Search found 53 matches

by johannes
Sun Aug 24, 2014 9:59 pm
Forum: Fans and Control
Topic: Looking for quiet 40mm fans
Replies: 11
Views: 10569

Re: Looking for quiet 40mm fans

I own a Noctua NF-A4x10 FLX and used it to replace the fan on an Asrock E350M1/USB3. I would call it quiet until ~3000 rpm and it is certainly audible north of 4000 rpm. It does not cool my 18W APU adequately at quiet speeds. The fan is great for when the APU is at idle and sounds better than the st...
by johannes
Wed Apr 09, 2014 11:16 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Heartbleed bug, change passwords?
Replies: 11
Views: 8597

Re: Heartbleed bug, change passwords?

SPCR does not use HTTPS and is thus not affected by Heartbleed. On the other hand, the lack of encryption means that anybody between you and the SPCR server (somebody on the same open WIFI, your ISP, routers in between) could read your password, so you might want to avoid reusing the password you us...
by johannes
Wed Apr 02, 2014 10:33 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: 2002-2012: A Decade of SPCR (EDIT: now 12 years)
Replies: 61
Views: 102210

Re: 2002-2012: A Decade of SPCR (EDIT: now 12 years)

SPCR is a great resource and I learned a lot reading the articles and forums.

Happy birthday!
by johannes
Sun Mar 09, 2014 12:09 am
Forum: Green Computing
Topic: My energy efficient NAS & general purpose server
Replies: 7
Views: 16717

Re: My energy efficient NAS & general purpose server

Thanks for the interesting write-up! I had been looking for an inexpensive ARM board with two SATA and at least one Ethernet connector to build a small and highly energy efficient NAS using 2.5" drives. This looks like it could fit the bill.
by johannes
Fri Dec 13, 2013 1:52 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: kabini or baytrail with ecc-support
Replies: 5
Views: 6378

Re: kabini or baytrail with ecc-support

If you look at the manual linked on the product page , you find information about a board called A1SAi-2550F. This board has a 4-core Avoton with a 14W TDP. I have not seen it on sale anywhere, so no idea about the price difference, but I don't expect it to be too big. - Another person interested in...
by johannes
Sun Dec 08, 2013 12:31 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Haswell comes to NUC
Replies: 34
Views: 36480

Re: Haswell comes to NUC

Just a heads-up: On page 2, you seem to have used a caption from your previous review (you mention earlier that there's USB3 and no Thunderbold): Here is the backside: AC input, two USB 2.0 ports. HDMI and Thunderbolt. The latter combines combines the functionality of mini-DisplayPort for video and ...
by johannes
Sat Nov 23, 2013 1:01 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Logic Supply LGX ML300 Fanless NUC
Replies: 8
Views: 10018

Re: Logic Supply LGX ML300 Fanless NUC

Delta Electronics external 19VDC 65W AC/DC adapter with AC cable. The Delta runs on 100~240VAC, outputs 12VDC , I think you might have gotten one of these two numbers wrong. My PicoPSUs run on 12V, but to the best of my knowledge Intel thin mini-itx boards (and I suppose the NUC, too) take 19V. To ...
by johannes
Tue Nov 19, 2013 3:03 am
Forum: CPU Cooling
Topic: Silverstone AR04 - 23mm cooler for thin mini itx
Replies: 0
Views: 2164

Silverstone AR04 - 23mm cooler for thin mini itx

While looking through the Silverstone website for new ultra compact cases (the PT13 looks awesome, now if only there were Bay Trail or AMD thin mini itx boards) I came across the following cooler: Silverstone AR04 Summary: 104mm x 95mm x 23mm 80x10 mm fan (1500-3400 rpm) 2x 6mm direct touch copper h...
by johannes
Sun Aug 18, 2013 9:09 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Quiet workstation build (Core i3 or A10)
Replies: 5
Views: 5122

Re: Quiet workstation build (Core i3 or A10)

If you go for an AMD APU, there are plenty of good micro ATX boards, the problem Pappnaas mentioned exists only for FX-series processors. And while AMD's 65 and 100W APUs use more power on full load than 55W Pentium processors, the difference for idle and light use (i.e. browsing, office work) shoul...
by johannes
Tue Aug 06, 2013 7:28 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: Gigabyte GA-F2A85XN-WIFI Mini-ITX Motherboard
Replies: 2
Views: 4742

Re: Gigabyte GA-F2A85XN-WIFI Mini-ITX Motherboard

So they finally released this board. It was the most promising board when it only existed in rumours and as a small picture on the Gigabyte site. And it actually became the nicest FM2 mini-itx board available. I already went for the MSI mini-itx board this spring, but given the availability I would ...
by johannes
Wed Jul 10, 2013 2:03 am
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Lone Industries Mini-ITX prototype
Replies: 185
Views: 219015

