My HTPC build experiences

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mobilenvidia

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Not had a chance to boot to Memtest, but will assume it works as non ECC RAM won't work with it.

Motherboard has arrived, very nice looking
First impression, high quality components used, ASRock have come along way over the years.

2x PCIe 16x slots, either 1x PCIe Gen3 x16 or 2x PCIe Gen3 x8
1x PCIe 16x slot PCIe Gen2 4x electrically
1x PCIe 1x slot Gen2
Nicely arranged for those wanting SLi or Crossfire with double width cards, you'll lose the 2 lesser PCIe slots but the video cards will fit snug as bug

As good as it gets to use all the available PCIe lanes from CPU and PCH

2x massive heatsinks over the VRMs joined with a heat pipe and another lower profile heatsink over the PCH.
They feel solid and should suck up the heat.
Not the prettiest thing to behold the PCH heatsink, but should do the job well, the VRM heatsink look good though

The back panel is full of sockets the usual arrangements of USB2.0, VGA, DVI, HDMI and a nice touch on this version is Display port as well.
ASRock have added another USB 3.0 controller so there are 6 ports all up, 4 at the back 2 on a header.

ASRock has a heap of its own branded gaff, ie Virtu and XFast, all really naff, as it will just bloat your system with minimal gains.
Will not be using any of this, I have an LGA1156 Mobo as my main pimp ride and never installed it.

One complaint with this board, there are 2 push switches on the Mobo beside the PCH, one for 'Reset' one for 'Power', they look very nice with the 'F'atal1ty logo on them, but the 'Power' button will not last long if used often, quite sticky.
Should possibly be have gone for the older style buttons as on my ASRock Deluxe3 board, I do use on occasion or like the 'Clear CMOS' button on the back panel.

Other than this a very nice board for a HTPC build, I now just need a CPU to make it go :D

 
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mobilenvidia

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Scythe Big Shuriken 2b also arrived.

Bigger box than I thought it would be.
When opened a very large heatsink with heatpipes came from within.
Very impressive looking, very sturdy and quite heavy.
I bought it as it was a low profile heatsink, which it is, at 58mm high (120mm square) it should fit even into low profile cases.

It comes with both AMD and Intel brackets so fits a list of boards a mile long.

I started to assemble it while attempting to look at the instructions.
The instructions are in various languages which is good, but on a giant sheet its just a big jumble of text and pictures.
The text is tiny, and I gave up trying to read it, looking at pictures trying to see what goes where in which order.

A word of warning, put the heatsink on before putting the motherboard in a case!!
It requires a backing plate which is normal for a good heatsink, BUT when you assemble the brackets to the heatsink, you will need skinny fingers to get the little nuts on.
I can see me contorting around the large VRM heatsink (which look nice) to get it done, not looking forward to this.

But once on, this puppy should do a good job of keeping the CPU and hopefully as its down facing cooler blow air on the RAM, VRM and the PCH
And all very quietly (I hope)

 

Patrick

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I always thought that is the hardest thing with the big non-tower coolers. Mounting is really rough.
 

mobilenvidia

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Possibly could have gone passive with my just newly purchased CPU, but on 24/7 best have some air flow.

On it's way from Hong Kong is the just released:

Core i5-3470T ES
Not the Xeon e3-1265L as I was previously looking at.
Also its an enginnering sample, will match up with my Xeon X3470 ES which is the same.
BUT this desktop baby (according to Intel, so it better have) has ECC support :D

The 3470T =
Ivy Bridge
35w TDP
Dual core with HT
2.9/3.6Ghz (stock/turbo)
3MB cache
Intel HD 2500
VTx, VTd plus all other extras

Done a lot of thinking over this choice.
The E3-1265L would be nice, but over kill for my build, and costs way more.
I would like to update my Xeon X3470 with this

The i5-3470T should do very nicely.
35w = not a power bill killer with it on 24/7
A good compromise with less cores but more speed, main mission to play media, and dishout my files over LAN
ECC from a desktop CPU, such a rare Intel thing.
And most importantly price, US$191 delivered (I have yet to see it, so best not count any chickens), its supposedly a new EOM CPU, but I doubt it very much I'll get a retail version anywhere near this price.
Newegg E3-1265L is $314, then I had to still get it to NZ and avoid Customs TaX (15%)

Am very happy with progress so far, cost saving will allow me to look at case and the Hard Drives next, but neither are urgent as I can start the build in temporary accommodation.
 
