 775-socket but WAY TO EXPENSIVE!
...and ugly too...
The Aopen minipc that you linked to, Gamester17, is still on top on my wishlist, with minimac on second place...
Wow, and I thought Apple was overpriced. Twice the price of a mac mini for a worse config.
edit: I wonder how these companies are in business.
edit2: I guess by selling these (http://www.stealthcomputer.com/portables_notebook.htm).
skunkm0nkee
2008-02-29, 12:43
What about the Asus Nova P22:
http://stuff.tv/Review/Asus-Nova-P22/
What about the Asus Nova P22:
http://stuff.tv/Review/Asus-Nova-P22/
Seems ok, the GMA 3000 (different from X3100) is similar to GMA 950. But given that the description says that it's a desktop computer, I'd say that's quite a sacrifice since at desktop sizes, you can get a much better GPU. Intel's current mobile top of the line is the X3100 (965 chipset) which is a whole generation more advanced than the i915 based GMA 3000 / 950 (supports hardware T/L, vertex shaders, etc). Moreover, if you're going desktop, the only choice should be Nvidia (at least if you're thinking linux/xbmc).
The Hush minipc's
http://www.hushtest.de/hushshop/shop/media/itxe_mce_silver_snu_w.jpg (http://www.hushtechnologies.net/)
Very silent, goodlooking but very pricey :)
Mcubed ain't cheaper :) but they are SILENT
Anyone played around with the Asus Eee PC? Looks like it's powerful enough to run compiz out of the box. Might even be able to run XBMC.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRP8fPcaSzI
Review:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMjIW5qyq3s
Given it's very low price ($200-$400), it's tempting to pick up one just for kicks.
skunkm0nkee
2008-02-29, 23:08
I've had one for a couple of months now and think its fantastic. Only just started to try and put XBMC on it over the last few days and haven't been too successfull in getting it to compile in the default Xandros OS - I get an error as __static_chk_fail or something like that doesn't exist?
I think my next task is to get Ubuntu running on it and take it from there.
rodalpho
2008-03-01, 03:20
The eeepc has GMA 900 graphics; can that run XBMC? If so, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Only problem is that the 630Mhz celeron CPU is actually slower than an xbox1.
The original XBOX had a 733mhz PIII, while the clock is faster it's possibly not as fast overall.
Only problem is that the 630Mhz celeron CPU is actually slower than an xbox1.
I think it's 900MHz, but yeah definitely not for HD material. It just seems like a good ultra portable (almost UMPC size) and almost unbeatable price. What's interesting is that it even has a GPU with some acceleration. Of course, discarding the price, one of these (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665246465) with a GMA 950 is much better.
Edit: I suppose it is categorized (http://www.dynamism.com/eee-pc/main.shtml) as a UMPC.
rodalpho
2008-03-01, 06:13
From what I can find from quick googling, it's 630Mhz with a stock underclocked 70Mhz bus. You can safely overclock the bus to 100Mhz and get it to run at 900Mhz though.
The celeron M is based on the pentium-M technology, so it'll be around 10% slower Mhz-for-Mhz than a core duo or 20% slower than a core2duo. It's roughly comparable to a pentium-3 at the same speed, I'd guess. Either way, not enough to handle HD.
From what I can find from quick googling, it's 630Mhz with a stock underclocked 70Mhz bus. You can safely overclock the bus to 100Mhz and get it to run at 900Mhz though.
You're right, the actual processor is 900MHz, but it comes factory underclocked (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC#Specifications). Interesting that it's actually sold as 900MHz systems.
bmfrosty
2008-03-03, 23:11
Is OpenGL 2.0 no longer a requirement? I know that there had been changes to get GMA950 working in the OS-X version, but I had figured that those were just individual hacks...
Is OpenGL 2.0 no longer a requirement? I know that there had been changes to get GMA950 working in the OS-X version, but I had figured that those were just individual hacks...
OpenGL 2.0 is what is recommended, XBMC will still run with basic functionality on lower OpenGL versions, as low as OpenGL 1.2 (GMA 950, GMA X3100 on OSX).
