Intel has officially launched the new "Clarkdale" CPU line.  The new CPUs include intel's latest GPU on-package.  The on-package GPU supports bitstreaming Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio, and offers a significant improvement in graphics quality over previous intel IGPs as well as competitor IGPs.  The Core i3 appears to be the chip to build your HTPC around.  Now let's get an truly integrated blu-ray player in W7 MC that supports bitstreaming with these IGPs and playing from folders and we'll be set!

 Anand's review and benchmarks are linked below:
http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3704&p=3

 Wow! I have been waiting for something like this for a long time. I sure hope it delivers on what it promises!! 

There is an excellent review of the platform at missing remote from an HTPC perspective.

http://www.missingremote.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4489&Itemid=236

The folks at Arcsoft pointed me to this older piece as well.  It looks like the bitstreaming capability has been developed for TMT3 - hopefully we'll get some news from CES on when it will be released. 

 http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3648&p=8

I realize PDVD9 already has bitstream support - but the inability to play from files is a show stopper for me.

Is it possible to connect in future the system to a 3d projector?

My problem is that there are no connectors for hdmi 1.4. Have anyone information about 3d DVB, etc.?

With this processor, there will be no need to use codecs to play h.264 movies?

Well, the MB has the same failing as my current MB - the PCIex1 slot in front of the PCIex16 slot, blocking the GPU fan with anything you put in the PCIex1 slot. Unless the built in graphics are good enough to run hard core games, this will be an issue.

mmatheny

Well, the MB has the same failing as my current MB - the PCIex1 slot in front of the PCIex16 slot, blocking the GPU fan with anything you put in the PCIex1 slot. Unless the built in graphics are good enough to run hard core games, this will be an issue.

 True - but I doubt anyone into hardcore gaming would consider the on-board.  There will likely be multiple layouts to suite various user needs though.

 Does anyone have one built yet?  I'd like to get some owner experience reports.  I'll likely not be upgrading anytime soon as I typically buy 1-gen behind for all client PCs in the house.

Anand has a recent review of an actual core i3 vs. the underclocked i5 previously reviewed by multiple sites.  See below.

 http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3724

 So has anyone built a core i3 system?  Please post your experiences. 

It says DirectX 10 is built into the chip but DirectX 11 is practically here. Does this mean this chip is already out-of-date or can it be upgraded to support DirectX 11?

I wouldn't rely on this chip for gaming, bit is ideal for MC.

mmatheny

Well, the MB has the same failing as my current MB - the PCIex1 slot in front of the PCIex16 slot, blocking the GPU fan with anything you put in the PCIex1 slot. Unless the built in graphics are good enough to run hard core games, this will be an issue.

This setup is not really intended for gaming at all. The power of the GPU and CPU really don't lend themselves to the power hungry games of late.

rgreenpc

mmatheny

Well, the MB has the same failing as my current MB - the PCIex1 slot in front of the PCIex16 slot, blocking the GPU fan with anything you put in the PCIex1 slot. Unless the built in graphics are good enough to run hard core games, this will be an issue.

 

This setup is not really intended for gaming at all. The power of the GPU and CPU really don't lend themselves to the power hungry games of late.

Actually - the CPU looks ideal for games, when paired with a discrete GPU.  It overclocks like a beast - and most (all?) of today's games won't benefit from more than 2 cores.

See:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=3724

The last piece of the puzzle is in place for full featured blu-ray experience w/ your core i3 system.  Total Media Theatre 3 (TMT3) finally suports bit-streaming to the Core i3/i5 motherboards.

 http://www.arcsoft.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5194&PN=1