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Mike

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May 29, 2012
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I haven't had good luck with memtest on checking if ECC is working. You could use dmidecode or grep for EDAC to see what the linux kernel has to say about it though.
Nice gem, that i5.
 

mobilenvidia

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Just now only noticed, current CPU = Xeon X3470 (ES), new CPU Core i5 3470T (ES), hmmm, not intentional, but quite spooky coincidence

Found DMIDecode for Windows
Below is my current system with

2x 4GB ECC sticks installed.
Chipset P55
CPU Xeon X3470 (ES)
Memory Controller Information
Error Detecting Method: 64-bit ECC
Error Correcting Capabilities: None

Supported Interleave: One-way Interleave
Current Interleave: One-way Interleave
Maximum Memory Module Size: 4096 MB
Maximum Total Memory Size: 16384 MB
Supported Speeds:
Other
Supported Memory Types:
DIMM
SDRAM
Memory Module Voltage: 3.3 V
Associated Memory Slots: 4
0x0009
0x000A
0x000B
0x000C
Enabled Error Correcting Capabilities: None

Handle 0x0009, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
Socket Designation: DIMM0
Bank Connections: 0 1
Current Speed: Unknown
Type: DIMM SDRAM
Installed Size: 4096 MB (Double-bank Connection)
Enabled Size: 4096 MB (Double-bank Connection)
Error Status: OK

Handle 0x000A, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
Socket Designation: DIMM1
Bank Connections: 2 3
Current Speed: Unknown
Type: DIMM SDRAM
Installed Size: Not Installed
Enabled Size: Not Installed
Error Status: OK

Handle 0x000B, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
Socket Designation: DIMM2
Bank Connections: 4 5
Current Speed: Unknown
Type: DIMM SDRAM
Installed Size: 4096 MB (Double-bank Connection)
Enabled Size: 4096 MB (Double-bank Connection)
Error Status: OK

Handle 0x000C, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
Socket Designation: DIMM3
Bank Connections: 6 7
Current Speed: Unknown
Type: DIMM SDRAM
Installed Size: Not Installed
Enabled Size: Not Installed
Error Status: OK
The CPU supports ECC
The RAM is ECC
The Chipset is a desktop version (P55)

The above says the memory controller has no ECC capabilities, but the X3470 is capable of ECC.
Will need to check once I get the Z77 and i5 working, to check how that gets on.

I could take the x3470 out and put in a LGA1156 Core i3 processor I have lying around somewhere to see what happens.
But its quite a mission to get the CPU cooler off without taking motherboard out= pull whole case apart.

Any one with a Server Mobo and ECC able to run it and get back with their results ?
 
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cactus

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Jan 25, 2011
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G630, 16GB ECC ram, P8B WS, Linux dmidecode v2.9

Code:
Handle 0x0057, DMI type 16, 15 bytes
Physical Memory Array
	Location: System Board Or Motherboard
	Use: System Memory
	Error Correction Type: Single-bit ECC
	Maximum Capacity: 32 GB
	Error Information Handle: 0x0059
	Number Of Devices: 4

Handle 0x0056, DMI type 17, 28 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0057
	Error Information Handle: 0x005A
	Total Width: 128 bits
	Data Width: 64 bits
	Size: 4096 MB
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelA-DIMM0
	Bank Locator: BANK 0
	Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
	Type Detail: Synchronous
	Speed: 1067 MHz (0.9 ns)
	Manufacturer: Kingston
	Serial Number: 512F795F
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: 9965525-008.A00LF 

Handle 0x0059, DMI type 18, 23 bytes
32-bit Memory Error Information
	Type: OK
	Granularity: Unknown
	Operation: Unknown
	Vendor Syndrome: Unknown
	Memory Array Address: Unknown
	Device Address: Unknown
	Resolution: Unknown

Handle 0x0058, DMI type 20, 19 bytes
Memory Device Mapped Address
	Starting Address: 0x00000000000
	Ending Address: 0x000FFFFFFFF
	Range Size: 4 GB
	Physical Device Handle: 0x0056
	Memory Array Mapped Address Handle: 0x0062
	Partition Row Position: Unknown
	Interleave Position: 1
	Interleaved Data Depth: 2

Handle 0x005B, DMI type 17, 28 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0057
	Error Information Handle: No Error
	Total Width: 128 bits
	Data Width: 64 bits
	Size: 4096 MB
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelA-DIMM1
	Bank Locator: BANK 1
	Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
	Type Detail: Synchronous
	Speed: 1067 MHz (0.9 ns)
	Manufacturer: Kingston
	Serial Number: 43268AD3
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: 9965525-008.A00LF

Handle 0x005A, DMI type 18, 23 bytes
32-bit Memory Error Information
	Type: OK
	Granularity: Unknown
	Operation: Unknown
	Vendor Syndrome: Unknown
	Memory Array Address: Unknown
	Device Address: Unknown
	Resolution: Unknown

