[FoxTC]

Given the problems with AMD FM2 Trinity motherboards and VRM heat, I don't think I'd recommend building a fanless FM2 HTPC. Even with this build, I'd consider getting some copper heatsinks for the VRMs. They get very hot and with no airflow to speak of could lead to throttling.

Hi DFresh, can you recommend any that would fit under the hood?

[Dougie Fresh]

I've seen these recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835708011

[FoxTC]

I've seen these recommended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6835708011

Thanks bud. I've not noticed any heat or throttling issue yet and it's really hot here at the mo.

[BigDogBig]

AMD trinity is more likely the best choice at the moment?

[eskro]

i still think Lliano is best bang for buck

[Dougie Fresh]

For mini-ITX, Llano is still going to deliver the best power consumption/heat and stability. Trinity and Richland are clocked much higher and in my experience with Trinity, the 65W parts far exceeded the Llano 65W parts for power consumption and heat -- there is a correlation here.

The problem though with FM1/FM2 in general is lack of availability of mini-ITX motherboards. There's no Gigabyte or ASUS boards available. Do some research and read about the issues with the ASRock FM2 mini-ITX motherboards.

If you're building a micro-ATX rig in a bigger case with a larger CPU cooler, it's a whole different ballgame. However, even with that said, after being burned (literally and figuratively) by Trinity I would wait and see what issues crop up with Richland.

[FoxTC]

The good thing is the trend for lower tdp integrated graphics processors... The separate card manufacturers must be getting twitchy.