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I'm planning to build a low-power, value HTPC. I'm really undecided if I should go for an 80PLUS Bronze Seasonic PSU OR a laptop adapter from Cooler Master (Energy Star certified).
SETUP 1. I go for the laptop adapter. I'd have to choose a special Intel mini-itx mobo (DH61AG) which is pretty expensive. Mini-itx mobo + laptop adapter = very low power
SETUP 2. I go for Seasonic PSU. I get to choose any cheap micro-atx mobo. Micro-atx mobo + Seasonic PSU = low power but a bit more than the above setup, far less expensive
(SETUP 1 has a mini-itx mobo which consumes less power than micro-atx, not to mention a very efficient efficient power adapter)
I will be pairing the mobo with Sandybridge Pentium G620.
The big question is - is SETUP 1 really going to save me a SIGNIFICANT amount of power (in terms of watts) over SETUP 2?
For a quick reference, see the power measurements here DH61AG
1This question can't be answered. It depends on a lot of things, starting with how often you actually will use the HTPC. How expensive your power is and how expensive the components are. If one is quieter than the other (important for a HTPC), etc etc. – Hennes – 2012-10-25T18:21:33.440
Welcome to Super User, Eben! Please read the [FAQ], especially the part about shopping recommendations. Your question is too localized to a specific situation such as yours to be generally useful for a broader audience. – slhck – 2012-10-25T18:41:54.343