Handle 0x005D, DMI type 20, 19 bytes
Memory Device Mapped Address
	Starting Address: 0x00200000000
	Ending Address: 0x002FFFFFFFF
	Range Size: 4 GB
	Physical Device Handle: 0x005B
	Memory Array Mapped Address Handle: 0x0062
	Partition Row Position: Unknown
	Interleave Position: 1
	Interleaved Data Depth: 2

Handle 0x005C, DMI type 17, 28 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0057
	Error Information Handle: 0x005F
	Total Width: 128 bits
	Data Width: 64 bits
	Size: 4096 MB
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelB-DIMM0
	Bank Locator: BANK 2
	Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
	Type Detail: Synchronous
	Speed: 1067 MHz (0.9 ns)
	Manufacturer: Kingston
	Serial Number: 6D2F696A
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: 9965525-008.A00LF 

Handle 0x005F, DMI type 18, 23 bytes
32-bit Memory Error Information
	Type: OK
	Granularity: Unknown
	Operation: Unknown
	Vendor Syndrome: Unknown
	Memory Array Address: Unknown
	Device Address: Unknown
	Resolution: Unknown

Handle 0x005E, DMI type 20, 19 bytes
Memory Device Mapped Address
	Starting Address: 0x00100000000
	Ending Address: 0x001FFFFFFFF
	Range Size: 4 GB
	Physical Device Handle: 0x005C
	Memory Array Mapped Address Handle: 0x0062
	Partition Row Position: Unknown
	Interleave Position: 2
	Interleaved Data Depth: 2

Handle 0x0061, DMI type 17, 28 bytes
Memory Device
	Array Handle: 0x0057
	Error Information Handle: No Error
	Total Width: 128 bits
	Data Width: 64 bits
	Size: 4096 MB
	Form Factor: DIMM
	Set: None
	Locator: ChannelB-DIMM1
	Bank Locator: BANK 3
	Type: <OUT OF SPEC>
	Type Detail: Synchronous
	Speed: 1067 MHz (0.9 ns)
	Manufacturer: Kingston
	Serial Number: 4B2F8345
	Asset Tag: 9876543210
	Part Number: 9965525-008.A00LF 

Handle 0x0060, DMI type 18, 23 bytes
32-bit Memory Error Information
	Type: OK
	Granularity: Unknown
	Operation: Unknown
	Vendor Syndrome: Unknown
	Memory Array Address: Unknown
	Device Address: Unknown
	Resolution: Unknown

Handle 0x0063, DMI type 20, 19 bytes
Memory Device Mapped Address
	Starting Address: 0x00300000000
	Ending Address: 0x003FFFFFFFF
	Range Size: 4 GB
	Physical Device Handle: 0x0061
	Memory Array Mapped Address Handle: 0x0062
	Partition Row Position: Unknown
	Interleave Position: 2
	Interleaved Data Depth: 2

Handle 0x0062, DMI type 19, 15 bytes
Memory Array Mapped Address
	Starting Address: 0x00000000000
	Ending Address: 0x003FFFFFFFF
	Range Size: 16 GB
	Physical Array Handle: 0x0057
	Partition Width: 0
From what I have been able to learn the P8B WS is not fully able to use ECC, so this maybe a useless data point. I think it is odd the second DIMM on each channel has no ECC even though the DIMMs are all the same.
 
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mobilenvidia

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Cheers for that.
OK, Windows version might be waste of time as it looks not to read anything that Linux does.
You have much more detailed info.

I need to make a Ubuntu live USB boot, to get the data off the Satellite PVR (JFS partition).
May as well do this now, and see what Ubuntu has to say about the ECC.
 

mobilenvidia

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I currently use a set-top box, it's Linux based (STm), I helped develop JFS for it.
Having JFS has meant very reliable recording and data
The Enigma2 project has ended, and no longer gets updated, it's going down different paths now, and is like starting again with beta testing.
Also not always reliable with Codec, won't play all files, so time to go HTPC and then I can adjust to what ever is needed my self.

I have a dual sat receiver card already (as in 1st post), the plan is to base my system around this.
Just playing with best DVB player to use.
 

mobilenvidia

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Made a Live Ubuntu CD.
At boot, clicked on memory test

ECC recognised
Enabled ECC in Memtest

Good to know it's actually working, quite an effort to find out though.
 

mobilenvidia

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CPU arrived today, isn't a Engineering sample as sold on Ebay (nothing wrong with that)

BUT it won't boot with ECC RAM, Error code 53, 'RAM not supported, or no RAM in slots)
My normal RAM works fine

The motherboard supports ECC (I have the RAM on the support list)
The CPU is supposed to support ECC
The ECC RAM works in my other Mobo fine (non server board with Xeon X3470)

Does the i5-3470T really support ECC is now my concern.
 

