ASRock Core 100HT-BD : Bringing HTPCs to the Mainstream Market [UPDATED : Noise Issue]
by Ganesh T S on July 19, 2010 9:34 PM EST- Posted in
- Home Theater
- Arrandale
- ASRock
- Media Streamer
- Core i3
- HTPC
Most users of the Core 100 HT-BD will probably not need to play around with the BIOS. That said, the unit carries the AMI L1.32 BIOS, and does provide a good set of features for the enthusiasts to play around with.
First off, we have the OC Tweaker option, which has more features compared to the overclocking Windows utility that ASRock supplies. There is a Turbo30 option to increase the system performance in a transparent manner. In our testing, we found that overclocking doesn't deliver any improvement for HTPC workloads, so we didn't test this aspect too much. One point of note is that the GPU easily overclocks to 900 MHz from the stock 667 MHz. This improved the Windows Experience Index score sometimes (depending on the Intel graphics driver version).
In the 'Advanced' section of the BIOS, most users would be interested in the Instant Flash utility which enables BIOS updates from a flash driver without booting into Windows. Of more usefulness is the 'Good Night LED' feature which turns off the really bright blue LED in the front when the unit is in 'Standby' mode.
The 'H/W Monitor' section allows one to modify the CPU and chassis fan settings. The default 'Auto' option worked very well, and managed to keep the unit idling around 45C. The BIOS page seemed to always indicate a higher temperature compared to the Windows utility. On booting into the OS and entering into 'Idle' mode, the power saving options kick in, bringing down the temperatures.
The Boot section allows you to choose the boot device and boot order. Booting from USB devices is indeed possible, but the menu entry in the BIOS appears only if the USB device is connected to the unit.
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ck_mb - Tuesday, July 20, 2010 - link
Does the video card pass WMC cablecard test? I have a AMD 780G that doesn't, since this motherboard doesn't have any expanision slot it would be worthless as a dvr using cablecards.ganeshts - Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - link
Yes, the system passes the Digital Cable Advisor test without any issues.schoenbe - Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - link
An HTPC without a TV tuner is not an HTPC. It is a media player.In the case of the Core-100HT-BD reviewed here, a powerful media player. But you still can't watch TV with it. You cannot record TV with it. Not even a single channel, let alone several channels simultaneously. Anandtech should not recommend this unit as an HTPC. Besides, $700 for a media player? For playing back BD discs and media files? Not sure who wants to pay this much for an incomplete feature set.
DigitalFreak - Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - link
If you don't like it, don't buy it. Is someone standing there with a gun to your head?EnzoFX - Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - link
In my experience, USB tuners are the easiest for people to work with. This unit is targeted at people who probably wouldn't be willing to open up a computer case and install an internal tuner IMO. Personally, I think the best tuner is the HDHomeRun, which is a network based tuner, so this ASRock unit definitely delivers in every regard.schoenbe - Thursday, July 22, 2010 - link
"... this ASRock unit definitely delivers in every regard." Really? Even if you have to go out and buy a TV Tuner and make it work? This product definitely doesn't deliver the complete package.Ipatinga - Wednesday, July 21, 2010 - link
In the article, there is a part where it says "... One must also take into consideration the cost of the Atheros AR9287, which can be bought for around US $15 online..."Where can I find Mini PCI Express 1x Wireless Adapters (Half Height or not) like this Atheros AR9287 this cheap ($15)?
Thanks :)
ganeshts - Thursday, July 22, 2010 - link
This is the listing I was referring to:http://cgi.ebay.com/Atheros-Dual-Band-AR9287-Wirel...
cjs150 - Thursday, July 22, 2010 - link
Ganeshts: I think you and I have different definitions of noisy. Lets take a simple and real life example.I am listening to classical music - obviously a quiet section, the 1812 overture can be heard over a jet engine!
At same time I have firefox up and running (couple of tabs one of which is of course Anandtech but the other is a chess site I use)
I am also running a chess analysis program, fritz, which will take whatever CPU capacity you through at it
Pretty obviously under this scenario the IGP is not fully loaded but the CPU could be running close to capacity.
My Sofa is 6ft away.
If I can hear the ASRock then it is too loud. By comparison my main work rig (admittedly water cooled), I cannot hear other than possible a very slight noise of air movement.
We all know that manufacturer claims of noise levels are typically overstated (expecially by fan manufacturers) but to be suitable for me the noise (close to the machine) has to be sub 30db or even sub 25db. It is not difficult but does limit the cooling to a slow running 140+mm fan.
Mind you the loudest thing in the living room (apart from my daughter) has to be the cable set up box - but only when it starts up from sleep, some really bad design I think there
ganeshts - Thursday, July 22, 2010 - link
cjs150,Noise is a very subjective issue. What might be noisy to me might be OK to you, or vice versa. It is really hard to say what the "ideal" dB would be (aside from silent of course). Some people seem to have the hearing of a bat, while others are more tolerant.
For the correct judgement, you will have to experience it yourself, unfortunately.
The hobbyist sound meter we used could barely register anything unless it was very close to the unit (as you can see from the photo). At 2 ft away, manufacturer shows proof of 34.5 dB (Please check UPDATE section on Page 11).
I am not even sure there are professional sound meters to measure sub 30 and sub 25 dB unless you have an anechoic room.
The figures are presented, and in our opinion, at this cost and for this form factor, ASRock appears to have done the best it could do. Whether the figures are acceptable to you or not, I can't judge from here :)
Our review of this product was from the perspective of the average HTPC user ( not people with 7 TV tuners, for instance ;) )