Micro ATX motherboard suggestion

[HowAboutBob]

I want to build a SMALL computer in a confined office space on a desk.
My preference is to avoid all add-on cards.
My questions: what Atholon M-ATX board has the best video solution?
Sound is less important. Lan connectivity is a must.

I was really hoping for NFORCE2 but have not seen anyone selling anything in the M-ATX formfactor.
Has anyone seen a NFORCE2 motherboard in Micro Atx?

 

[Peter]

If it's about office use, then an SiS chipset all-in-one will offer the best bang for the buck - like those in Shuttle's SFF boxes, or if you want to build your own, the ECS/PC-Chips all-in-one mATX boards, like K7SOM or the slightly outdated but very cheap M810L (which in one version even comes with a premounted, non-upgradable Duron for a real bargain price).

NForce 2 is a very expensive chipset, certainly not cost effective for that market.

 

[Red Dawn]

This guy has a MSI MATX Nforce Mobo for sale.

 

[mudboy]

If the system is for business use and you want to use Athlon, an NForce board is going to be your best bet. I have an NV7M and am using the onboard LAN and sound and have had zero problems. The onboard video is good, too, but I run dual flat panels and need something that will support that. For non-hardcore gaming use, though, the onboard video will be more than enough.

Pete

 

[hans007]

if you cant get nforce2, either wait, or buy nforce1 . the sis integrated chipsets are probably as fast as nforce 1, but not as good sound.

 

[Peter]

Sound on SiS chipsets largely depends on what codec has been combined with the chipset's sound engines. Solutions range from basic stereo to full blown 6-channel. Same on the nForce boards, some have very basic audio, some have upgrade options with special riser cards, some have decent audio right there.

 

[ChrisADuffy]

bump
!

 

[dartworth]

bump...lookin for a mATX board myself...

 

[HowAboutBob]

Sorry about the late reply, Peter.

Yes, its for an office... a home office.
My wife will be using it for surfing.
My kid will be using it for games (she is three).
And I was hoping to use it for a few games of my own (heh heh).
Free time is scarce because I also have a nine month old.

Is cost an object? Yes, but not the overriding one.
I am trying to minimize the amount of destop realestate it will take up.
So I want decent 3d video ( I like FPS) And I want an Athalon.
I already bought a KDS Rad15 LCD monitor (I may mount this on the wall, if all works well).
I also bought a Logitech cordless keyboard and will likely purchase a Logitech MX700 cordless mouse.

I was considering a mini-itx board, and adding a solid PCI 3d card ($50 - $80).
Check www.mini-itx.com for some creative "cases" people have created using a 6.7" by 6.7" motherboard.
My favorite is the cigar humidor, although I like the batman lunch box too.

Sad to say, I just am not that creative.
Sigh.

So I was just about to buy Shuttle SFF from newegg.com when I saw someone post that the nforce2 shuttle was due soon.
I have been searching for news like crazy and NOW Anandtech comes out with a great news article on the nforce2 shuttle.
This baby would be PERFECT! I guess I'll just have to wait.

Perhaps I will upgrade my main system (ASUS A7V with Duron 700mhz)
Its time.
More on that in another thread

Bob

 

[Zap]

So I want decent 3d video ( I like FPS) And I want an Athalon.
I was considering a mini-itx board, and adding a solid PCI 3d card ($50 - $80).

If you're at all considering doing an add-in video card, then shop for a mATX motherboard with an AGP slot. You'll end up with much better performance for the same money, plus you'll still have a relatively small computer. Something like an Nforce or VIA KM266 mATX boards would work well, and $80 will just about get you a 64MB Geforce3 Ti200 (there was a recent thread in Hot Deals on that). If mATX cases are still too big, get one of those Shuttle boxes. The P4 versions have AGP slots.

No integrated video compares to current 3D AGP cards, not even the upcoming Nforce2 which has Geforce4 MX level performance (not Ti).

 

[hans007]

Originally posted by: Zap

So I want decent 3d video ( I like FPS) And I want an Athalon.
I was considering a mini-itx board, and adding a solid PCI 3d card ($50 - $80).

If you're at all considering doing an add-in video card, then shop for a mATX motherboard with an AGP slot. You'll end up with much better performance for the same money, plus you'll still have a relatively small computer. Something like an Nforce or VIA KM266 mATX boards would work well, and $80 will just about get you a 64MB Geforce3 Ti200 (there was a recent thread in Hot Deals on that). If mATX cases are still too big, get one of those Shuttle boxes. The P4 versions have AGP slots.

No integrated video compares to current 3D AGP cards, not even the upcoming Nforce2 which has Geforce4 MX level performance (not Ti).

a mini itx board would basically mean a p3 or a cyrix anyways. i'd definitely go with a athlon or p4 board even.

 

[yodayoda]

dude, are you familiar with the SSF computers from shuttle? starting with the SV24 and SV24, now including the SS40, SS50, SS51 and soon the SB51 and SN41, these produce LAN, sound, video in a tiny footprint. check them out here:

http://www.shuttleonline.com/product_mini.asp

these are cute little guys with a powerful punch. i would wait for the SN41--that is the nForce2 based system.

 

[hans007]

the shuttle SFF computers are also disgustingly expensive, especially if you dont really need firewire and all that other stuff.


why spend $250 + when you can buy a microatx board for $75 and a AOPEN h340d or a inwin l545 for $45 and get nearly the same result for much less cost.

 

[GetInMyFatBelly]

mATX nForce2

are comming out by Chaintech 7NIF1
Biostar
Aopen

I'm waiting for the Shuttle SN41G2 myself and this full size MSI K7N2G-LISR board here:
http://henry.msi-computer.jp/marketing/product.html