help! Micro atx MOBO with 2 pci-e x16 slots

Sharpleaf

Junior Member
Nov 21, 2007
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Does anybody know if there is a mico atx motherboard out there that has two pci-e x16 slots on it? I really want to build a new computer for gaming and the like, and I know that two video cards running side by side is the way to go. however, I really want a compy with a small footprint (Micro atx) so I can use it unobtrusivly with my TV in the living room. Any suggestions?
 

renethx

Golden Member
Apr 28, 2005
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There are a few mATX mbs with a PCIe x16 slot and a PCIe x4 slot with an open end (so accepting a graphics card) supporting CrossFire:

GIGABYTE GA-945GCMX-S2 (rev. 6.6)
GIGABYTE GA-G31MX-S2
GIGABYTE GA-G33M-DS2R
GIGABYTE GA-G33M-S2
 

Heidfirst

Platinum Member
May 18, 2005
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Originally posted by: Sharpleaf
and I know that two video cards running side by side is the way to go.
only if you run at very high gfx res & settings, have a very large screen & are running top end cards.
Below that 1 good 1 usually beats 2 middling ones.

 

Sharpleaf

Junior Member
Nov 21, 2007
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So, you can have two non identicle cards (like a pci-e x16 and a pci-e x4 card) and still ahve them work together? I dont have a lot of knowledge on the subject, so I'm a little lost.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
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Hello Sharpleaf and welcome to Anandtech Forums!

PCI-E 16x cards will work in a 4x slot, so you'll have two identical cards, one in a 4x and one in a 16x slot.

As Heidfirst mentioned, it is better to just run one higher end card versus two lower end cards. For instance, you can spend $240 on a pair of Radeon HD 2600XT cards, but a single Radeon HD 3870 card for the same $240 will be faster.
 

SerpentRoyal

Banned
May 20, 2007
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Dual GPU is a scam...too much $ and compatibility issue. Get a decent card and upgrade GPU as needed. Your PSU and cooling system will also benefit from the lower load.
 

Sharpleaf

Junior Member
Nov 21, 2007
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Isn't the GPU part of the card? Or am I mistaken? I'm new to this so could you explain what you meant by a decent card and upgrade GPU?
 

SerpentRoyal

Banned
May 20, 2007
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GPU = graphic processing unit = video card. You must fork over 2x the money today for dual GPU. One year from now, a quality GPU will out perform your dual GPU. Buy only what you need today. Upgrade only when the hardware cannot keep up with your software.