HTPC to Upgrade or Repair

[js1974]

So I started experiencing some issues with the USB Ports on my motherboard that when something is plugged in the system won't power on and I
ve narrowed it down to 2 ports. Now I know sooner or later it will have to be repaired or upgraded there is no way around that.

Here is my current dilemma, My HTPC is an ASRock P55 Pro running a i7 860 and 16GB RAM. It's near impossible to find a 1156 Motherboard used or otherwise and everyone I have found is going to set me back $100 for used up to $200 for new.

I haven't used AMD Chips in a long time not since the P4B days or earlier and I'm out of the loop but for an HTPC I have to assume I can get a bundle Mobo & CPU around the same price as just a replacement or repaired motherboard.

So from you AMD experts out there what would you suggest? I use my HTPC as a full blown media server, Video Rendering and it's also my Streaming server for gaming so it's pretty much an all in one box and was my old gaming system.

[Jimmersd]

Your problem might not be the motherboard. I recommend that if you have access to a multimeter that you check all the voltages from your power supply. Make sure that all of the +3.3,+5 and +12v supplies are correct. I don't mean close. I also noticed just by quick searching eBay for your MB that there are vendors selling replacement Bios for $15. http://www.ebay.com/itm/BIOS-Chip-Asroc ... 3cc7abf553
This might indicate that the bios in your MB are prone to corruption. This could cause the problem you are having. It might be worth taking a flyer on the $14.59 to see if it corrects your problem.

As far as AMD is concerned I think what you are looking for is something with an A10 processor. The A10 falls between the i5 and the i7 depending on the series and number of cores. Tigerdirect has some MB combos for less than $200.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... =2&recs=10
GL

[JTScribe]

Is your RAM DDR3?

I just upgraded to an i3-4130T and Z97 motherboard for ~225. It has Intel HD 4400 built in, good enough for Blu Ray 3D playback and the CPU is very low heat.

[js1974]

I have used a multimeter and tested it all already it's 100% a USB Port issue on the rear of the motherboard. Currently I'm looking at one of these options but I need to make sure that I end up with equal or an upgrade and not a downgrade as this system does a lot for me. Basically everything but gaming it's my DVR with an InfiniTV 4, It has a AverMedia Live Gamer for a Streaming server and it's my XBMC setup so the chip has to be powerful enough to maintain what it has been doing in the past.

[JTScribe]

Your chip is better in multithreaded apps but a newer i3 would be better overall looks like.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/108?vs=1192

[cwinfield]

If you stick to the same mobo you won't lose your copyrighted recordings but will need to run the DCA again.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASRock-P55-PRO- ... 3ce5f3d58a

Not sure if that is what you have looks like that may not be an option for you. You might be able to RMA out of warranty?

http://www.asrock.com/support/index.us.asp?cat=RMA

[JTScribe]

Dumb question, would a cheap USB card not be an option?

[cwinfield]

I would definitely just try to use the other usb header you could use a usb pcie card

[js1974]

I'm using 2 4 port headers currently to avert in inevitable but I know sooner or later I have to bite the bullet I'm unfamiliar with AMD and just trying to figure out the best option. 1156 boards are rare so sooner or later an upgrade has to happen just don't want to wait for the board to completely die I hope to get it replaced before that.

OOW Repair through ASRock is an option but $149 for a 90 day warranty repair or $180 for an AMD A10 6800k and mobo

Ebay isn't a bad option but $120 including shipping for a mobo with no warranty is steep.

[JTScribe]

Are you not wanting to go Intel for any particular reason?

[cwinfield]

Might be able to get a new one here http://www.codemicro.com/store/product/ ... RO-New.php

[js1974]

Are you not wanting to go Intel for any particular reason?

I'm plenty happy with Intel, I'm just looking for any information I can to get the best setup as a replacement for the money, I'm not interested in dropping $500 on a board/cpu right now.

[JTScribe]

Well, like I said earlier, you can get a fully capable Intel board and chip for just a little over $200, so there's that.