MB100: Hardware List and Estimated Cost

[Golucid]

The MB100 MSRP is $6,500.00 [I paid $4800.00] and I actively use and own with a second one on the way that I purchased used that I can tear apart and modify.

Some of this information is already in threads and I need to point out that Elaborath was the first to post photos of the MoBo 2014 and discuss aspect of the unit. So, I'm not trying to steel your thunder, Adam! So, he's first.

I've been compiling information about the unit and exploring the OS, tweaking it and while doing this, I thought it might be great to have a dedicated thread just about the build itself since so much of the info is spread all over the place. Today I pulled apart my MB100 confirmed some info and went back to the where I am storing my replaced hardware and verified specifications.

*As I continue to dissect the unit [particularly the softare], I will update this thread post.

The MB100 hardware is not complicated in the least and just goes to show how easy it is to build a Media Server. It's cheap. I believe the most complicated portion is finding software that is intuitive. The Autonomics Software is not complicated either and certainly not intuitive. It's useable or better said, tolerable at best. A few days ago, I visited the Autonomic-Controls website and noticed that they are seeking to hire developers. At least they may be on the right track to improve their current standards since they are competing with well regarded/respected competitors such as Aurender and Lumin that not only boast impressive hardware, but hardware software and mobile device APP software as well.

I am a fan of the MB100 because I have learned so well how to use it and make it work great...and I am a fan of the brand. That said, oh gosh. There are a plethora of other less expensive by far better built devices to choose from. Worth noting, I spoke with Chuck Hinton at McIntosh and there are no plans to improve the MB100 in any near future.

Onward...


CHASIS
Appears to be a modified edition of the Autonomics Mirage MMS-5A. Notable difference is both the McIntosh faceplate and rear input/output ports. See
Faceplate: McIntosh
Cost: Unknown Variable
Chasis: Manufacture Unknown Variable
Cost: Unknown Variable

MOTHERBOARD [MoBo]
ASRock H61TM-ITX
Cost: $89.99

CPU
Intel® Core™ i3-3220T Processor (3M Cache, 2.80 GHz)
Cost: $139.15

COOLING FAN
Intel E982980-001/CNFN3505D1/1A01K3110-DD/DC12V 0.27A FOXCONN [According to Chuck Hinton, there are two installed fan types. One is noisy and the other is quieter]
Cost: N/A

POWER SORCE UNIT
External 19V power adapter Brick.
Cost $100.00 [This is the MSRP replacement price.]

MEMORY
Kingston and Crucial [both memory module brand types are used]
Crucial 2GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3L 1333 (PC3L 10600) Laptop Memory Model CT25664BF1339 [DDR3L 1333 (PC3L 10600) / Cas Latency 9 / 1.35V]
Cost: $32.53

DAC
McIntosh [DAC is a Similiar specification to the D100 connected to MoBO]
Cost: Unknown Variable

STORAGE [OS]
Kingston SSD 30GB SS200S3/30G / 6604904 /990425-002 803G
Cost: $43.99

STORAGE [Library]
Western Digital [GreenPower] 1TB WE10EURX - 73C57Y0
Cost: $54.95

OPERATING SYSTEM [OS]
Windows 7
Cost MSRP: Approximately $60-100

AUTONOMIC-CONTROLS APPLICATION SOFTARE
Cost: Unknown Variable

AUTONOMIC-CONTROLS IOS SOFTARE [Branded Microsoft]
Cost: Unknown Variable

REMOTE CONTROL
McIntosh
Cost: Unknown Variable

OTHER COSTS
McIntosh and Autonomic-Controls Licensing, Marketing, Software Development, Support, etc
Cost: Unknown Variable

 

[o0OBillO0o]

Well done!

Looks like a profitable audio component. Good thing we now can make it ourselves and cut out all that bloat!

 

[Audioseduction]

I think 2GB of ram is way too little. Not enough for app, OS, and playing music from RAM.

 

[Golucid]

I think 2GB of ram is way too little. Not enough for app, OS, and playing music from RAM.

George the system board is capable of 16GB. Please see my upgrade pass to remove the bottleneck: [h=2]MB100- Hard Drive [SSD] + RAM Upgrade Instructions[/h]
While it can be argued that you can build in a better quality system board and cpu, I am able to boot in 8-12 seconds and to date, the system runs flawless. Many media bridge builders do use inexpensive parts and expensive parts. They run great. Where I see the biggest issue is in the software that navigates the equipment. I am approximately 5 weeks out from receiving my new Aurener N100H from Mike, and I am told that the software is simply beautiful and intuitive. Even so, I wish it looked like McIntosh. Hmmmm...mod the Aurender into the MB100 chassis...Idea?

 

[Steve]

Windows 7. Then this should be able to run a later version of Windows and any software for that matter like JRiver? It is just a matter of displaying info on the LED display.

 

[Golucid]

Windows 7. Then this should be able to run a later version of Windows and any software for that matter like JRiver? It is just a matter of displaying info on the LED display.

Steve, I am sending you a PM

 

[Audioseduction]

George the system board is capable of 16GB. Please see my upgrade pass to remove the bottleneck: [h=2]MB100- Hard Drive [SSD] + RAM Upgrade Instructions[/h]
While it can be argued that you can build in a better quality system board and cpu, I am able to boot in 8-12 seconds and to date, the system runs flawless. Many media bridge builders do use inexpensive parts and expensive parts. They run great. Where I see the biggest issue is in the software that navigates the equipment. I am approximately 5 weeks out from receiving my new Aurener N100H from Mike, and I am told that the software is simply beautiful and intuitive. Even so, I wish it looked like McIntosh. Hmmmm...mod the Aurender into the MB100 chassis...Idea?

Yup with a SSD in my custom CAPS it boots in 8-12 secs. also. My gaming PC also boots that fast. Just love it!

 

[Golucid]

Yup with a SSD in my custom CAPS it boots in 8-12 secs. also. My gaming PC also boots that fast. Just love it!

Excellent! You get it! Awesome!!!!!!