ASRock FM2A85X-ITX

[TigCobra]

I was wondering what people's general thoughts are about ASRock FM2A85X-ITX motherboard? Also, what is the best heat sink that will fit this board that will support an A8/A10 100w processor. The board seems feature rich but it concerns me a little about the feedback I am reading on it.

 

[nenforcer]

A friend of mine built a HTPC using a

MSI FM2-A75IA-E53 w/ Noctua NH-L9a

which has a decent amount of reviews but is no longer stocked / available.

The ASSRock FM2A85X-ITX is the highest rated Mini-ITX board remaining and that Noctua is one of the best low profile heatsink / fans money can buy.

 

[MicahC]

ASRock is a hit and miss from my experience. read reviews here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157339
As for cooler, if you don't plan on overclocking I'd just suggest a CM 212, great value. Otherwise I'd go into the zalman 9000 league if you want non-water cooling, or most water coolers are fine.

 

[jacktesterson]

I got one of these for $20 for mine - Very quiet too. Much more quiet than the Noctua NH-C14 I was running on my previous HTPC rig I sold. I do use a large HTPC Case though, so I do have a little more room than most for HTPC HSF's

http://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=8_129&item_id=025338

Works fine - Much better than stock. Confident it will keep my A10 O/C under control quite easily.



As for my board, I haven't tested it yet but will know soon. I bought the ASRock FM2A75 Pro 4 today. I was running a A55 el cheapo MSI board (There cheapest FM2 board available- $40 board) before but selling it as it had very little OC options. This will be my first time using a ASRock board. I only got it as it was the best deal for what I wanted today.