I'm looking to build a proper HTPC (instead of shoving tuner cards, etc. into standard PCs) and was going to use an ASUS M2NPV-VM motherboard as I initially wanted SVIDEO output to use with my current TV. Either that m/b or the Abit NF-M2 nView since it had on-board S/PDIF (as opposed to having to buy a S/PDIF bracket - BTW cheaper direct from ASUS).

However with the latter m/b being dropped in favour of the AN-M2 it got me to thinking and looking at what's new.

Whilst waiting to find out more about the new Abit board (the Internet seems to be full of people looking for the same info!) I came across the ASUS M2A-VM HDMI.

It appears to offer everything - VGA/DVI on-board with an included PCI Express daughterboard to provide HDMI with HDCP, SVIDEO, and S/PDIF (though I think it's coaxial rather than optical).

However the drawback appears to be that the graphics are ATI (now AMD) Radeon X1250.

I'd always been of the opinion that ATI & Linux weren't good and that Nvidia was a better choice (I'm currently using a FX 6200 card in my test KM box with no probs).

I've found that the latest ATI graphics driver for Linux 8.34.8 add support for X1250 but do not currently support Hardware Accelerated Video. I assume ATI/AMD will soon fix this.

I think this board is due for release at the beginning of April.

Any thoughts?

Simon

I have an M2NPV-VM and the video is great, performance is fine with a dual Athlon X2 but the audio is problematic.

Having build a few boxes now, I've learned there is no magic pill. Its always an experience