This section contains HTPC hardware news for motherboard, CPU, and video audio card.
Category Archives: HTPC Hardware
Compatible Haswell LGA 1150 motherboard for HDPLEX fanless computer case
May 17, 2013 – 10:20 am
Haswell LGA1150 motherboards begins to show up at Cebit 2013.
Although details are still limited, here are the motherboards we confirmed will be compatible with HDPLEX fanless HTPC computer case
Compatible for HDPLEX H10.S and H5.S.
ASRock Z87 Pro4-M LGA1150 Micro ATX
ASRock Z87E ITX
Biostar Hi-Fi H87S3+ LGA1150 Micro ATX
Biostar Hi-Fi B85S3 LGA1150 Micro ATX
Compatible for HDPLEX H3 and H1 series
ASRock Z87E ITX
Gigabyte Z87N -wifi
A lot more motherboards will be added to the compatible list when Haswell are formerly released on June 3rd.
Stay tuned!
HD-Plex Fanless Computer Case H5.S for Music Server builds
November 3, 2012 – 10:32 am
This review has been posted by a customer.
Here is the review:
“This is a double review of sorts. Before I get into the review, a little back story. I previously owned a Logitech Transporter. I had upgraded within the Slim Devices family from the Squeezebox 3 to the Logitech Touch after the Logitech buyout. Then, I made the move to the Transporter. The Transporter still is a great network computer audio device. Unfortunately, Logitech decided to effectively kill the brand so I unloaded the Transporter for fear of having a $1000+ paperweight.
It was at that point, I decided to stop trying to look for an off the shelf solution and just build a computer which could stream audio from my networked server. I’m using J River Media Center for playback and use the iPhone app, J Remote, for control. I figure this setup will should future proof me (ie….5-6 years of use).
So, the hunt was on! I wanted a computer case that would be 100% silent and fit in somewhat with all my other components. You know. Not look like I have a loud, cheesy computer sitting next to my multi-thousand dollar stereo.
I knew of A-Tech Fabrication (http://www.atechfabrication.com/) and had heard good things about the quality of their cases but DAYUM at the price! Then, I read an article on Computeraudiophile.com which mentioned the HD-Plex cases. I looked up the site and decided that this was the case for me. Attractive and affordable!
I decided that I really wanted an black H5.S case for my build, but it was out of stock. Being the impatient person I am, on September 12, 2012, I ordered a black H3.S case with fanless 80 watt power supply, internal IR receiver, and MCE remote. The case arrived promptly and well packaged. The instructions were relatively clear and I had no problem with the build.
This was also my first experience with mini ITX motherboards. I built the computer from a Biostar TH61 motherboard with an Intel G630T processor. The G630T is a dual core 2.3 GHz CPU with only 35 watt of TDP. Plenty low for a completely fanless, passive system. I installed 8GB of Kingston DDR3 RAM and installed Windows 7 Ultimate on a 64GB Crucial M4 SSD.
The system was almost exactly what I wanted. Silent, stable, and fast. Then, I got the email that the H5.S was back in stock. DAMMIT!! I ended up selling the H3.S build and purchased a black H5.S case with fanless 80 watt power supply, internal IR receiver, and MCE remote. Just like the previous H3.S, the H5.S arrived arrived promptly and well packaged.
I already had an Intel DH67BL motherboard lying around for another computer build so I just pulled it into duty for my new build. I purchased an Intel G640T processor which I found for the same price as the previous G630T. The G640T is a dual core 2.4 GHz CPU with the same 35 watt TDP. I followed the same recipe for success with 8GB of Kingston DDR3 RAM and Windows 7 Ultimate on a 64GB Crucial M4 SSD.
Comparing the H3.S to the H5.S, they both had a few faults and areas where I felt improvements could be made. Most of these should be considered nit-picky and I feel they do not detract from the overall quality of the cases.
The H3.S grooves were powder-coated which likely minimizes heat transfer from the heat pipes to the case/external heat sinks.The H5.S grooves were raw aluminum. I found on both the H3.S and H5.S that the front USB cable has to be cut down for the screws to fit into the case. Providing longer screws would prevent the need for having to cut the cable down. The H3.S case came with only a front USB 3.0 cable while the H5.S came with both front USB 2.0 & 3.0 cables.”
HDPLEX H5.S Fanless HTPC Case with ASRock H77 ITX and Ceton Cablecard Turner
October 31, 2012 – 11:35 pm
Just did a installation for a review unit.
Here is the configuration.
CPU: Intel Core i3 3225 3.3GHz LGA 1155 w/HD4000
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX LGA 1155 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
G.SKILL Ripjaws RAM
Power Supply: Magic Power 80W Fanless Open Frame PSU
Chassis: HDPLEX Fanless H5.S PC Case
The H5.S also supports an optional 120mm fan. The fan could be installed on the bottom plate using cable binder.
Raw aluminum groove to further improve heat transfer efficiency.
HDPLEX H3.S Fanless computer case with Biostar TH61 miniITX ,8GB DDR3,Pentium G630T CPU as Media streamer player
October 17, 2012 – 7:10 am
HDPLEX H3.S fanless PC case act beautifully as a versatile center piece for the home entertainment center. The fanless H3.S PC serve as an high end audio transport as well as HD/bluray video streamer
Here is the component list.
