My current computer has its problems from time to time. It's a huge and noisy big tower. I really would like to replace it with a so called Nettop, that's a very small and compact computer. However I would like to play some older games from time to time. I want a solution which is at least as powerful as my actual GPU, a Geforce 6800 Ultra. So my question is: Is there any onboard graphic plattform (e.g. Nvidia ION) already as powerful as an Geforce 6800 Ultra?
bump: looks like a motherboard with the ATI 785G chipset has the HD4200 IGP, which is at or above in gaming performance. So, at least an AMD powered PC might be an option for you. I would say that the ION (nvidia 9300m) is probably just the same as they are kinda competing IGPs. So, I think todays nettops with ION chips are just as good as the GPU you have now, but also more efficient, thus quieter ;-).
The Nvidia ION and the 9400M graphics cards are one in the same, the only difference between the regular 9400M and ION is the CPU its paired with. That said your going to see a big difference between a notebook running the 9400M with a Core 2 Duo processor and a Nettop running ION with the Atom processor.
@madhatter256: thanks for your research A PC in the size of a Nettop is very interesting because you can easily mount it behind your monitor. It's nearly invisible there - I like such a discrete and silent solution. However I wouldn't buy such a solution if it's not at least as powerful as my current system. Probably I should wait for the next generation. What do you think? btw, it doesn't have to be an Atom powered System. A Mac mini would be nice too and is still small enough. However MAC's are pretty expensive.
Would you be up for building something? You could start with something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129041
Have you looked into Acer Veriton systems? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...227&cm_re=acer_veriton-_-83-103-227-_-Product I've worked with that model. You can upgrade to a better GPU, but it has to be low profile, but as it is, it is quiet, small and the current onboard gpu is decent enough.
I would like to buy a complete system. Building up something is always more expensive because I would need to buy a license for Windows 7. The Acer Veriton is pretty interesting. However I should wait a few months when it's (hopefully) available with Windows 7.
Spend the money and get a new Mac Mini. Yeah, for 2/3rds of the price you could get a 'nettop', but they're not really good for anything other than web browsing. Spend £500 on the base model Mini and you'll have something that's many many time more capable than an Ion system for a small price difference. And this way you also get to avoid a sore throat from swearing at Windows on a daily basis :110:
I've just noticed that Nvidia will ship the ION2 in Q1 2010. I think I will wait for the next generation.
If you already have a monitor, the Mac Mini is ~$600. Granted, this is only with a 160gb hard drive, but you could always upgrade. The 9400m is alright for light gaming (Oblivion runs well on mostly high settings), but an Atom will definitely bring it down. Get something with at least a Core 2 Duo.