Re: Lone Industries Mini-ITX prototype

Is now the only moment to get the case (because you are getting them all made now) or would it be possible to ask for one also towards the end of this year? This looks like the best small mini-itx case for use with higher powered CPUs, but I'd like to wait for more info on Kaveri before paying ~90 U...
by johannes
Tue Jul 09, 2013 6:59 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110
Replies: 28
Views: 41064

Re: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110

The SPCR review with a 95W CPU makes me think you should be OK. Anecdotal evidence: I own the AMD version of this cooler along with a "modified" 65W APU. Modified means that I disabled throttling (so it can use more than 65 W) and undervolted + underclocked instead. I currently run it with a maximum...
by johannes
Mon Jul 08, 2013 3:41 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110
Replies: 28
Views: 41064

Re: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110

Techpowerup report that the converter board is rated for 80W, the power brick is rated at 90W output and is energy star level V (i.e. >=87% efficency) compliant. Your power draw of 85W AC is below the rating of 90W DC for the power brick, so no worries there. For the converter board there's a maxim...
by johannes
Mon Jul 08, 2013 1:38 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110
Replies: 28
Views: 41064

Re: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110

I'm not an expert, but I don't think you should worry. The maximum safe operating temperature is 105°C and you are far below that. Reading through some (overclocking) forums people talk about maximum temperatures for 24/7 usage ranging from below 75°C to below 90°C. With 79°C I think you are fine, p...
by johannes
Mon Jul 01, 2013 8:47 am
Forum: SPCR Article Discussion
Topic: AMD A10-6800K & A10-6700 Richland APUs
Replies: 1
Views: 4083

Re: AMD A10-6800K & A10-6700 Richland APUs

There are no motherboard settings pertaining to thermal/power limits as there are on most Intel motherboards but we will test the 6700 on a different board in the near future to see if we can shed some light as to what exactly is responsible. APM. You can disable it using amdmsrtweaker . In my case...
by johannes
Mon Jul 01, 2013 3:02 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110
Replies: 28
Views: 41064

Re: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110

I do not know about Intel systems, maybe someone else can say more. From what I have seen, on many boards you can set a voltage offset in the BIOS which might be enough and should conserve turbo as before. On AMD, (at least with my MSI FM2 ITX board) setting a clock speed in BIOS will have the CPU r...
by johannes
Sat Jun 29, 2013 4:17 am
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110
Replies: 28
Views: 41064

Re: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110

If you have a different PSU at hand to undervolt/underclock you should be fine, but in the worst case just entering the BIOS might cause crashes. I don't have a PSU, is it worth picking up something cheap for testing purposes in this instance and the future? I see two possible issues: The system mi...
by johannes
Sat Jun 08, 2013 10:11 pm
Forum: System Advice / Troubleshooting
Topic: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110
Replies: 28
Views: 41064

Re: Mini-ITX Beast Planned with Antec ISK 110

The Noctua NH-L9i is 37mm and should fit. The internal DC-converter board is rated for 80W. I don't know for Intel, but for the two Trinity systems I tested, the CPU will be run at maximum frequency in BIOS and power draw is very high. Just entering the BIOS with a 65W APU would reach the limit of t...
by johannes
Mon Jun 03, 2013 12:16 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Intel Haswell here, fully fanless pcs
Replies: 15
Views: 14709

Re: Intel Haswell here, fully fanless pcs

Apparently the 23.976Hz issue is fixed now: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7007/intels-haswell-an-htpc-perspective/4 Regarding power consumption: The right PSU has definitely a huge influence. My Trinity Mini-ITX systems shows 15W on the wall when idle (with Wifi+Bluetooth disabled) whereas my family...
by johannes
Thu May 23, 2013 8:58 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Which mini-ITX motherboard + CPU for moderate home use?
Replies: 16
Views: 9760

Re: Which mini-ITX motherboard + CPU for moderate home use?

