Strengths: Has just about everything you could want in an HTPC board; runs very cool and quiet.
Weakness: Only 2 Intel SATA ports, and they are SATA 1 only; the JMicron controller is SATA 2, but one of those ports is external; the bundled cooler is not a great choice for CPUs over 1.73GHz; see below.
Pros: Great layout, runs cool, coxial and optical out, eSATA port, FSB adjustments; latest BIOS fixes a lot of (Vista) problems (0905 BETA); awesome fit with an Antec Fusion HTPC case. The Intel Quick Resume driver under MCE is awesome! It's instant on/off when using the remote, and your shared files remain available on the network even when "off!"
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Cons: Stock HSF sucks (but I found a solution!), only two Intel SATA ports (and they are SATA 1 only), if system crashes, it defaults to booting off the first Intel SATA port (which is a problem if you are otherwise booting off an IDE drive or one on the JMicron SATA controller); the JMicron SATA controller is known to have problems if you run the Intel ports in RAID (latest 0905 BETA BIOS should address this); your board may not boot if it has an older BIOS and you are using a Core 2 Duo (Merom) CPU as they are supported in later BIOSes (do not assume DOA!). Intel ViiV technology isn't yet mature or worthwhile. I have not yet been able to get 2-channel analog working (to the TV) and 5.1-channel (optical/coaxial) at the same time.
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Other Thoughts: MAKE SURE you use JDEC-standard memory that is 5-5-5-15 at 1.8v and you will not have any problems (you can then manually adjust the timings and the default voltage in the BIOS); I have found that you can use a Thermalright HR-05 (with 70mm fan) or Nactua NC-U6 (with the stock Asus 60mm fan) to replace the stock cooler; just use the stock cooler's retension clip and you'll reduce your CPU temps by around 13C *AND* run a lot quieter.
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I've built two HTPCs with this motherboard, and they both work great. I run the signal to my HDTVs via the VGA cable. You can buy (most likely on eBAY) the DVI add-on card for the onboard graphics for $20 or less, but it isn't necessary unless you want dual displays or are hung up on having a pure digital signal to your TV. ;)
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There are a couple of dual tuner PCI Express 1x options out there now. If you want to max out your tuners, I would recommend one PCI-E 1x dual tuner and PCI one with this board (for example, AverMedia's new AverTV and an Hauppauge HVR-1600).
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Nearly-perfect HTPC board
Strengths: Has just about everything you could want in an HTPC board; runs very cool and quiet.
Weakness: Only 2 Intel SATA ports, and they are SATA 1 only; the JMicron controller is SATA 2, but one of those ports is external; the bundled cooler is not a great choice for CPUs over 1.73GHz; see below.
Pros: Great layout, runs cool, coxial and optical out, eSATA port, FSB adjustments; latest BIOS fixes a lot of (Vista) problems (0905 BETA); awesome fit with an Antec Fusion HTPC case. The Intel Quick Resume driver under MCE is awesome! It's instant on/off when using the remote, and your shared files remain available on the network even when "off!"
-
Cons: Stock HSF sucks (but I found a solution!), only two Intel SATA ports (and they are SATA 1 only), if system crashes, it defaults to booting off the first Intel SATA port (which is a problem if you are otherwise booting off an IDE drive or one on the JMicron SATA controller); the JMicron SATA controller is known to have problems if you run the Intel ports in RAID (latest 0905 BETA BIOS should address this); your board may not boot if it has an older BIOS and you are using a Core 2 Duo (Merom) CPU as they are supported in later BIOSes (do not assume DOA!). Intel ViiV technology isn't yet mature or worthwhile. I have not yet been able to get 2-channel analog working (to the TV) and 5.1-channel (optical/coaxial) at the same time.
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Other Thoughts: MAKE SURE you use JDEC-standard memory that is 5-5-5-15 at 1.8v and you will not have any problems (you can then manually adjust the timings and the default voltage in the BIOS); I have found that you can use a Thermalright HR-05 (with 70mm fan) or Nactua NC-U6 (with the stock Asus 60mm fan) to replace the stock cooler; just use the stock cooler's retension clip and you'll reduce your CPU temps by around 13C *AND* run a lot quieter.
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I've built two HTPCs with this motherboard, and they both work great. I run the signal to my HDTVs via the VGA cable. You can buy (most likely on eBAY) the DVI add-on card for the onboard graphics for $20 or less, but it isn't necessary unless you want dual displays or are hung up on having a pure digital signal to your TV. ;)
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There are a couple of dual tuner PCI Express 1x options out there now. If you want to max out your tuners, I would recommend one PCI-E 1x dual tuner and PCI one with this board (for example, AverMedia's new AverTV and an Hauppauge HVR-1600).
100% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful or unhelpful?