Ion based ITX motherboard performance?

[syph007]

I've been looking at the IONITX type all in one based mobos for my next bartop project.   Specifically I'm thinking of this one:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500027&Tpk=IONITX-A-U

Does anyone have any experience with these, with respect to MAME and other emu preformance.  Ideally I'd like something that is decent in MAME, Project64 and NullDC.

I found some older threads talking about the older atom processors, but nothing on the IONs.

[milkit]

i am not 100% positive, but im pretty sure ion is just fancy video processing. Its still an atom CPU which is slow as molases. Just like with a "normal" pc the video card doesnt really matter on mame, its all cpu.

that being said, for $199 you can get a bad ass mobo/cpu combo that would blow this out of the water.

Atoms have their place, but imo a mame cabinet is not one of them

[milkit]

i am stupid ignore this double post

[Blanka]

For classics on an LCD screen it is good. The ION delivers decent up-scaling to ridiculous 2560x1600 if you want, and a 330 dual core is probably good to drive the emulation (I have a single core 270 with GMA 900, at that works for the classics).

[BobA]

I have the exact mb that you show.   It is good for most MAME games and even works with Future Pinball if features toned down.  CHDs do not work well but they do not work well on most CPUs. It has been pointed out to me that I can now get a dual core Intel or AMD with a slot for a graphics card for the same price in the same board format. Those boards were not available when I got my IONATX AU board.

[WhereEaglesDare]

The ION is an Nvidia Graphics Adapter that is similar to the 9500m (much better than standard on board video), the Atom 330 is 1.6GHz DUAL CORE, I am using one right now.  I havnt tried PRoject 64 on it but it plays MAME really nice, I am having issue with Killer Instinct but I dont think its the PC.  I run Team Fortress 2, Fall Out 3, Left 4 Dead, Call of Duty 4 on it and its a NETBOOK.  ASUS 1201N.  The ION also can do true 1080P HD Video where standard onboard video can not get close.  the ION + 330 combo is great, use at least 2 GB of RAM though.  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.  And if it is 200 bucks and it is ready to rock and roll out of the box, it is a great deal in my opinion.

[Benevolance]

I'm running that same board in my HTPC with 2gb ram and Windows 7. I bought the HTPC to replace all of the obsolete consoles in the living room. I haven't tried running Mame on it, but it has no problem running Project 64 so far. I've mostly stuck to Golden Eye and Ocarina of Time so far. Results may vary. Consult your physician if rash develops.

[WhereEaglesDare]

Consult your physician if rash develops.

 

[syph007]

Ok thanks alot for the feedback.  This seems like a reasonable candidate for a bartop then.  Low power, low heat, can run most things... cool.  I see now there is a model that can take a regular cpu though too.... i guess that way you get more power in the same small package.   

[syph007]

Upon further reflection, it seems smarter to get the 775 socket version so I can opt for a beefier CPU.

I'm going to place an order for this one.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500035

[BobA]

Yup that's the one that came out after I got mine.  It also has the advantage of being able to take a video card if you want to upgrade the on board video.

[syph007]

I was just filling my newegg shopping cart.. i got to the DDR2... what... the heck?  The ram prices are way more than I remember paying.  For 2x2gb for 4 total, its 110... i remember paying half that a year ago, unless im really remembering wrong.

[milkit]

i built lots of mame pc's and i was buy 2x1gb ddr2 800 a-data for 39.99 w free shipping just like a month ago and the other day it was up to 55+3 shipping. its been on a steady rise.



Submitted:
    2/15/2009 4:57:29 PM

OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR800C44GK

$56.99



geez i didnt realize it had gone up so much...




Submitted:
    2/3/2008 1:53:59 PM- same memory as above i paid $110



today its $111... WTF?