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Best all-in one/Baby ATX Motherboard?

M

mattyrug

Golden Member
Not sure if this belongs here or not, so lock me if it dosen't!
Just trying to gather some opinions on the best solution for a Micro AT/ATX motherboard. I'm trying to build a small, portable system, but not a Laptop! I've got a PC-Chips M748LMRT but it's really not that great (Poor Performing SiS chipset). I need something w/an AGP Slot, and like 1 PCI, so long as it's got onboard audio. Key thing is to have the ability to throw a decent Video Card in there. My experience with these in the past has been, well, not to good. The Computer shop I used to work at stopped selling them because of too many problems. That was over 2 years ago, and was wondering how they've come along.
Did some searching, and didn't really find much info/
I will basically use it to run diagnostic/monitoring (like Crown's IQ Software)programs on our Concert PA's, and to run smaart, but also want the ability to play some Lan Games with it! I have a Baby ATX Case that weighs 9.5 Lbs W/PSU, and I'm currently building handles into it, as well as a hiding spot for the Mini-keyboard and Mouse.
Thoughts? Again if this dosen't belong here, LMK and I'll move it!
Thanx,
Matt
 
If you're looking for a Pentium 4 system, the best microATX board is probably the Asus P4S333-M for ~$80+shipping. Specs:

SiS 645 chipset/P4 Socket 478
1 AGP/3 PCI/1 ACR slot
2 DDR DIMM slots
Onboard 10/100 LAN
Onboard C-Media 6-channel audio

If you want integrated video the P4S333-VM is basically the same board except it uses the SiS 650 chipset and costs another $10-20.
 


<< If you're looking for a Pentium 4 system, the best microATX board is probably the Asus P4S333-M for ~$80+shipping >>

THose are fairly long for a MATX Board and won't fit many of the smaller low profile MATX cases. They do have the Flex Version but they are impossible to find here in the states (well I haven't been able to find one). Another question if I may, would a 185 Watt SFX V12 PSU be enough to run one of one of those with a P4 Northwood in them?
 
The Abir NV7m is a micro ATX board on the nforce chipset. Has on-board GeForce MX video & on-board hardware sound. The board has one AGP & 3 PCI slots. It supports all Duron, Thunderbird, & XP CPU's. Newegg.com has it for $132.
 
Another question if I may, would a 185 Watt SFX V12 PSU be enough to run one of one of those with a P4 Northwood in them?
Hmmm.... Red, good question! My guess is probally not, but I guess we could find out!
I had my hands on a Asus P4S333-M, but it really wasn't small enough. I have to agree w/red dawn, that is actually a big board for a M-ATX. Plus I think I'm gonna have to go with a Socket370 or SocketA board, DDR or SDRam, as I already have the CPU's, and RAM already.
Sorry, should've said that.
The Abit looks nice, although they must be re-doing the website or something.... I can't find anything on the website right now, and the pull-down menus are partially blank. My searches aren't turning up anything either!
Edit - The Abit site is working for me now, but they gotta do some spellchecks! 'CUP Socet' and 'Converque Choice' ? are those new options? 😛
 
Another question if I may, would a 185 Watt SFX V12 PSU be enough to run one of one of those with a P4 Northwood in them?

I'm not familiar with that particular PS, but it's probably like the Athlon PS situation where wattage ratings aren't anything. In general I'd say 185W is enough since AOpen sells a microATX P4 enclosure with a 180W PS.

They do have the Flex Version but they are impossible to find here in the states (well I haven't been able to find one)

I'll say.

The Abit looks nice

Just a heads up on that Abit board - there are currently no CPU overclocking adjustments on the NV7M at all. May not be significant for your intended uses, but people tend to assume Abit = overclocking.
 
I forgot about shuttle! 😱
The FS40 looks nice, except it's got no AGP slot, and the others mean I'd have to buy another CPU (i've got plenty already).Like I said, I don't need a barebones system, I've already got everything, except the Motherboard. Overclocking is not that big of a deal. I've got a Duron950 and a Celeron 566, and a 667. I'd rather has stability in this system, for it''s intended use!
I think I may go for the Abit, although has anyone actually used one? Looking for some in-depth reviews, and not finding many.
Looks like the best bang for the buck so far.
 
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