Monthly Archives: January 2011

HTPC Hardware

HDPLEX Fanless Silent H5.S HTPC PC Case Hard Drive Installation Guide

Official Hard Drive Layout for fanless H5.S silent HTPC Case

A:150W Fanless Power Adapter External Placement

Layout A: 3 x 2.5" HDD/SSD for micro-ATX or mini-ITX motherboard

 

Layout B: 1 x 2.5" HDD/SSD +2×3.5" HDD for mini-ITX motherboard

 

 

B:150W Fanless Power Adapter Internal Placement

 

Layout A : 3 x 2.5" HDD/SSD for micro-ATX or mini-ITX motherboard

 

Layout B: 1 x 2.5" HDD/SSD + 1x 3.5" HDD for mini-ITX motherboard

 

Layout C : 1 x 2.5" HDD/SSD + 1x 3.5" HDD for mini-ITX motherboard

 

C:80W Fanless Open Frame Internal Power Supply

 

Layout A : 3 x 2.5" HDD/SSD for micro-ATX or mini-ITX motherboard

 

Layout B :1 x 2.5" HDD/SSD + 1x 3.5" HDD for mini-ITX motherboard

 

HTPC Hardware

Both HDPLEX H5.S and H3.S/SODD supports USB 3.0 Front port now

Since Zotac and many other new H67 sandy bridge motherboards equipped USB 3.0 internal port for faceplate/front panel connection, HDPLEX silent HTPC case H5.S and H3.SODD/H3.S will include USB 3.0 internal cable option now.

Customer need to install this cable first before install the hard drive in the fanless computer case.

HTPC Hardware

Compatible mini-ITX motherboard list has been updated for HDPLEX SFF H3 series chassis.

H3 Series mini-client small factor HTPC chassis has the heatpipe on the left instead of right comparing to H10/H5 HTPC chassis. The compatible motherboard list should not be mixed with the H5 and H10 fanless computer chassis although they use the same HDPLEX fanless heatsink system. The heatpipe in fanless H3 HTPC chassis fly over the PCIEx16 slot. The 24PIN ATX plug will not block the heatpipe path in H3 HTPC SFF case.

Compatible Motherboard List for H3.S and H3.SODD (Update Jan.15th 2011)

Intel LGA1156 socket for Intel Clarkdale CPU

Intel BOXDH57JG LGA 1156 Intel H57 HDMI Mini ITX
ZOTAC H55ITX-A-E LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Mini ITX
ECS H55H-I LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard

Intel LGA1155 socket for Intel Sandy Bridge CPU

Intel BOXDH67CF HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
ECS H67H2-I LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
ZOTAC H67ITX-A-E WiFi LGA 1155 Mini ITX
Gigabyte H67N-USB3 LGA 1155 Mini ITX
ASROCK H67M-ITX LGA 1155 Mini ITX
ASUS P8H67-ITX LGA 1155 Mini ITX

NOT Compatible with HDPLEX heatsink system for H3 Series

Intel LGA775 G41 mini-ITX motherboard
ZOTAC GF9300 Series LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 HDMI Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
Giada MI-H55-01 LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Mini ITX Intel Motherboard
ZOTAC 880GITX-A-E AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard

HTPC Hardware

Motherboard compatible list for HDPLEX H10 and H5 series Fanless Silent HTPC case has been updated

MB not on this list should also be compatible if they meet requirement on the compatibility page. This list will be periodically updated base on user feedback. microATX standard spec is 9.6"x9.6" but it also comes in small factor such as 9.6"x 8.3" or 9.6"x7.6". Small factor microATX mobo is recommended for better installation experience. It would allow more space for sata/power cable arrangement.

