P4 + nvideo 8500gt, vs E6300 + Intel 3000 IGP?

[mbahr]

I will be using SageTV for playback of highdef HDHomerun content. I'm currently getting 'ok' results with a 3ghz P4 with a Nvideo 6000 series card. I'm going to build a number of additional viewing computers and am trying to figure out which is the best bang for the buck, and which would allow additional highdef viewing options (HD DVD, etc.).

I'm considreing:

3Ghz P4 + 8500gt
2.66ghz PD + 7000 series card
E4300 + 7000 series card
E6300 + Intel 3000 IGP

I'd appreciate comments on the usability of each of these systems, or comments on what to stay away from.

Thanks!

-Mike

[GTwannabe]

I'd go with the 8500GT.

[mbahr]

Thanks for the speedy reply!

Does it matter which processor I pair it with?

There seem to be alot of interesting deals on PD based machines for less than $400, including OS. I could purchase one of those and slip in the 8500GT and be done for less than $500.

Or.. I could get a deal on a E6300 based machine for about $100 more.

Or.. I could get a P4 based machine for below $300.

Suggestions on which way to lean?

-Mike

[mikesm]

Originally Posted by GTwannabe

I'd go with the 8500GT.

I would normally agree, but with really poor driver support from Nvidia, and low scores in the HQV tests, I'm not so sure that's the best choice.

I'll know soon enough, I ordered a really cheap ultra small form factor Dell optiplex 745 and it will get here soon. It has the GMA3000 integrated graphics, and since Intel focuses mostly on video performance and not gaming, their drivers are supposedly going to be very solid. And it's a tiny system too.

I'll report back on how well it works.

Also, if you are going to run Vista, there has been at least one post by Sage staff to go with the ATI boards (the 2600pro or 2600xt seem more than powerful), as Nvidia support with Sage in Vista seems very dicey right now. For XP, it's a different story.

Thanks,
Mike