I'm done messing with this board. But for those interested, Intel just posted a new version of the graphics driver, 15.11.4.1591, dated 11/10/2008.
I also noticed Intel removed version 0079 of the BIOS from their archive site for some reason.
DG45FC looks promising for HTPC
Moderators: NeilBlanchard, Ralf Hutter, sthayashi, Lawrence Lee
frank2003: During my upgrade to 0085 it mentions that you cannot update using the express bios method from 0079. There must have been some problem with it.
I finally got my components into a case, but it's not yet fully complete. Here are some power consumption numbers if anyone is curious:
38/39W idle at 1.6/2.5GHZ speeds. 57W at 50% CPU load and 65W 100% load. Temps are okay on the stock CPU fan, reaching around 55C at 100% full load. Didn't test for too long though. I am having the same problem mentioned before with the fan constantly going from silent to loud mode even though there is no CPU activity. Is the only fix to use a fan controller, cause it's annoying the crap out of me.
Also, what programs are you guys using to monitor temperatures in an OS? I tried HWmonitor 1.11 which usually catches all sensors, but on this board it just shows me CPU core temps, and HDD temps. I want to keep an eye on the north and south bridges. NB sink is only warm to the touch, but 85C in BIOS reading is too high for my comfort. I also might stick a sink onto the SB because it's extremely hot to touch for more than a few seconds.
I finally got my components into a case, but it's not yet fully complete. Here are some power consumption numbers if anyone is curious:
38/39W idle at 1.6/2.5GHZ speeds. 57W at 50% CPU load and 65W 100% load. Temps are okay on the stock CPU fan, reaching around 55C at 100% full load. Didn't test for too long though. I am having the same problem mentioned before with the fan constantly going from silent to loud mode even though there is no CPU activity. Is the only fix to use a fan controller, cause it's annoying the crap out of me.
Also, what programs are you guys using to monitor temperatures in an OS? I tried HWmonitor 1.11 which usually catches all sensors, but on this board it just shows me CPU core temps, and HDD temps. I want to keep an eye on the north and south bridges. NB sink is only warm to the touch, but 85C in BIOS reading is too high for my comfort. I also might stick a sink onto the SB because it's extremely hot to touch for more than a few seconds.
I've discovered a really wonky issue with the G45/X4500HD with XBMC.
If you have an issue with video playback where it will slow down, speed up, and be really choppy, kinda like this. Plug a usb flash drive in.
If you have an issue with video playback where it will slow down, speed up, and be really choppy, kinda like this. Plug a usb flash drive in.
to answer my own question (and in case anyone needs to know themselves)
I bought a power meter, my setup draws 50w on idle and peaks at about 85 when maxing out both cores, copying large files between volumes on the disk and coping a large file across a 1gig network with a divx video file playing. I guess if i was playing a BD disc as well it would add a few more watts but it looks like a 120w pico will be ok.
It also never drew more than 1 amp of current.
it also draws 4-5w when in standby.
I bought a power meter, my setup draws 50w on idle and peaks at about 85 when maxing out both cores, copying large files between volumes on the disk and coping a large file across a 1gig network with a divx video file playing. I guess if i was playing a BD disc as well it would add a few more watts but it looks like a 120w pico will be ok.
It also never drew more than 1 amp of current.
it also draws 4-5w when in standby.