Compatible Motherboard List for HDPLEX H10 and H5 Series (Update Jan.15th 2011)

Intel LGA775 socket

Zotac mini-ITX 9300 motherboard
Intel G41 mini-ITX motherboard
ASUS P5N7A microATX motherboard
Gigabyte E7AUM microATX motherboard

Intel LGA1156 socket

MSI H55M-E33 microATX motherboard
Zotac H55 mini-ITX motherboard
Gigabyte GA-H55-USB3 microATX motherboard
ASUS ASUS P7H55-M Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

ASUS P7H55-M LX H55 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P7H55-M PRO H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
ASUS P7H55-M LE H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
ASRock H55M/USB3 R2.0 H55 HDMI USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASRock H55M-GE H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
ASRock H55M-LE H55 mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH55B HD H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH55XE H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH55 HD H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
Foxconn H55MX-S H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
Foxconn H55MXV H55 mATX Motherboard
JetWay JMIH55-M-LF H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
JetWay JXBLUE-H55-MINI-LF H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-UD2H H55 HDMI mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H55M-S2V H55 mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H57M-USB3 Intel H57 HDMI USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
MSI H55M-P33 H55 mATX Motherboard
MSI H55M-E23 mATX Motherboard

Intel LGA1155 socket for Sandy Bridge CPU

ASRock H67M H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASRock H67M-GE H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-M PRO/CSM H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-M LX H67 SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
ASUS P8H67-M LE H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH67XE H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
BIOSTAR TH67+ H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
FOXCONN H67MP H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
FOXCONN H67M-S H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H67M-D2 H67 SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-H67MA-D2H H67 SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
Jetway MIH67M-HU3 H67 mATX Motherboard
MSI H67MA-E45 H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
MSI H67MS-E43 H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s mATX Motherboard
Intel BOXDH67GD H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
Intel BOXDH67BL H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 mATX Motherboard
MSI H67MA-E45 mATX Motherboard

Zotac H67ITX-A-E LGA1155 mini-ITX Motherboard
MSI H67 LGA1155 mini-ITX Motherboard
Foxconn H67S LGA1155 mini-ITX Motherboard

AM2/AM3 socket

Gigabyte MA-785GM-US2H microATX motherboard

ASUS M4A88T-M/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASUS M4A88T-M AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock 880GMH/USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ASRock 880GMH/USB3 R2.0 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A880GM-M7 (V2.0) AM3 AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
ECS A880GM-M7 (V2.0) AM3 AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-880GM-USB3 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-880GM-UD2H AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI 880GMA-E53 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI 880GMA-E55 AM3 AMD 880G SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
MSI 880GM-E43 AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

ZOTAC 880GITX-A-E AM3 AMD 880G HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Mini ITX AMD Motherboard

 

Compatible 5.25″ Optical Drive List for H10.ODD

The optical drive on this list have been installed and tested by HDPLEX Inc. Other optical drive should also be compatible if they meet the above requirements. This list will be periodically updated base on user feedback.

1. LG 5.25″ GGC-H20L Bluray Drive

2. LiteOn DH-401S 5.25″ Bluray Drive

 

NOT Compatible with H10 and H5 Series HDPLEX heatsink system

ASUS H55-EVO (Capacitor heatsink on ASUS motherboard is higher than 15mm and will block the heatpipe)
Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UD2H Motherboard (voltage regulator heatsink block the heatpipe path)
Intel H57 Mini-ITX/Gigabyte H55 mini-ITX/ECS H55H-I mini-ITX/GIGABYTE GA-H55N-USB3 mini-ITX (ATX 24PIN plug block the heatpipe path)
Intel H67 DH67CF mini-ITX

 




HTPC Software & Setup

HDPLEX Internal IR with MCE Remote Manual

HDPLEX Internal IR with MCE Remote Manual

Part 1: Installation

A. Install the IR PCB in the IR slot on the back of the chassis faceplate using one M3x6 screw

HDPLEX Internal IR MCE Remote
B. HDPLEX Internal IR PCB wire layout.

HDPLEX Internal IR MCE Remote

C. Plug the USB on the motherboard internal port, plug the power switch cable on the middle two PIN of the HDPLEX power switch PCB.

