Foxconn RM2-H2 Intel Core i7 / i5 / i3 / Pentium (LGA1155) Intel Socket H2(LGA1155) Intel H61 none 1 x HDMI Barebone $60

Is there anybody who can recommend based on the last version to go on sale last week? user experiences, pitfalls, etc..?

I'd be anxious to hear how installing a bios chip goes after the fact for IB

I just need a nice HTPC case. I bought the ECS micro ATX board a few weeks ago. Can I scrap the mobo in this unit or is that a poor idea?

Anyone else get in on this deal in the past? Any reviews/issues would be appriciated. Also, what parts did you use to finish the build? Saw a few suggestions in previous threads for CPU and memory. Just wondering what people actually went with.

Thanks in Advance

Some reviewers complain about noise that it's too noisy.

Quote from HOO-MAN? : Is there anybody who can recommend based on the last version to go on sale last week? user experiences, pitfalls, etc..?

errrr I purchased the RM3-H2 recently.

I haven't done anything with it yet, but I do have some observations.

First, most people have problems relating to CPU/BIOS compatibility so do yourself a favor and make sure the CPU you get is compatible. linky below, personally I am going to shoot for a G550 $35 at the Meyecrocenter ----> won't set off alerts

http://www.foxconnsupport.com/cpu...type=Intel

Second, came with a M-ITX H67s motherboard... which still could have a H61 chipset, but I am not sure. The PCB is labeled as N15235 H67s. And in this case all the SATA's are the same blue color, instead of blue and black denoting different speeds.(Check newegg for Foxconn's H67s Mitx you will see what I mean).

Third, the power supply is 250 Watt for me. Which might allow a graphics card with low power requirements. Although it would have to be LOW PROFILE SINGLE SLOT, there is little space between the PSU and PCI slot, despite the angle of Newegg photos.

Fourth, to the guy who want's to stick a MATX in here... NOT HAPPENING, M-itx bud

Hope this helps someone, I'll update when I install if there are issues. Compulsory smiley here

Quote from Porksword : I just need a nice HTPC case. I bought the ECS micro ATX board a few weeks ago. Can I scrap the mobo in this unit or is that a poor idea?

bad idea, wrong size motherboard brah

It is pretty noisy. Got one from the previous sale.

Looks like the only noise generator would be the power supply. I'd look into a PICO PS if it is really bad...

i have this. will try to reply with any answers..

Quote from HOO-MAN? : Is there anybody who can recommend based on the last version to go on sale last week? user experiences, pitfalls, etc..?

I own this model... will address some of its problems below

Quote from eb50 : I'd be anxious to hear how installing a bios chip goes after the fact for IB

Best approach is flashing after installing a non-IB chip to the new IB bios, and then installing the IB chip. Alternatively, if you look in the newegg reviews, it looks like Foxconn is sending out free BIOS replacement chips with the IB support baked in! Call the number and get your replacement BIOS! great to keep around in case you need it, easy to swap out.

Quote from Porksword : I just need a nice HTPC case. I bought the ECS micro ATX board a few weeks ago. Can I scrap the mobo in this unit or is that a poor idea?

TERRIBLE idea. the case is the worst part of this barebones.

Quote from duff1856 : Anyone else get in on this deal in the past? Any reviews/issues would be appriciated. Also, what parts did you use to finish the build? Saw a few suggestions in previous threads for CPU and memory. Just wondering what people actually went with.

I used a G530, a single stick of some DDR3 i had laying around, and an old laptop sata hdd.

some things to note: everything inside is a VERY TIGHT fit. The way to 'build' this thing is painful. and cumbersome. most optical drives BARELY fit, by way of angled sata/power adapters and pushing up against the HSF (YES even with it oriented properly). the drive 'cage' (if you will, not really a cage) is a pain in the ass to access and it only fits a 3.5" HDD that you basically have to take everything out to fit inside the cage. for the 2.5" HDD i used i just screwed it in place and hoped for the best.

This board is actually pretty nice for what it is, the chassis is terrible though.

Quote from pokymon : Some reviewers complain about noise that it's too noisy.

By default the automatic fan control is disabled. When you turn it on, it is MUCH quieter. Some say its the PSU fan thats loud, but thats not what i observed, its the CPU fan in my case that is loud when not under PWM.

Quote from phdeez : Looks like the only noise generator would be the power supply. I'd look into a PICO PS if it is really bad...

PICO PSU is an option, but again the PSU fan isnt really that noisy, and removing it wont gain you any useful space, really.


Overall great value for $60 though!

Quote from hightop32 : i have this. will try to reply with any answers..

Would you mind telling me the dimension of the power supply, also how loud is the power supply?, I will be using this as an HTPC, a bit of noise is ok but don't want it to over power the voices, Thank You.

I see you already addressed the Power supply noise, just need the dimensions, want to check how expensive it is to replace.