New HTPC: A6-3500, Wesena ITX7 build

New HTPC: A6-3500, Wesena ITX7 build - Printable Version

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New Llano HTPC: A6-3500, Wesena ITX7 build - Balinus - 2011-11-29 23:14

Hello! So here's my HTPC. A big thank to the members of this forum (as well as SPCR forum), as they have been my main source of information.

Case : Wesena ITX7
CPU : A6-3500
Motherboard : Asrock A75M-ITX
RAM : Kingston HyperX 1600 (2x2GB)
Remote : HP Remote
Keyboard and mouse (integrated) : HP mini wireless keyboard
HDD : Salvaged a 2.5" HDD from an external USB HDD.
BD : 5.25 internal Samsung BD drive
External 5.25 Enclosure : Vantec (noisy....)

Replaced the stock fan with a Noctua NF-RF8 which let user with 3 presetted speed (~800, 1300 and 1800RPM), through the use of resistance. After some testing (noise and temp), I've put it on 1300RPM. If I want to game, I'll be forced to use the higher setting (which means opening the case!). So I'm still looking for a 80MM PWM fan that is not noisy (feel free to suggest!). So far, temps are always below 50C, with the CPU fan at about 30% (1600RPM) and the case fan at 1300RPM. I am satisfied with the temperatures.

Some numbers :
CPU Windows Experience Index : 6.3
GPU WEI : ~6.5
Power consumption playing 1080p file : ~27W
Power consumption under full load : ~85W

Videos: See bottom of post #2

Photos:

All the parts

Inside the Wesena ITX7

Side of the HTPC

PicoPSU

- Balinus - 2011-11-29 23:14

Watch out...I needed to bend the 3.5" HDD tray. I wasn't able to put the metal tray because the HSF is too high

The salvaged HDD came already mounted with rubber on the outside! So vibrations are dampened as I left them and use tie-wrap to fix the HDD on the metal tray.

Noctua 80mm fan

Just before placing back the cover...

Videos:
Boot up Boot

Performance inside XBMC
Performance inside XBMC

- bluray - 2011-11-29 23:27

Didn't you have the E-350 in this case?

- Balinus - 2011-11-30 00:18

No, it's the A75M-ITX. Smile

- voip-ninja - 2011-11-30 00:49

Thanks for sharing. I see that you ran into the same unfortunate problem of needing to bend the Wesena drive tray in order to clear the HSF of the CPU.

This is really a problem, especially considering that very few people will ever utilize the 3.5" drive rails that make the case have so many cpu/fan clearance problems.

Wesena really need to ditch the 3.5" drive tray altogether which would give another 1.00" of much needed cooler clearance and open the case up to better build options. Or, if they insist on having 3.5" make it OPTIONAL and sell that part for $15 separately.

- voip-ninja - 2011-11-30 00:51

Also, which PicoPSU did you go with? What's your power consumption when playing stuff in XBMC?

- kokoro - 2011-11-30 01:20

voip-ninja Wrote:Thanks for sharing. I see that you ran into the same unfortunate problem of needing to bend the Wesena drive tray in order to clear the HSF of the CPU.

This is really a problem, especially considering that very few people will ever utilize the 3.5" drive rails that make the case have so many cpu/fan clearance problems.

Wesena really need to ditch the 3.5" drive tray altogether which would give another 1.00" of much needed cooler clearance and open the case up to better build options. Or, if they insist on having 3.5" make it OPTIONAL and sell that part for $15 separately.

Hi, I ran into the same problems with my itx7 case, I had to bent the plate so much in order to fit the scythe Kozuti with a 3,5 HDD drive that I couldn't eject my DVd in the DVD drive anymore.
Finally I went for the Gelid Solutions Slim Silence iPlus 28mm high cooler and it fitted perfectly (I still have 3-4 MM clearance between the HSF and the HDD, and not too noisy as well). I think the location of the IR window is bad as well, I've ordered the IR receiver from HD-plex and I couldn't install it because the IR window is too close from the lid. The finishing of the case is very bad as well, it's not brushed aluminium like the origen M10, just black matte paint with irregular color levels and scratches all over the case. You cannot close the case well, the aluminium lid is not perfectly bended and didn't adjust well with the bottom of the case. Frown

Oh, and forgot the fan blades rubbing against the horizontal plate of the chassis, I had to use a piece of cardboard to solve the problem.

- bluray - 2011-11-30 03:06

Maybe, somebody might want to let Wesena know about this.

- Beer40oz - 2011-11-30 03:19

Thank you for the pics and vids! looks like a solid build. That APU is amazing no Macroblocking.... nice!

Can you get away by not adding that HD tray and use something else?

- voip-ninja - 2011-11-30 06:28

Beer40oz Wrote:Thank you for the pics and vids! looks like a solid build. That APU is amazing no Macroblocking.... nice!

Can you get away by not adding that HD tray and use something else?

The tray is a structural support that also houses the ODD and the 2.5" drive. Someone at another forum built a replacement frame out of wooden tack strips but it did not let him use the ODD.

Unlike Kokuro I am pretty happy with the fit and finish of this case and the overall quality. It is better than budget cases and comparing it to $249 Origen M10 seems a bit silly, of course the Origen is better it is 2.5x the cost.

I just wish they would redesign the drive bracket for the 90% of us who do not use the 3.5" drive.