HDPLEX Power switch PCB

D: Connect the 5VSB to the +5V output from the DC-ATX converter.
5VSB outputHDPLEX 5VSB for Internal Remote

If you can’t power up the PC from S5 state, first unplug the IR switch cable, flip 180 degree and plug back. Incorrect polarization will prevent IR from power up the PC. If this does not solve the problem, you need to use HDPLEX IR’s unique “Forced shutdown” function. See details in the “Multimedia function” section.

Part 2: Remote Configuration
The HDPLEX MCE remote is preconfigured as the standard windows MCE remote and use Microsoft Windows native driver, no third party driver is needed.
In addition, remote configuration program allows you to tailor the MCE remote to your needs. Download this program at http://hdplex.com/images/accessories/remote.zip

HDPLEX Internal MCE Remote UI
To assign a function, just click the corresponding key to activate setup window. A warning dialog box will pop up if the program does not detect the HDPLEX internal IR. Please make sure the IR is plugged properly on the motherboard USB port. If you continue with this warning, no setup will be saved.

HDPLEX Internal MCE Remote Warning

There are six categories of functions which you could assign to a remote key.
HDPLEX Internal Remote function group

  • Standard keyboard function

HDPLEX Remote standard keyboard

  • Multimedia function (For OS):

Multimedia Function

  • Forced Shutdown function: This HDPLEX IR unique feature allows you press and hold the key for 4-5 sec and PC will be shut down while the OS is not responding. In addition, some motherboard could not be powered on by USB port in S5 state (power off state). Assign “Forced shutdown” and press and hold the key for 4-6sec, the HDPLEX internal IR will perform a hard power on action, the same as physically press the power button to start the PC.
  • Windows MCE function:

HDPLEX MCE Funtion

  • Mouse and Command Line Function:

Mouse and Command Line

  • Switching Profile function:

HDPLEX Internal Remote profiles

Part 3: Using Profiles

HDPLEX IR allows each key have four different function by switching between four profiles. For example, key”1” could function as keyboard “P” under profile 1 and “Volume+” under profile 2.

Profiles could be exported and imported in the format of BIN file.
HDPLEX Remote flash profile
Each individual profile could be exported or imported. For example, if user A export “Profile 1” to 1.bin and user B import 1.bin to his profile 1, both users will have the same remote key function under Profile 1. If user B import 1.bin to his “Profile 2”, his other three profiles won’t be affected and his profile 2 will have the same remote key configuration as user A’s profile 1.

HDPLEX Internal MCE Remote Profiles

All four profiles could be exported or imported at once as a single bin file when choose “All Profiles”. For example, user A export his four profiles into foursettings.bin. If user B import foursettings.bin when choosing “All Profiles” , user B four profiles will be the same at user A.
If user B import foursettings.bin when “choosing Profile 3”, only the first profile from foursettings.bin will be imported. In this case, user B’s profile 3 will be the same as user A’s profile 1.

Empty Settings
Warning: “Empty current settings” button will erase key configuration for ALL FOUR PROFILES no matter which profile you have selected. If you want to get back to factory default, please download factory default settings at http://hdplex.com/images/accessories/factory.bin and import under “All Profiles”.

HTPC Hardware

Zotac Sandy Bridge H67 mini-ITX Motherboard with 2 onboard USB3.0 and SATA 6.0

Zotac is showing an WiFi ready Sandy Bridge H67 mini-ITX Motherboard with 2 onboard USB3.0, SATA 6.0, and PCIEx16 Slot. This mini-ITX board seems to have better configuration than the rest H67 mini-ITX line up from other manufactures such as Gigabyte or ASUS. I hope Zotac will use UEFI Bios as well.

Since Zotac H67 mini-ITX has the same layout as the Zotac H55 mini-ITX motherboard, it should be compatible with the HDPLEX H5 and H3 series fanless silent HTPC case.