So I build me a llano system :)

[dangel]

A8 3850 APU
ASUS uATX FM1A75 MB
4GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 @ 1600
Zalman 500W psu
Kingston 40gb SSD
1TB F3
Scythe BIG Shuriken cooler

Result - wonderful! Lovely little (quiet) system - under full load it hits 45C in a uATX case (all four cores running 100% for several minutes) and at idle the CPU registers two degrees under the MB temp (~31C). Graphics performance seems good too (not gaming). Had to strip one of the dominators to fit under the cooler but then 1.5V DDR3 isn't a great heat generator and it's now being actively cooled by the CPU fan anyway. Incidentally, the contact between the RAM sink and the chips is poor and so probably useless.

The ASUS board is very nice (I don't think the 'Pro' version is worth the extra) and well priced. UEFI bios and good range of options much like my Z68 based main rig.

This would make an excellent HTPC IMHO - but be prepared to buy a new cooler as the AMD one is absolutely pathetic (I hit 65C under full load before - and that's without stressing the GPU side).

Very impressed - as is the missus!

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Is it possible to post some pictures of the system and the CPU cooler?? How tall is the cooler??

[dangel]

Is it possible to post some pictures of the system and the CPU cooler?? How tall is the cooler??

Yep no problem, I'll take a snap or two tonight. The cooler is very short - but very large - which is why I chose it (that and it's performance it's pretty impressive). Was also impressed by the ease of fitting (clever adaptors) too. I have the normal shuriken in my HTPC.

Here's a pic for reference:


Dimensions (Overall): 125x135x58 mm


Tight fit because of the height of the vengeance RAM - normal height RAM no worries though. A side-on pic of my system will probably show this best - that ok?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Yep no problem, I'll take a snap or two tonight. The cooler is very short - but very large - which is why I chose it (that and it's performance it's pretty impressive).

Here's a pic for reference:

Sorry!! I meant the stock cooler!!

[dangel]

Sorry!! I meant the stock cooler!!

Ah! haha! - yes no worries mate.

It's basically a lump of aluminium with a fan - rubbish by todays standards IMHO. I wasn't comfortable with 65C on a mild summers day - let alone hitting 10-15C potentially during a hot spell. Not that quiet either - and 65C was with the fan at 100% with a fair bit of noise.

[PeterStoba]

Sorry!! I meant the stock cooler!!

Here's one - Not too different to the other AMD coolers, just smaller.

[mycarsavw]

I've no need for a new PC at all, but now I'm curious to see the photos and I've started costing the parts - grr!

Also

System 002: A8 3850 APU, ASUS uATX FM1A75 MB, 4GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3, Zalman 500W psu, Kingston 40gb SSD, 1TB F3, Dell 2001FP 20" LCD, £7's worth of 5.1 speakers (they rock) Windows 7 x64[wife/server]

[dangel]

I've no need for a new PC at all, but now I'm curious to see the photos and I've started costing the parts - grr!

Also

You're the first to notice

Yes, I didn't *need* to replace the wife's system but.. well.. I can tell you have the same 'problem'

PeterStoba's pic is accurate - it's nothing special at all. By default Asus's monitoring software freaks out at 60C..

[mycarsavw]

Unlike The Moose, I'm not at all turned on by coolers (stock or otherwise), I'm awaiting the assembled build pics to get a rough idea of the size/footprint.

Then I'll find invent a use for buying one.

*shakes fist*

[dangel]

Unlike The Moose, I'm not at all turned on by coolers (stock or otherwise), I'm awaiting the assembled build pics to get a rough idea of the size/footprint.

Cooler prawn?

Well as long as I don't drink tequila tonight i'll remember the pics...

Then I'll find invent a use for buying one.

*shakes fist*

Sorry

I must admit I do marvel that it runs so well given there's not a single card plugged into the thing
WinSAT score post coming in a tick..

[dangel]

All stock, no tweaking or driver changes.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Heresy!! Moose only like cliffs!!

I am more interested to know the height of the stock cooler as I like SFF systems.

[dangel]

Heresy!! Moose only like cliffs!!

I am more interested to know the height of the stock cooler as I like SFF systems.

I'll get me tape out then

It's pretty teeny - but I suspect the Scythe isn't much taller either.

[dangel]

My little ugly box (fnar)

[dangel]

You can see the stripped DDR here

[dangel]

This is the stock heatsink - rubbish.

Dimensions:

Width - 76mm, Depth - 68mm, Height - 50mm (including fan) - only 8mm less than the Scythe that I replaced it with!

If you want more angles let me know - although i am worried that i'm promoting heaksink abuse...