[smtelegadis]

I'm considering this board for my next Linux based HTPC.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813500065

It appears to be definitely in line with Group 3 and possible Group 4 systems as detailed in Eskro's post. I want to be able to do everything in Group 4 but I'm mostly concernet

I really like that it is fanless and has an integrated PSU. From my readings it should be sufficient and comparable to the AMD E-350 with better support on the GPU drivers side given my linux requirement.

I'm in no rush to buy anything so I'm still on the fence if this the right choice. I'm curious to hear the communities thoughts on how this board stacks up.

[MidnightWatcher]

Is there any reason why you wouldn't go for something like the Zotac ND22? It'll perform better than any Atom-based solution.

[eskro]

i have nothing against it but,
seems abit pricey overall,,,,

why dont u just get a Zotac ZBOXHD-ND22-U ??

EDIT
_______
MidnightWatcher beat me

[smtelegadis]

Is there any reason why you wouldn't go for something like the Zotac ND22? It'll perform better than any Atom-based solution.

I have nothing against the ND22 and I do appreciate the performance increase. However, I'm trying to stay fanless in my build and even though small the ND22 has a fan and I'm a bit particular about noise. All my previous builds have had some sort of active cooling and the fan hum although faint is still noticeable by my standards.

Pricing is a bit of a difference as well 180+S&H AR vs 249+S&H and I want to use a custom enclosure for the rig, which makes the Nettop form factor irrelevant.

[Subliminal Aura]

I have nothing against the ND22 and I do appreciate the performance increase. However, I'm trying to stay fanless in my build and even though small the ND22 has a fan and I'm a bit particular about noise. All my previous builds have had some sort of active cooling and the fan hum although faint is still noticeable by my standards.

In which case cross the ND22 completely off your list, it can be run on low fan speed but coupled with the small space I've heard some horrid harmonics as the fan ramps up on load. Again, this may be acceptable to some but not for others.

I was very close to purchasing the ND22 myself but opted to build the same spec using an ionitx-p-e and the result has been very much acceptable. Running at low fan permanently it's not audible at 12 feet but runs hot and this will be the problem that you'll face. Small case, zero airflow = high temps.

If you're prepared to increase the volume of your HTPC case to say the size of a Sugo SG05 then you'll get decent quiet cooling from 120mm fans @800~950rpm (look at the noctuas or apaches). The last alternative being the most expensive is to look at cases that offer passive cooling like the mCubed

[smtelegadis]

In which case cross the ND22 completely off your list, . . .

I appreciate the information. It's been my experience as well that the SFF pc's are enticing but most HTPC demands are still too strenuous to allow for passive cooling in such a small footprint and fan noise is noticiable. I'm planning on doing a custom enclosure that will be somewhat open air. It only needs to process video but I can see streaming video being a desire at a later time so I'm no the fence.

Thanks for the feedback I think I'm going to hold off for now.

[MidnightWatcher]

In which case cross the ND22 completely off your list, it can be run on low fan speed but coupled with the small space I've heard some horrid harmonics as the fan ramps up on load.

Which is why I recommend setting the fan to 50% in the BIOS.

[toehser]

I guess it depends how hot you're willing to run... My ND22, I can't hear at all, ever, 6 feet away, but, I let it go up to 90C...

[eskro]

Which is why I recommend setting the fan to 50% in the BIOS.

+1

[Subliminal Aura]

I guess it depends how hot you're willing to run... My ND22, I can't hear at all, ever, 6 feet away, but, I let it go up to 90C...

Exactly my point...

And for those using the ND22 at 50% my I suggest a hearing aid or professional help from your ENT specialist

+1

Do you own an ND22, Eskro ?

[eskro]

Do you own an ND22, Eskro ?

My friend does