Any Intel processor based on Sandy or Ivy Bridge should be faster than your current Athlon X2. The same applies for AMD's Trinity, but you should get a 4 module version since people report slowness with the 2 module version. (I used the Anandtech Bench for a quick processor comparison and the 2 vs. ...
by johannes
Tue May 21, 2013 3:00 am
Forum: Video Cards & Monitors
Topic: Quietest card to run 2 monitors
Replies: 3
Views: 3206

Re: Quietest card to run 2 monitors

Hello, any passively cooled (no fan noise) entry-level card should do for your intended task as long as you have some airflow in your case. A short look at a price comparision site shows a number of Nvidia Geforce G210, Radeon HD5450 and HD 6450 cards which should fit your needs. Price should be aro...
by johannes
Sat May 18, 2013 1:45 am
Forum: General Gallery
Topic: Silent Lian Li PC-TU200 PicoPSU ITX Build.
Replies: 9
Views: 8767

Re: Silent Lian Li PC-TU200 PicoPSU ITX Build.

Seems I'm not the only one with PSU noise at idle. (I have PicoPSU160XT+192W power brick from mini-box)

Are all the other power bricks noise-less? The 60W one I got from mini-box is fine.
by johannes
Thu May 16, 2013 8:20 am
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Mini-ITX A10-5700 power numbers, Turbo Core influence
Replies: 7
Views: 6241

Re: Mini-ITX A10-5700 power numbers, Turbo Core influence

Have you tested the efficiency? Relying on specs does not always work, I've heard of at least one brick that missed its specs badly, I doubt its uncommon. No, I don't have the equipment for testing efficiency, only a cheap power meter. I can only hope that energy star only gives a level V rating to...
by johannes
Wed May 15, 2013 11:50 pm
Forum: CPUs and Motherboards
Topic: Mini-ITX A10-5700 power numbers, Turbo Core influence
Replies: 7
Views: 6241

Re: Mini-ITX A10-5700 power numbers, Turbo Core influence

My power brick is 89% avg. efficiency. :-) The PicoPSU 160XT is specified as being 92-96% efficient for 12V-5V/3.3V conversion and should have no real loss for 12V. I think you are correct and my processor is not binned at all. I compared my undervolted/underclocked numbers (both work well using amd...
by johannes
Sat May 11, 2013 1:22 am
Forum: Power Supplies
Topic: Haswell's C6/C7 low power states and PSU compatibility
Replies: 44
Views: 52349

Re: Haswell's C6/C7 low power states and PSU compatibility

Yeah just saw the Corsair blog via Tech Report. The interesting bit is where Corsair says any PSU that derives the 3.3V and 5V rails from the 12V rail (via DC-DC conversion) won't have a problem. Does this mean PicoPSUs are fine? The blog post says that there's no problem because there's always som...
by johannes
Mon Apr 29, 2013 1:33 am
Forum: General Gallery
Topic: Beating the PS3
Replies: 15
Views: 19398

Re: Beating the PS3

P7 is unused. I guess you can't force the kernel to use P7, so you'd have to modify P6 to get the machine to idle at 900MHz? I think so. I will try to have a look at this the coming days on my A10. Might extend battery life by an hour? Unlikely. Your CPU should be in C1E power states ( wiki , if I ...
by johannes
Sat Apr 27, 2013 8:55 am
Forum: General Gallery
Topic: Beating the PS3
Replies: 15
Views: 19398

Re: Beating the PS3

I added statically compiled binaries for 32bit and 64bit Linux. See the readme for links and instructions. Regarding grounding: Since the PicoPSU is not designed to be grounded, I don't think it's a safety issue. (For instance the PS3 or my cheap 2.1 loud speakers are not grounded either). In my cas...
by johannes
Thu Apr 25, 2013 10:19 pm
Forum: General Gallery
Topic: Beating the PS3
Replies: 15
Views: 19398

Re: Beating the PS3

Yes, I am. I didn't have much time to work on anything the last days, that's why I only posted there after I got the code working on Linux. Regarding coil whine: I haven't done all the tests I wanted, but the PicoPSU-80 + 60W power brick combination in my E-350 system does not make coil whine noises...
by johannes
Mon Apr 22, 2013 3:09 am
Forum: Cases and Damping
Topic: Lone Industries Mini-ITX prototype
Replies: 185
Views: 219015

Re: Lone Industries Mini-ITX prototype

This is a really nice case! I wish something like that was available when I was looking for a really small case with a low-profile slot. (And I also dream of making my own one day. As small as possible, but just high enough for 2.5" hdds and 70mm fans. ;-) ) I'll follow your progress with interest, ...
by johannes
Mon Apr 15, 2013 1:47 am
Forum: General Gallery
Topic: Beating the PS3
Replies: 15
Views: 19398

Re: Beating the PS3

Please ask if you need more detailed measurements or photos for the PicoPSU. I don't think the PicoPSU creates much EMI - all it does is to forward 12V signals and convert 3.3V and 5V signals from the 12V signal. Changing frequencies or voltage is actually much simpler than I thought. You "just" hav...