Biostar TH61 miniITX motherboard
Intel Pentium G630T CPU
8GB of Kingston DDR3 RAM
64GB Crucial M4 SSD
It is completely silent and have small foot print as well as high WAF(Wife acceptance factor).
Solid State heaven!
HDPLEX Fanless H3.S Computer case set up as high end audio player
October 16, 2012 – 10:02 am
These pictures are from a Japan customer.
HDPLEX Fanless H3.S Computer case has been set up as high end audio player for the PC audio system.
This fanless PC is equipped with USB 3.0 front port. The black internal cable is high quality USB 3.0 cable connecting the onboard port to the HDPLEX fanless PC case front USB port.
The Computer case serve as a high end audio digital transport as audio source and using internal 80W fanless power supply.
Here are the pictures.
Updated HDPLEX H5.S Fanless Computer Case has been released
October 10, 2012 – 11:02 pm
We’ve take the H5 platform and made a completely clean front panel for it to achieve that minimalist design we all crave. H5.S would make a perfect silent front end for XBMC, MS Home Server, or whatever you can think of. H5.S supports microATX and mini-ITX, internal mounting for 150W adapter and 80W power supply, and has 2×3.5″/2.5″ plus 1×2.5″ HDD bay.
This updated H5.S version has two major improvements comparing to the first batch H5.S. First, the side groove to bury heatpipe is raw aluminum instead of powder coat. This improve the heat transfer efficiency significantly.
Second, the new power plate supported both 5.5/2.5 single PIN DC plug and 4PIN mini DIN connector via adapter cable. This means all PicoPSU and silimlar DC-ATX solution are supported by HDPLEX H5 series. This enable customer use their own PicoPSU solution without the need to purchase PSU again.
Finally a small improvement for the heatsink installation kit. Four new smaller bottom holders will be included in the heatsink system.Some motherboards have small components around the back of the heatsink installation hole. The original bottom holder will need cutting/trimming to prevent it from damaging the small components. With new additional smaller bottom holder, you don’t have to worry about this anymore.
Motherboard Support List updated for HDPLEX Fanless H10 and H5 PC Case
October 9, 2012 – 3:17 pm
MB not on this list should also be compatible if they meet requirement on the compatibility page. This list will be periodically updated base on user feedback. microATX standard spec is 9.6″x9.6″ but it also comes in small factor such as 9.6″x 8.3″ or 9.6″x7.6″. Small factor microATX mobo is recommended for better installation experience. It would allow more space for sata/power cable arrangement.
For H5 and H3 series, CPU with >65W TDP is NOT recommended. Due to the passive nature of the chassis, motherboard with high TDP chipset or onboard IGP such as Nvidia 9300/AMD 785G is not recommended. The HDPLEX fanless chassis is best for CPU with integrated GPU via 32nm or more advanced manufacturing process.
Compatible Motherboard List for HDPLEX H5 Series (Update Sep.7th 2012)
Intel LGA1155 socket for Ivy Bridge CPU
MicroATX Form Factor:
ASRock H77M LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboar
ASRock H77 Pro4-M LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
ASRock Z77M LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77-M LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
ASUS P8H77-M PRO LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
ECS H77H2-M3(1.0) LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboad
ECS H77H2-M LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H77M-D3H LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-Z77MX-D3H LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-Z77M-D3H-MVP LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE G1.Sniper M3 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
Intel BOXDH77EB LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Motherboard
Mini-ITX Form Factor:
ASRock Z77E-ITX LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Intel LGA1155 socket for Sandy Bridge CPU
MicroATX Form Factor:
ASRock H67M H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASRock H67M-GE H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-M LX H67 SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H61-M (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-M LE H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH67XE H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH67+ H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
FOXCONN H67MP H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
FOXCONN H67M-S H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
Foxconn H61MX LGA 1155 mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H67M-D2 H67 SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H67MA-D2H H67 SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H61M-USB3-B3 LGA 1155 mATX Motherboard
Intel BOXDH67GD H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
Intel BOXDH67BL H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
Intel BOXDH61BEB3 LGA 1155 mATX Motherboard
Jetway MIH67M-HU3 H67 mATX Motherboard
MSI H67MA-E45 H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
MSI H67MS-E43 H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
MSI H61M-P21 (B3) LGA 1155 mATX Motherboard
Mini-ITX Form Factor:
Zotac H67ITX-A-E LGA1155 mini-ITX Motherboard
MSI H67 LGA1155 mini-ITX Motherboard
Foxconn H67S LGA1155 mini-ITX Motherboard
MSI H61I-E35 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel H61 mini-ITX Motherboard
Giada MI-H61-01 LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini-ITX Motherboard
Intel LGA1156 socket for Core 2 Duo CPU
MSI H55M-E33 microATX motherboard
Zotac H55 mini-ITX motherboard
Gigabyte GA-H55M-USB3 microATX motherboard
ASUS ASUS P7H55-M Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
ASUS P7H55-M LX H55 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P7H55-M PRO H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
ASUS P7H55-M LE H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
ASRock H55M/USB3 R2.0 H55 HDMI USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASRock H55M-GE H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
ASRock H55M-LE H55 mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH55B HD H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH55XE H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH55 HD H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