Patrick

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Very interesting since ARK says it is supported. Is the CPU supported on the motherboard?
 

mobilenvidia

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CPU works in motherboard just fine.
CPU with CPUz 1.51 shows as a ES Engineering sample, but top of CPU is so hard to read, it no longer says 'Intel Confidential' I take it.

Motherboard supports ECC, I have the exact RAM in the list (why I got it)
CPU supports ECC supposedly.
CPU looks to be a HD Graphics version of the 1220L

I don't have a LGA1155 server board to test it on to see which is the culprit.

CPU is very nice with the Big Shuriken on top quiet as a mouse temp in low 30's
Big Shuriken was a big pain in the %$$^%#$ to get assembled on the CPU/Motherboard

I've got it all stuck inside a SFF Acer desktop case, very tight squeeze.
I'll setup the Satellite receiver and have a play with this next.

Write ups to follow
 
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mobilenvidia

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Some more updates:

Discovered that if I place the IBM ServeRAID M5015 controller in PCie slot 3 it does not register
Slot 1 = PCIe Gen3 16x (only if slot 3 is emty), goes to 8x if there is a card in Slot 3
Slot 2 = PCIe Gen2 1x
Slot 3 = PCIe Gen3 8x it's linked to Slot 1 with a switch, to detect if it has a card.
Slot 4 = PCIe Gen2 4x (in 16x slot)

No card in Slot 1, M5015 in slot 3 doesn't work
M5015 in Slot 1 no card in slot 3, M5015 works
M5015 in slot 1, video card in slot 3, M5015 works, video card also works
M5015 in slot 3, video card in slot 1, M5015 doesn't work, video does work

Forcing either slot 1 or 3 to PCIe Gen1 makes no difference.
Putting a PCIe 1x card in slot 1 also doesn't make the M5015 work in slot 3
 
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mobilenvidia

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Now watching TV in a highly improvised old Acer SFF case, testing how it all goes.

Running the i5-3450T on the Fatal1ty Profesional-M
4x4GB Unbuffered RAM
2x 60GB OCz Solid3 SSD's in RAID0
1x 100GB Notebook drive
IBM ServeRAID M5015, with Firmware 12.12.0-0048 (Oracle/Sun Firmware with LSI SBR)

Running the latest but quite old Sun/Oracle firmware on the M5015 as this is the only firmware that supports active drive spin down, and power level adjustment.

The Big Shuriken Heatsink/fan runs quiet as a mouse in Level 1 Fan setting in BIOS, temp is high 30's degC, quite acceptable.

The i5-3450T is a great CPU, it runs quick for just a dual core.
The video capability is more than acceptable to watch TV/Movies @ 1080p
Not tested gaming, but I think here it will trip up.

I still need to sort out permanent storage for this build along with a proper case and power supply.

But so far very impressed with progress.
 
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Patrick

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Just (finally) finished a new mITX HTPC last night also. ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe based. Working very well.
 

Mike

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Quite some horsepower you guys got over there for htpc's. I'm running an nvidia ION platform with the Intel CULV cpu (su2300) instead of an Atom. It does just fine with xbmc and as an ubuntu desktop, even with virtual machines running ( ;) ) Ironically this CULV processor is probably twice as power consuming as most desktops nowadays.
 

mobilenvidia

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My HTPC is also going to be a file server, so some grunt will be needed at times.
As most of the files are the Mrs movie files, it may as well be close to the TV, will save streaming it all over the house.
10GbE I may look at later as a project, I have a spare PCIe 8x and 4x slots on the Mobo.
I've got to sort the HDDs next, I've already got the RAID controller working in the case.

I have to also sort a case with airflow, the SFF case with only the Big Shuriken is not going to cut the mustard as they say.
Gets rather toasty in there.
I need to get either cool air in, or get the warm air out, something to work on.

Working rather nicely, a the moment
Main thing is my Wife can use it, so 1/2 the battle won.

I have a clamp meter but, bought it years ago to measure DC Amps, but it seems not work too well with computer gear, can't get any accurate readings.
Measuring the CPU power use will be difficult.
 

Patrick

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Intel Core i7-3770K (4.2GHz)
ASUS P8Z77-I Deluxe
8GB DDR3
80 GB Intel X25-M G2

Too much grunt but really snappy. Boot times <14s right now. Also works as a Wi-Fi AP and has bluetooth for my Logitech media keyboard and wireless headset.