2 - Specifications, Technology

So we are in a bit of luck today, as Hiper has been making these HTPC barebones for quite a while now. And they have developed for the better these past few years. For the money you'll get a lot. Hiper currently carries three models in their 'Media Center' line of products. The HMC-2K53A-H1, HMC-2K53A-H2 and HMC-2K53A-A3. Differences among these model can be found in processor support (AMD K8 & DDR / AM2 & DDR2) other then that the differences are diminutive.

What exactly is a barebone ? A barebone computer is a half-assembled platform that consists of a case with a power supply, a motherboard preinstalled into the case, and typically a cooling system. So you only have to equip it with a CPU, RAM, hard drive and additional input/output devices depending on your needs. The trick is that assembling a barebone computer by hand is usually less expensive than buying a pre-configured computer from a retailer.

We test the slimline HMC-2K53A-A3 barebone model which comes with a few free extra's. This is the newest model based on the AMD's 690G & SB600 chipset. The integrated graphics solution (Radeon X1250 IGP) allows for HDMI output yet also will improve video playback capability.

I hope that Hiper will migrate to AMD's 780G chipset soon as the high-definition decoder in that chipset is even better. Also, an infrared receiver is built right into the front panel which allows for a (Vista-only) IR remote control, which is included in the kit as well.

Let's have a peek at the main features:

• A/V size chassis (equivalent to DVD player size).
• XP/Vista enabled matrix display (VFD module)
• Built-in Wi-Fi.
• IR ready.
• Vista MCE Approved Remote Control.
• Free 7.1CH Jack-RCA Cable.
• Designed for Microsof Windows Vista/MCE/XP.
• SD Memory Card / MultiMediaCard / CompactFlash /
• MicroDrive/ Memory Stick / SmartMedia card reader.
• Built-in HDD cooling fan, mainboard fan.
• Front audio and USB I/O.
• Full function media / gaming / computing device.

As stated, this barebone HTPC is based on the MSI K9AGM2 (MS-7327) mainboard. It doesn't stop at the chassis and mainboard though. In this product we also find a SD Memory Card / MultiMediaCard / CompactFlash/  MicroDrive/  Memory Stick / SmartMedia card reader and we even notice that next to the network Ethernet connection it even has built-in Wi-Fi embedded, which is a great feature in a situation where you need as little wires as possible.

So in short, a very feature rich barebones. Below the full specifications, after which we'll dive into a rich photo-guided review.

MSI K9AGM2 (MS-7327)
Standard Size Micro ATX Format / ITX

The MSI K9AGM2 mainboard supports Socket AM2 processors. Now before you go 'euwh' I want Core 2 Duo, think about this one: AM2 processors are more than sufficient for a HTPC, and even the fastest processor is dirt cheap, and next to that energy efficient. You could easily fit a AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Dual Core Processor in there as it's fast enough for the task at hand with it's two cores, and that processor will cost you only 59 USD.

The chassis itself is merely 5 cm high. The front has gained a display that shows information on a wide range of functions. The barebone also ships with a really tiny 200 watt power supply.

To turn this barebone into a fully functional HTPC, youll need to buy and install a CPU with a (1U) cooler (not supplied), DDR2 (400/533/667/800) memory, a hard drive, and a slim-line optical drive.