[Micro-ATX] A6-3500 (3x2.1Ghz/2.4Ghz) + HD6530D

TeKo Wrote:Try to get Shuriken Rev. B:
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Component...=skinflint.

I set my Bios to 55°C and level1. If you have the Asrock board do that in Bios I dont really like to control stuff like that with Win Software.


If you have fans in your case (PSU and CPU) you can always hear them but with that combo I have to go really really near to hear something.

Imo the only thing that would need case fans are the HDD and I have a Samsung Green that was in a external case without vents before so I dont think I get trouble in the ML03.

So how is that AMD A6-3500 working out for you? See any advantage to bumping up to the A8-3850 if you where building again?

Did you try AMD fan that came w/ CPU (would it fit in ML03B case)? I see you ended up using the Scythe. I have two Rev. B to pick from - SCSK-1100 and SCBSK-2100 (you have suggestion)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLis...&x=19&y=19

Nope, no problems feels like my desktop with X6@3.5ghz and hd6850 I dont think you would see a difference between the A6 and A8 for HTPC use.

Nah never tried any stock fan since 2000. But It should fit cause its a really small fan and the only thing that can give you trouble is this stabilization thing in the case.

Both Shuriken should be the same for the A6 so I took the cheaper one.
Set BIOS to target temp 55-60 and target speed 1.
My Shuriken is running around 1000rpm all the time.

TeKo Wrote:Nope, no problems feels like my desktop with X6@3.5ghz and hd6850 I dont think you would see a difference between the A6 and A8 for HTPC use.

Nah never tried any stock fan since 2000. But It should fit cause its a really small fan and the only thing that can give you trouble is this stabilization thing in the case.

Both Shuriken should be the same for the A6 so I took the cheaper one.
Set BIOS to target temp 55-60 and target speed 1.
My Shuriken is running around 1000rpm all the time.

Just thinking if I try to push HTPC to also handle 3D gaming (this thing will be connected to 3D projector), then I'll want more power. And I can add a GPU if I need to.

Hellcat Wrote:Just thinking if I try to push HTPC to also handle 3D gaming (this thing will be connected to 3D projector), then I'll want more power. And I can add a GPU if I need to.

With A8-3850/HD6550D, you should be able to playback most 3D games. You can find all the info on A8-3850 in this thread- Great Gift (AMD A8-3850).

TeKo Wrote:Nope, no problems feels like my desktop with X6@3.5ghz and hd6850 I dont think you would see a difference between the A6 and A8 for HTPC use.

Nah never tried any stock fan since 2000. But It should fit cause its a really small fan and the only thing that can give you trouble is this stabilization thing in the case.

Both Shuriken should be the same for the A6 so I took the cheaper one.
Set BIOS to target temp 55-60 and target speed 1.
My Shuriken is running around 1000rpm all the time.

Using that CPU fan, did you have any issues with DDR3 modules? Did you have to use low profile or do you have modules with the extnended heat sink fins?

bluray Wrote:With A8-3850/HD6550D, you should be able to playback most 3D games. You can find all the info on A8-3850 in this thread- Great Gift (AMD A8-3850).

Thanks for info. I'm pushing this thing as I mentioned so I will also get faster DDR3 than that listed. What's your thought on the SDD? Was looking at 60-80GB range and leaning toward Crucial M4 CT064M4SSD2 2.5" 64GB, but would consider Mushkin Enhanced Chronos 60GB or Corsair Force Series 3 60GB. Even considering Intel 320 series 80GB for $30 more. I think all had similar read/write speeds.

Hmm imo for heavy gaming even the A8 is to weak.
On low you should be able to play anything, you can check youtube for videos.
But I dont think A8 can handle max settings or even AA, AF.

Iam using Ram with normal heatsinks.
Maybe with sth like Ripjaws you could have a problem becuse the Heatsink from the Shuriken are over one of the Ram slots.
So if you only have 1 module no problem.
The Shuriken 2 could be a problem with with normal heatsinks never had one but it should reach over both slots.

EDIT: Any Corsair/Samsung/Intel with r/w > 250mbs

Oh btw if you go for the A8 the Shurikens are both not for 100w CPUs so use the stock cooler or try one if they keep the cpu cool enough.

TeKo Wrote:Hmm imo for heavy gaming even the A8 is to weak.
On low you should be able to play anything, you can check youtube for videos.
But I dont think A8 can handle max settings or even AA, AF.

Iam using Ram with normal heatsinks.
Maybe with sth like Ripjaws you could have a problem becuse the Heatsink from the Shuriken are over one of the Ram slots.
So if you only have 1 module no problem.
The Shuriken 2 could be a problem with with normal heatsinks never had one but it should reach over both slots.

EDIT: Any Corsair/Samsung/Intel with r/w > 250mbs

Oh btw if you go for the A8 the Shurikens are both not for 100w CPUs so use the stock cooler or try one if they keep the cpu cool enough.

Thanks TeKo. What would be your CPU of choice if you were to push gaming hard?

I just meant that I wouldnt buy a HTPC for gaming.
I want my HTPC to be silent and energy saving.

Imo the A8 is the best choice for a gaming HTPC.
Maybe get a case that can fit a normal gfx card so you can buy one if the A8 isnt enough anymore.

TeKo Wrote:I just meant that I wouldnt buy a HTPC for gaming.
I want my HTPC to be silent and energy saving.

Imo the A8 is the best choice for a gaming HTPC.
Maybe get a case that can fit a normal gfx card so you can buy one if the A8 isnt enough anymore.

Hadn't thought of that. Do they make low profile or half height gfx cards?