ASRock CoreHT Server Edition Review
by Vivek Gowri on February 16, 2012 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Systems
- Intel
- ASRock
- Media Streamer
- HTPC
Closing Thoughts
The CoreHT Server is quite simply just a different version of the CoreHT series HTPC, and quite a good one. We really liked the CoreHT when we reviewed it last year, and the Server edition solves our major functional complaint with increased storage capacity and hard drive performance. Another way to go about improving disk-related performance would be to have a smaller solid state boot drive with a secondary 1TB hard drive for media storage, but this solution would potentially increase the cost (depending on the choice of SSD).
In terms of media handling, we didn't notice any changes with the CoreHT Server Edition. That's not necessarily a bad thing, considering the CoreHT ranked pretty high among HTPCs. However, the integrated Intel HD 3000 graphics are not at the same level in terms of media support as, for instance, the newly released HD 7750. What's more, as with the CoreHT, there's no option to upgrade the graphics to something more potent. While we understand the attraction of a small and sleek HTPC, there are reasons to go with a larger HTPC chassis.
Other than that, our conclusions remain similar to the ones we had with the CoreHT 252B. We’d like to see more premium industrial design and build quality from ASRock, with a more elegant design along with higher end touches like a slot-loading drive and a more aesthetically pleasing remote design. Otherwise, the CoreHT and CoreHT Server offer a solid and unobtrusive HTPC for a decent value, and for that we commend ASRock.
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legolasyiu - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
Aopen has HTPC called Digital Engine 67 (DE67) that can have same performance with 24/7 up-time and industrial grade design. Mini PC 67 (MP67) is good comparison with this unit. I hope Anandtech can test it some day.ASRock has 2x500GB HDD which will be fast HDD performance.
ZRohlfs - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
Since when is an HTPC server going to have all of 1 terrabyte?Secondly, why is there no SDD?
This is just an expensive poor excuse for an HTPC, especially since the CPU cannot properly perform the video tasks it needs too.
/sigh
cknobman - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
Then no llano no bueno. HTPC needs to be able to handle media better than Intels pathetic integrated gpu.Waste of build materials and a waste of time reviewing it.
pirspilane - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
My Core 100HT is a nightmare. It has been defective since day one, and ASRock can't fix it. I am on my fourth RMA and they have just issued a fifth one. They've replaced the motherboard twice, and each time it would not boot straight out of the box. It will not boot even with nothing installed except the out of date drivers from their CD. It has blue-screened and hung on boot since I got it.Their technical support is incompetent (I'm being generous here). Once, they suggested the problem was caused by my TV. Then they said it was a problem with the video card even though it doesn't have one. Then they blamed it on Windows Update. Taking them at their word (which I don't recommend), you cannot update Windows 7 to SP1 or this will break the computer.
Don't even dream of installing an SSD unless you're eager to break the Guiness Book of BSOD Records.
faizoff - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
That does indeed sound like a nightmare. It's one of the reasons why I'm considering building my own HTPC. Not sure what to do yet.pirspilane - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
I just got off the phone with them and they are going to replace the entire unit and pay for shipping both ways. So while their tech guy is frustrating to deal with, the customer service people are more helpful.pirspilane - Friday, February 24, 2012 - link
I called them to find out the details about the replacement unit they promised to send, and they said they didn't have a replacement unit to send me.In other words, they were BSing me to get me sucked back into letting them try to fix it again.
Their technicians cannot fix their products. Twice, they have asked me what repairs I want them to make on the unit. I guess that's so they don't have to take responsibility for diagnosing and fixing it.
shiznit - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
raid 0 in a server?siniranji - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
if the cabinet has the heatsink kind of look and some nitrogen based cooling (like thin client) required. Moreover the look seems like amatureish./ needs amd / nividia graphics toogamoniac - Thursday, February 16, 2012 - link
Vivek, I skimmed over a few times but didn't notice any dimensions or measurements of the unit (I apologize if you did include it). It would also be nice if you can place another object (coin, ruler) in the picture to give us an idea of the actual size of the HTPC. Thanks.