The hacks weren't for getting the GMA 950 working, it was to get the X3100 working (under OSX), but that was because of broken OSX drivers and has nothing to do with OpenGL versions.
skunkm0nkee
2008-03-04, 15:58
Well I've got Ubuntu 7.10 now running off the SD card on my eee PC and have managed to get XBMC up and running - I have to say that it works really well! :grin:
I had been hoping that I could get it running @720p so I could continue the development of the Fluid skin on it but since it's only an 800x600 screen then that was never too likely.
Well I've got Ubuntu 7.10 now running off the SD card on my eee PC and have managed to get XBMC up and running - I have to say that it works really well! :grin:
I had been hoping that I could get it running @720p so I could continue the development of the Fluid skin on it but since it's only an 800x600 screen then that was never too likely.
How is the boot time on SD card? General performance? I have XBMC installed on HD for now but thinking of switching.
skunkm0nkee
2008-03-04, 16:22
How is the boot time on SD card? General performance? I have XBMC installed on HD for now but thinking of switching.
It's not quick to boot into Ubuntu but not drive you insane slow either.
In terms of performance it's slightly slower but on the whole once things are up and running it's not bad at all.
Gamester17
2008-03-04, 16:28
I think booting/running on a fast CompactFlash (CF) memory card in a CompactFlash to ATA/IDE/SATA-adapter might give better performance than booting/running from USB.
dustobub
2008-03-04, 19:52
I think one of these would be perfect, especially as they are targeted to industrial use and have longer lifetimes.
IDE Flash Modules
http://www.transcendusa.com/products/Modlist.asp?CatNo=87&LangNo=0
At $92 for a 4Gig module I think I'd stick with the eBay adapters I linked earlier and a couple of reasonably good CF modules. More space and a HUGE savings!
althekiller
2008-03-05, 03:24
Anybody tried to go diskless with netboot? 100Mbit should be fine, GigE would definitely be fast enough.
Honestly if I had some idea how to set it up I might try it. I have gig-e but I am not sure what is really needed. my DHCP server is on a router, a modded Linksys, so it might be able to provide support if something special is needed. My NAS all run stripped down Linux too so possibly some help there and likely what I'd use to store a boot image anyway. I'll try asking around the unRAID support forum and see if anyone is doing it on one of those boxes.
majorheadache
2008-03-05, 06:31
At $92 for a 4Gig module I think I'd stick with the eBay adapters I linked earlier and a couple of reasonably good CF modules. More space and a HUGE savings!
I went ahead and ordered one of those, just for fun. They're so cheap, I couldn't resist. While looking for prices on a flash disk module though, I came across some reviews on newegg and the common thread was, 'nice not to have a hdd, but not necessarily any faster'. Nevertheless, I'm up for trying not having a hard drive for awhile.
Anybody tried to go diskless with netboot? 100Mbit should be fine, GigE would definitely be fast enough.
Haven't set up such a system myself but when I get my NAS up and running I'll definatly try it. Seems like a good compensation with speed, and moves the noise away to a place were it doesn't matter :)
djdafreund
2008-03-05, 09:21
My Ubuntu install on my 4Gig Corsair stick loads (seems like) same if not a hair quicker then my 400gig USB hard drive Ubuntu install.
Haven't set up such a system myself but when I get my NAS up and running I'll definatly try it. Seems like a good compensation with speed, and moves the noise away to a place were it doesn't matter :)
Currently I'm using a SATA laptop drive, no disk noise to speak of. bought a portable drive and simply cracked it open to get the 250Gig SATA drive out of it. Laptop SATA shares desktop SATA connections.
bmfrosty
2008-03-17, 11:22
Well I've got Ubuntu 7.10 now running off the SD card on my eee PC and have managed to get XBMC up and running - I have to say that it works really well! :grin:
Do you plan to continue updating? Would you be willing to release a disc image to write to a SD Card? The eeepc sounds like it could be a great portable media player, even if you have to rely on networked data or programs stored on a USB stick.
skunkm0nkee
2008-03-17, 22:27
Do you plan to continue updating? Would you be willing to release a disc image to write to a SD Card? The eeepc sounds like it could be a great portable media player, even if you have to rely on networked data or programs stored on a USB stick.