Foxconn H55MX-S H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
Foxconn H55MXV H55 mATX Motherboard
JetWay JMIH55-M-LF H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
JetWay JXBLUE-H55-MINI-LF H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-S2V H55 mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H57M-USB3 Intel H57 HDMI USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
MSI H55M-P33 H55 mATX Motherboard
MSI H55M-E23 mATX Motherboard
AMD FM2/FM1 socket for APU
MicroATX Form Factor:
ASRock A75M FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASRock A55M-HVS FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock FM2A55M-DGS FM2 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock FM2A75M-DGS FM2 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD
ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M FM2 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock A75M-HVS FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F1A55-M LX PLUS R2.0 FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F1A55-M LE R2.0 FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F1A55-M LE FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F1A55-M/CSM FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F2A55-M/CSM FM2 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS F2A85-M/CSM FM2 AMD A85X (Hudson D4) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS F2A85-M PRO FM2 AMD A85X (Hudson D4) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS F2A55-M LK PLUS FM2 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F2A55-M LE FM2 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F1A75-M PRO R2.0 FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS F1A55-M LX PLUS FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS F1A55-M LX3 FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
BIOSTAR A55MLV FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
BIOSTAR A55MH FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
BIOSTAR TA75M FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
BIOSTAR TA75M+ FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
BIOSTAR A75MG FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
BIOSTAR TA75MH2 FM2 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A75F-M FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A55F-M3(1.0) FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A55F-M2(1.0A) FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A55F-M4(1.0) FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A75F-M2 FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Foxconn A55MX FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Foxconn A75M FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-A75M-S2V FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-A55M-DS2 FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-F2A75M-D3H FM2 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
JetWay JTA55M1 FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI FM2-A55M-E33 FM2 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 FM2 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI A75MA-P35 FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
MSI A55M-P33 FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
AMD AM2/AM3 socket
MicroATX Form Factor:
Gigabyte MA-785GM-US2H microATX motherboard
ASUS M4A88T-M/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS M4A88T-M AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock 880GMH/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock 880GMH/USB3 R2.0 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A880GM-M7 (V2.0) AM3 AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A880GM-M7 (V2.0) AM3 AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-880GM-USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-880GM-UD2H AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI 880GMA-E53 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI 880GMA-E55 AM3 AMD 880G SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI 880GM-E43 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ZOTAC 880GITX-A-E AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard
NOT Compatible with H10 and H5 Series HDPLEX heatsink system
ASUS H55-EVO (Capacitor heatsink on ASUS motherboard is higher than 15mm and will block the heatpipe)
Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UD2H Motherboard (voltage regulator heatsink block the heatpipe path)
Intel H57 Mini-ITX/Gigabyte H55 mini-ITX/ECS H55H-I mini-ITX/GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 mini-ITX (ATX 24PIN plug block the heatpipe path)
Intel H67 DH67CF mini-ITX
New H77 Z77 Series ITX motherboard for Intel Ivy Bridge CPU added to HDPLEX H3 series fanless chassis
April 12, 2012 – 10:30 am
The following ITX motherboard for Intel LGA1155 socket Ivy Bridge CPU are supported by HDPLEX H3 series fanless PC case.
ZOTAC Z77ITX WiFi LGA 1155 Mini-ITX
ZOTAC H77ITX WiFi LGA 1155 Mini-ITX
Asus P8H77-I Mini-ITX
Asus P8Z77-I Deluxe Mini-ITX
Asrock Z77E-ITX
Asrock H77M-ITX
HDPLEX Fanless H3 Series HTPC case and AMD Llano FM-1 Socket APU/CPU
October 25, 2011 – 10:07 am
H3 series could support the following AM2/AM3/FX-1 socket if the socket layout is the same as the below Gigabyte GA-A75N (Hudson D3) Mini-ITX AMD Motherboard.
In this case, four heatpipes are utilized instead of six. Most Llano ITX board socket is vertical instead of horizontal which won’t work with HDPLEX heatsink system.
If the layout is like the following A75 motherboard, hdplex fanless heatsink system will NOT work on those.
ASUS F1A75-I Deluxe FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard
ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard
80W Fanless Computer Power Supply Installation Guide for HDPLEX PC Case
June 25, 2011 – 3:48 pm
80W Fanless Open Frame Power Supply Installation Guide
The 80w power supply package contains: 1ea 12pin-20pin main cable, 1ea C14 IEC-5pin cable, six M3x12 screws, and 1ea power supply.
Install the C14 IEC-5PIN cable on HDPLEX chassis backplate
Plug the 3pin head into the power supply on-board connector. Plug the main cable into the 12pin connector on the power supply.
Install the 80w power supply onto the heatsink using 4ea M3*12 screws. The 12pin output is close to the chassis faceplate and the 5pin-C14 AC connector is close to the back plate.
