[mythtv-users] Requesting some sample kill a watt meter numbers

[Michael T. Dean]

  On 01/19/2011 08:10 AM, Matthew McClement wrote:
> No, these days the chipset and CPU draw fairly similar levels of power,
> at least with the i series stuff. SPCR's SB review includes the draw of
> both the new SB as well as the older Core i stuff, and it's all under
> 20W at idle(DC draw, you need to factor in power supply inefficiencies
> to get the AC figure):
>
> http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1139-page4.html
>
> The problem you will run into, however, is that all the *other*
> components can have a fairly drastic effect on power draw. Hard drives,
> tuners and even fans all draw power and can have a fairly drastic impact
> on overall system power draw. All it takes is 2-3 idle 3.5" 7200rpm 4
> platter drives to to exceed the total power draw of the CPU and chipset
> at idle...

And just a reminder:  all these other components are components you 
would be using whether you go with an Atom or a real processor--so 
either way they're going to take that additional power.  :)

Mike