I'm Still Breathing
Forum Addict
So for awhile now I've wanted to do an APU build as sort of a steambox / htpc type deal and see what kind of performance you can get out of an APU. I'll probably end up selling the system if I'm happy with the results.
CASE:
To make things a little more interesting I've also decided to try and shove everything into an M350 case.
Two pictures I took of another system I have built using this case to show size
http://i43.tinypic.com/vwpurn.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ccmm0.jpg
APU
AMD A10-6800k Processor. I have a feeling I'll probably end up undervolting / underclocking the CPU a bit due to the small case / heatsink. I went with a 6800k instead of one of the lower TDP models hoping that since the 6800k is binned higher than the other cpus it will be able to run at a lower voltage / TDP at the same frequencies as the lower TDP chips. (+ it was $15 off)
MEMORY
G.Skill Ripjaw X 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) 2400MHz Decently Cheap 2400MHz ram + I like G.Skill. I had another pair of Ripjaw X laying around and I quickly lined it up against an M350 case and it seemed like it will fit, getting a little worried now that it might not fit because I completely forgot about the HDD and CPU cooler but I believe it should be out of the way.
MOTHERBOARD
Gigabyte GA-F2A85XN-WiFi. I absolutely LOVE Gigabytes mini-itx -WiFi motherboards and am so excited to see it in a socket FM2 flavor. Wifi + bluetooth + an AWESOME back panel I/O. A little bit disappointed that that it doesn't include 2 Ethernet ports like the intel versions but still AWESOME nonetheless.
HARDDRIVE
500 GB Western Digital Scorpio Black 7200 RPM 2.5 inch drive. Was considering an SSD but wanted a bit more storage for this system to store games and movies and I didn't really want to spend a whole lot extra for an SSD. I'm a fan of western digitals black drives so I decided a 500 GBer will do.
HEATSINK
Akasa Low Profile AMD CPU Cooler. Basically the smallest FM2 compatible cooler I could find. A little bit worried about how well it will preform and I wish I could have found the copper core edition of this heatsink in stock somewhere. I'm hoping to have a few extra MM of space so maybe I'll be able to swap the stock fan out for one slightly thicker / bigger for a little extra cooling + I'll probably use some Artic SIlver 5 thermal paste to help out a bit.
Most of the parts should arrive on Thursday. I'll update this thread with some pictures of the build / finished product and maybe post some info regarding temps / noise / etc.
CASE:
To make things a little more interesting I've also decided to try and shove everything into an M350 case.
Two pictures I took of another system I have built using this case to show size
http://i43.tinypic.com/vwpurn.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ccmm0.jpg
APU
AMD A10-6800k Processor. I have a feeling I'll probably end up undervolting / underclocking the CPU a bit due to the small case / heatsink. I went with a 6800k instead of one of the lower TDP models hoping that since the 6800k is binned higher than the other cpus it will be able to run at a lower voltage / TDP at the same frequencies as the lower TDP chips. (+ it was $15 off)
MEMORY
G.Skill Ripjaw X 8 GB (2 x 4 GB) 2400MHz Decently Cheap 2400MHz ram + I like G.Skill. I had another pair of Ripjaw X laying around and I quickly lined it up against an M350 case and it seemed like it will fit, getting a little worried now that it might not fit because I completely forgot about the HDD and CPU cooler but I believe it should be out of the way.
MOTHERBOARD
Gigabyte GA-F2A85XN-WiFi. I absolutely LOVE Gigabytes mini-itx -WiFi motherboards and am so excited to see it in a socket FM2 flavor. Wifi + bluetooth + an AWESOME back panel I/O. A little bit disappointed that that it doesn't include 2 Ethernet ports like the intel versions but still AWESOME nonetheless.
HARDDRIVE
500 GB Western Digital Scorpio Black 7200 RPM 2.5 inch drive. Was considering an SSD but wanted a bit more storage for this system to store games and movies and I didn't really want to spend a whole lot extra for an SSD. I'm a fan of western digitals black drives so I decided a 500 GBer will do.
HEATSINK
Akasa Low Profile AMD CPU Cooler. Basically the smallest FM2 compatible cooler I could find. A little bit worried about how well it will preform and I wish I could have found the copper core edition of this heatsink in stock somewhere. I'm hoping to have a few extra MM of space so maybe I'll be able to swap the stock fan out for one slightly thicker / bigger for a little extra cooling + I'll probably use some Artic SIlver 5 thermal paste to help out a bit.
Most of the parts should arrive on Thursday. I'll update this thread with some pictures of the build / finished product and maybe post some info regarding temps / noise / etc.
