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Best non-integrated alternative to AMD 785G chipset mobos?

B

bgc99

Senior member
The pc my parents use crapped out. I see that most, if not all, of the desktops at the local retailers by HP use integrated graphics. So I was going to price out comparable parts to see what I could put together with the same specs. The AMD 785G chipset mobos seem to fit the bill.

If I choose not to go the integrated graphics route, what chipset mobos should I be looking at for an Athlon II quad core processor to be used with a standalone graphics card? I most likely would go with one of the cheaper Radeon cards.

Thanks,
BGC
 
It doesn't seem to make sense to buy a board with integrated graphics if you don't intend to use it.

BGC
 
Not exactly. You can use Hybrid Crossfire later. The 58xx supports this mode. So you may get an inch more performance. Also you have a backup GPU just in case the main one burns out (Not likely but happened to me once in 10 years).
 
If their last system was fast enough for what they do, I would look for replacement parts on ebay. I have found the HP/Compaq/gateway/e-Machines/etc. mobo or PSU needed, often brand new OEM, for cheap. I am talking $30-35 total cost sometimes. Replace the part, and the system is right back in service without a hitch.

If it is definitely time for a replacement, I recommend the 785G as well, and unless they are gamers, I would skip dedicated graphics. The IGP is plenty fast enough for everything else, including HD video decoding. I have seen Asus and MSI going for $65 shipped, hard deal to beat. And as stated, there is always hybrid xfire as a upgrade path.
 
Unless your parents are playing games, the IGP on the 785g is more than enough. You can keep it slim, low powered, cool and quiet with ease. It's a great platform for everyday users.
 
This may be either A) obvious or B) doesn't matter...

But if planning on driving Dual Monitors, you won't be able to use the HDMI & DVI outputs at the same time.

I didn't realize this before I ordered a 785G motherboard.

Hoping to help avoid a similar "doh" moment.

Dave
 
bgc99 said:
It doesn't seem to make sense to buy a board with integrated graphics if you don't intend to use it.
Click to expand...
OK...does that also apply to the audio in case you plan to use a sound card, you plan to use every slot on the board, all the SATA ports, all the IDE/ATA ports, all the USB ports, the LPT or floppy ports, etc? Do you have problems buying graphics cards with two video outputs when you only need one?

All motherboards come with stuff that 99% of people aren't going to use. Its not like you are paying any more for it. In fact, you'll pay more for a Micro ATX board that uses a non-IGP chipset.
 
djdube said:
This may be either A) obvious or B) doesn't matter...

But if planning on driving Dual Monitors, you won't be able to use the HDMI & DVI outputs at the same time.

I didn't realize this before I ordered a 785G motherboard.

Hoping to help avoid a similar "doh" moment.

Dave
Click to expand...

Some of the mobos come with a DisplayPort and it does work fine together with DVI or HDMI. A friend of mine bough a Dell U2410 and has a HDMI HDTV. Also an ASUS M3A78-EM mobo and both of the screens work fine at the same time.

As for the OP, a 785G mobo is perfect for a non-gaming machine. No extra cost and it works like a charm. Helps with HD content too, so a slower processor will work fine too.

If you really don't want an IGP (no idea why you wouldn't), a standard 780V will be fine - get a HD4350 with that and it will be similar to the IGP (though more expensive hence not worth it if they don't game).
 
No, they don't game, unless you count find the lost wordprocessor toolbar that they somehow misplaced. LOL The 785G sounds like the way to go. I'll have to start comparing the prices now.

Thanks,
BGC
 
But say I want to get a mobo without an IGP, what would be a good brand and model? I'm planning to get a HD 5770 and a Phenom II x3 and use it(my PC) for games
 
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