Closer Look:

The coolest thing about an HTPC these days is just how much more configurable they are over proprietary component systems. Many of the Micro-ATX boards like the ASRock 4Core1333, are configured with better sound and video processors than so many of the proprietary systems. If building an HTPC seems a little complicated to you, it really isn't especially if you can build your own computer. What takes the most time is configuring your integrated or added audio card software to your own settings and preferences. It can be really interesting to set up based on whatever kinds of movies you typically watch. For myself, action movies need very clear mid-range audio as well as deep base. It's really cool when your home theater sounds more like your "in" the movie instead of watching it. This is where the integrated 7.1 HD audio is most appreciated. The play back quality is exactly on par with the previously reviewed Abit F-190HD which is a good thing when looking for a good standard to purchase by.

Front

Opened

Decent Bundle

The board is made on ASRock's blue PCB along with ample lettering listing its features and specifications. The blue PCB is better than any typical green or budget color, but all the white bold type drowns out any of the board's color. This is one scenario where it's perfectly fine to use smaller lettering or at least put only the important things on the board. While you still may not see this board installed in your home theater case enclosure, all the lettering doesn't quite advertise or compliment the board properly. It would be more beneficial to tone it down and to let the box's features say most of it while letting the onlooker appreciate the board.

Bottom

Top

What the F-190HD lacked was PCI slots coming with only one. The 4Core comes with two PCI slots and one PCIX slot. They also have included an HDMR slot so you have an extra option of sorts. The typical features include one ATA and Floppy port. For SATA devices, you have the option for four drives which should really be more than enough for any HTPC. The supported memory is up to 8GB DDR2 PC2-6400 or higher if you need. Official support is for 800MHz DDR2, while higher frequency memory could be used if you find the need to overclock the system. Since there really isn't any need to push this HD board any higher to get the best HTPC performance, overclocking at this point is just a big bonus.

Front

Back

Looking at the back of the board, you can see the DVI and VGA out ports to offer any kind of user the optional choice since a lot of people still have difference connections. The DVI port is obviously the better of the choices in order to enjoy the best graphics and details. However, if VGA is your only choice, then you're covered. Included in the motherboard bundle is an HDMI adapter to connect to the motherboard or graphics card DVI port. You can also easily locate the other standard USB, GigaLAN, and Audio jacks. Another thing the 4Core1333 offers is Firewire support which the Abit F-190HD didn't. This one other feature in favor of the 4Core since there is still a lot of support for Firewire devices and components.

Xpress 1250 Passive Heat Sink

SP, DVI, VGA, USB, 1394, LAN, Audio

Now, for the obviously unusual. The 20pin main power socket is located in a very odd location behind the USB and Audio ports at the back of the motherboard. This means there will be a large cable crossing most of the board partially covering up the RAM and Chipset heat sink. Braided wires from power supplies won't be much of a problem blocking air, but other kinds just may effect any cooling aimed directly at the passive heat sink. The 4pin P4 auxiliary 12v connector is a typical location just next to the CPU socket area which makes me wonder if ASRock was just trying to keep them close together. Also located in an weird spot is the FDD or floppy disk port which is between the bottom PCI and PCIX slots. This cable could very well crowd any PCI based cards especially if the cards are a bit on the lengthy and tall side.

20pin Power Connector

Battery & CMOS Jumper

The CMOS jumper and battery are located next to the CPU socket area at the top of the board. Really large CPU coolers might make it a little tricky getting your hand in there to set the jumper for clearing the CMOS. The ASUS Arctic Square is large but doesn't crowd it very much at all. At first, I thought that this was the strangest place to put these two items. But after reconsidering that this motherboard isn't intended for avid overclocking and the battery may possibly never need to be accessed, this may just be the current ideal placement. It's a gutsy move that is actually a good idea.

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