When planning an AMD rig build using integrated chipsets, the usual question is which chipset to use: AMD 780G or Nvidia GeForce 8200?
Features common to both chipsets:
- 940 pins AM2+ processor socket
- HT 3.0 (1.8 GHz) CPU interface
- DDR2-667/800/1066 Dual Channel DDR2 memory support (up to 8GB)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 12x USB 2.0
- 5x 32 Bit PCI 2.3 support
- 6x SATA/300 w/ NCQ
- Blu-ray, Betamax/HD-DVD HD video
- Direct X 10.0, Shader Model 4.0
- D-Sub, DVI-D and HDMI w/ HDCP
- HDMI 1.3
AMD 780G Features:
- dual chipset design
- AMD Sb700 Southbridge
- PCIe x4 (2GB/s) chipset interlink
- 26 PCIe 2.0 Lanes PCIe support
- 0, 1,10, JBOD RAID modes
- Radeon HD2400 (RV610)-based graphics core
- 40 Graphics stream processors
- Crossfire X possible (Option: Radeon HD 2400/3450)
- ATI Avivo HD video decoding
Nvidia GeForce 8200 Features:
- Single chipset design
- 19 PCIe 2.0 Lanes PCIe support
- 0, 1,10, 5, JBOD RAID modes
- GeForce 8400 GS (G86)-based graphics core
- 16 Graphics stream processors
- Hybrid Graphics-only (Option: GeForce 8400 GS/8500 GT)
- Power Saving: HybridPower switches off discrete graphics in 2D
- Nvidia PureVideo HD
"Both chipsets have reached a level of integration, performance and efficiency that is far above what most of us associate with the term "integrated chipset". The AMD 780G and Nvidia's GeForce 8200/8300 include all features and interfaces for a modern desktop solution, multimedia system or HTPC. ... They don't deliver less performance than high-end chipsets, and they even come with decent graphics engines, which are excellent for office and multimedia, and for playing HD video from Blu-ray in FullHD resolution. ... If you don't specifically want to run dual, three-way or quad graphics, or need more sophisticated platform features such as hardcore overclocking options, these motherboards do in fact suffice - and they still provide a nice upgrade path for graphics. Nvidia was more consistent in executing its platform strategy with Hybrid Power, while AMD offers better video features (Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, Display Port) and FullHD video decoding efficiency." [Tom's Hardware | AMD and Nvidia Platforms Do Battle : Hybrid Graphics Platforms to Fire Up Multi-GPU Rendering?]
So, it boils down to what to choose. As the above article states, the 780G won in video (FullHD video decoding), while the 8200 won in graphics (Hybrid Power implementation).
Fudzilla.com tested four 780G and one 8200 motherboards:
"While AMD might not be the gaming platform of choice, it is a good choice for HTPC. Geforce 8200 consumes less power compared to 780G, but AMD still has the superior graphics-power and the better multimedia support. Using a 45W TDP CPU such as the AMD Athlon X2 4850e, this configuration is the best possibility to go for." [Fudzilla | Four 780G and one GeForce 8200 tested]
If you are more inclined to choose the chipset with the lower power consumption, the 8200 should be your best bet (Further reading: IGP Chipset Power Consumption Compared). Also, it's also helpful to note that some Linux users tend to experience less video driver compatibility problems with Nvidia graphics than ATI ones, in case you are looking to use a Linux distro as your operating system.
AnandTech tested six (6) motherboards with integrated graphics. The chipsets were: GF8300, GF8200, AMD 790GX, AMD 780G, Intel G35, and Intel G45:
"... it is difficult to declare a true winner at this time, especially given the fact that the new NVIDIA chipsets are launching shortly. However, if we had to choose one chipset for primary HTPC usage, it would be the NVIDIA GeForce 8200. The GF8200 offers 8-channel LPCM output, no hassle 1080P/24 fps playback capabilities, modest pricing, and a relatively low power envelope when paired with an appropriate processor such as the Phenom X3 8750 or Phenom X4 9350e." [AnandTech | AMD 780G vs. Intel G45 vs. NVIDIA GeForce 8200]
As of now, it seems the GF 8200 and AMD 780G chipsets are the ideal choices, with the GF 8200 more favorable for HTPC usage.
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