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Need smallest and slimmest AMD based cheap motherboards

11 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/need-smallest-and-slimmest-amd-based-cheap-motherboards.188412/

Chetan1991
Chetan1991 Original post #1
Nov 12, 2014 at 1:17 AM
I am looking for cheap motherboards with AMD APUs that are:
  • as small and slim as possible; open to micro ITX, nano ITX etc.
  • cheap, <Rs. 5k
  • With an APU capable of HD playback, running Windows 7, Linux Mint, modern browsers, Tally etc. smoothly
  • Support SO-DIMMS, to reduce height
  • Have an LVDS port for attaching a screen (not mandatory)
  • External power supply

I'm open to boards with soldered APUs as well.

I'm not looking into Intel based boards, since they cost a lot more for the same performance.

How are the motherboards fabricated by Chinese companies, such as those listed on Alibaba? I'm asking this because I will be using a model for prototyping, and if the product is feasible, I will order in large quantities.

- - - Updated - - -

I think I created the thread in the wrong section. Mods, could you please move it to the motherboard section?
mitraark
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:24 AM
If you could mention the purpose of using such a motherboard that would help in deciding on providing suggestions. If you're looking forward to building an HTPC of some kind I think it would be wiser to get some decent motherboard , for other kind of display you can go for chinese smaller sets if you need them for some other purpose.
topgear
topgear #3
Nov 13, 2014 at 4:15 PM
If you are ok with Intel get either GA-J1800N-D2H at around 4k. Should serve all of your purposes nicely.
Vyom
Vyom #4
Nov 13, 2014 at 5:47 PM
A Mini-ITX Form factor Combo motherboard E350N is working for me nicely for a year now. Capable to do everything mentioned in the first post.
Gigabyte E350N Motherboard

When I bought it cost was Rs 4200, not it have reached to Rs 5299. But locally should be lower.
Chetan1991
Nov 13, 2014 at 6:43 PM
[MENTION=102993]mitraark[/MENTION] The board must be capable of running Win7 and Mint, modern browsers with some tabs, and light software.

[MENTION=15026]topgear[/MENTION] The GA-J1800N-D2H has nice performance but it requires a psu with a 12v plug. I am looking for a board with external adapter.

[MENTION=77264]Vyom[/MENTION] The E350 has DIMM slots. that makes it too tall for me. Also its rather expensive.

May I mention again that I'm not building a system for personal use but to protoype a niche product.
I could be ordering the boards in batches of 10s or 100s in the future, thus looking for cheap ones.

How are the ones built by Chinese companies?

Do the reputed companies provide boards at signifiantly reduced price at 10+ volume?
Vyom
Vyom #6
Nov 13, 2014 at 7:45 PM
Did I mention it's combo meaning it's motherboard plus processor too?
Chetan1991
Nov 13, 2014 at 7:56 PM
I checked that. I'm inclining towards nano itx boards. There's a huge selection on alibaba. Now the problem is how to know which manufacturer has quality products and clearing customs.
Vyom
Vyom #8
Nov 13, 2014 at 8:42 PM
The only way to know that are professional reviews and buyer reviews. And I have no idea about Alibaba.

Does a thing like Raspberry Pi suits your need? But you can only use Linux on it.
Chetan1991
Nov 13, 2014 at 9:17 PM
Rasberry Pi is too weak. I want something that can run Windows.
Mini and nano itx boards are my only options I think.
topgear
topgear #10
Nov 21, 2014 at 2:19 PM
Try finding Asrock AM1H-ITX or Q1900DC-ITX.
Chetan1991
Nov 25, 2014 at 9:30 AM
Checked those mobos. Sadly, both have vertical ram slots.