Not sure what you mean by updating, if you mean do I mean to keep up to date with the latest version of XBMC then yep I do. I primarily set it up so I could play about with the code and also to use as a mobile skin development device but as a mobile media player it works great. (I have a pocket 250GB usb drive that has media on it)
As far as releasing a disc image I don't think I'm the right guy for that (linux is really not my strong point) and I have all sorts of secure stuff on there that I wouldn't be happy in giving out my mistake. Sorry :no:
If you look on wiki.eeeuser.com there are a few guides on how to setup Ubuntu on the eee and then just follow the guide in the README.linux to get it up and running and you're there.
If you do have any problems with that please feel free to ask and I'll help if I can.
bmfrosty
2008-03-18, 03:18
If you look on wiki.eeeuser.com there are a few guides on how to setup Ubuntu on the eee and then just follow the guide in the README.linux to get it up and running and you're there.
If you do have any problems with that please feel free to ask and I'll help if I can.
I think I'll be picking up one of the 9" models when they come out just for this purpose. This seems to me to be a great platform for a low end media player, and it becomes even better if it can be done via a distributable image. This to me seems like awesome way to implement XBMC.
Thanks.
What about running XBMC on a ps3? Dont know how well Linux is handling all the ps3's cores or if the memory isnt enough. But this is just a thought. Will it be able to play 1080p? If so the ps3 will be a nice buy! :)
Gamester17
2008-03-20, 01:18
What about running XBMC on a ps3? Dont know how well Linux is handling all the ps3's cores or if the memory isnt enough. But this is just a thought. Will it be able to play 1080p? If so the ps3 will be a nice buy! :)Way OFF-TOPIC, move that discussion to => http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21849
...and search before you post next time!
Anybody tried to go diskless with netboot? 100Mbit should be fine, GigE would definitely be fast enough.
Yep, I have a VIA EPIA(with NFORCE PCI GFX) booting via PXE, currently on 100Mbit. On this particular setup the diff from Mbit to Gbit switch were little to non on normal usage, this includes booting & running XBMC or Mythfrontend. Of course the penalty running via a Mbit switch comes into play on any heavy "system disk" I/O usage.
Its only a 1Ghz CPU in this puppy, but perfect for my SD TV content. Running a very slimlined Gentoo install with EvilWM at 1024x768 hooked to a 32" LCD panel.
I got a Asus EEE, but discarded its XBMC usage due to the OpenGL 2.0 recommendation, I guess I should do a compile and test it. I absolutely love this laptop for Mythfronted usage, if its usable with its GPU for XBMC I really couldnt ask for more. =)
bmfrosty
2008-04-16, 07:59
Sorry for bumping an old thread, but I saw this:
Shuttle KPC (http://us.shuttle.com/KPC/)
and it looks like a pretty good basis for a set-top XBMC box. I went ahead and put together a wish list on newegg (http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=7655372) as an possible build for the future. My questions are for the people who are running the 950 graphics solution with XBMC under linux.
How well does the 950 deal with 1080i in linux? Are there any tearing issues? Is there a preferred revision of Ubuntu (or xubuntu) to use?
Thanks.
Here: http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=32601
bmfrosty
2008-04-16, 18:39
Here: http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=32601
I saw that thread, but it's about running os-x on non apple hardware more than about how well XBMC plays with the 950. I'm looking for someone to say "I run xbmc on linux on a 950 based PC, hooked up to a 1080i/p TV, and it ....".
althekiller
2008-04-16, 19:14
"Sucks" will most likely be the response. It doesn't support gl2.0 which is pretty much a requirement for any hopes at a resolution that high. It doesn't support pixel shader model 3.0 either which helps quite a bit too.
You don't need user experiences to draw these types of conclusions. Just read the requirements and check the hardware for support.