HTPC build with new ASUS AT5IONT-I

whatnot Wrote:What makes N550 such a perfect CPU for HTPC use, what does it have over D525 for example? I googled the datasheets, but am not deep enough to see the differentiator.

N550 has more power than D510 and D525 is only slightly faster than D510. So, N550 is probably almost as powerful as D525 but has lower TDP.

The AT510NT-I looks like a cool board... and I think with the right case and cooling it would be great. I love the better Atom processor, and despite the fact that the ION-2 chipset (OK, after reading some reviews, it's really not that, but that notwithstanding) would make a good, small HTPC that could hang around for awhile.

But, the limitation of the QVL for the RAM is stupid. If I got this system, I'd want to cram it with 4 gigs of RAM and be done with it. 2 gigs seems the bare minimum for HTPC use if you're using Windows 7. (No, some of us won't use LINUX)

A review on NewEgg points out this:
"Board does NOT support SO DIMMS made up of 256Mb chips or less.
Owner's manual only identifies a single compatible 2GB SO DIMM (HYNIX HMT325S6BFR8C-H9)"

I'm not sure how many of you have found the HYNIX RAM, but it's not cheap.
Maybe the 256MB chip thing is the deal breaker - I don't know.

Has anyone gotten 4 gigs of ram on this motherboard? Obviously ASUS's QVL list is limited....

PowerPritt Wrote:First.... It´s less the compatibility of the case to the boards. It´s the fact that the board has no mouning holes for standard coolers. You would not be able to mount any kind of other coolers out of the box. Ok, craftsmen could probably sew something to make them fit...but....

I´ll make some pics when I open the case again which will be most likely tomorrow. Meanwhile I can give you a description.
If you look at the boards heatsinks where the heatpipes are entering it, you will see that there are some nearly triangular holes. 2 besides each heat pipe one a bit bitter than the other. I took two 4mm heatpipes and swaged them a little into triangular shape (has to be done very carefully in order not to mess the pipes. Then I puzzeled them into the bigger of these holes. Took me nearly an hour of pressing and dangling back and forth but then they where in nearly full lenght. Since the are a bit under pressure there is good contact to the heat sink. I checkt if the heat pipes get hot, before I went further. The only thing to finish the things was connecting the heatpipes to the case cooling fins. Needed to extend them by other pipes since the where not long enough otherwise.
I told it is only possible with the big enclosure since the full hight is needed. I doubt, a mini ITX will be high enough.

Cheers.... Martin

If you send me your email-adress I will send you some pics. dont know how to get them in here.

PowerPritt Wrote:If you send me your email-adress I will send you some pics. dont know how to get them in here.

Check PM PowerPritt.

Just ordered HFX Micro M2. I guess I'm begging for trouble.

partimers Wrote:Did you checked the temps while playing 1080p content? What kind of case are you using?

nope, i dont have any 1080p media, i will install sensors tonight and have acloser look.
Yesterday i watche for 2 hours, rebootet the machine right away and both temps where at arround 65°C.

i am pretty happy with my setup now, clear picture, no lags, amazing xbmc (used the xbox until now).
Have to get a bette rcase because there is a high pitch noise comming out of the case, than its perfect

OldOne Wrote:nope, i dont have any 1080p media, i will install sensors tonight and have acloser look.
Yesterday i watche for 2 hours, rebootet the machine right away and both temps where at arround 65°C.

i am pretty happy with my setup now, clear picture, no lags, amazing xbmc (used the xbox until now).
Have to get a bette rcase because there is a high pitch noise comming out of the case, than its perfect

High pitch noise from where ? power suppy ?

max00 Wrote:High pitch noise from where ? power suppy ?

i think so, will run some tests this weekend
the case/PSU is an AOpen S135

FYI, an un-boxing of the deluxe. The Google Translation was a little poor but its nice to assume that the release date is nearing.

Hope its worth the wait.

Can we assume that the RAM issue for the standard are identical for the deluxe?
Has anyone found a solid 4gig solution??

Running this with no discernable issues on Windows 7. Only 1 GB of RAM due to the debacle with memory. I'd like to get another 2GB stick that works with it but with no confirmation on that other stick that was mentioned, well it looks like 1GB sticks are the only thing on the QVL now (I swear there were 2GB sticks and they changed it) so 2GB is the maximum this board supports.

SireFoss Wrote:FYI, an un-boxing of the deluxe. The Google Translation was a little poor but its nice to assume that the release date is nearing.

Hope its worth the wait.

Can we assume that the RAM issue for the standard are identical for the deluxe?
Has anyone found a solid 4gig solution??

in the review they seem to use these RAM-modules:
Samsung M471B5673EH1 - CF8
(2GB DDR3 -1066 CL7 )

Patriot PSD32G13332S
(2GB DDR3 - 1333 CL -9 SO - DIMM )