microAtx / 939 platform

[Fruitbat]

I need a new computer. It will be the main family computer, but it will have a couple of TV cards in it and double up as a spare TV/PVR.

I want something smallish, but having 2 PCI slots. The platform that appeals the most to me is microATX / socket 939. This seems quite popular and there is plenty of information on the 6150 boards (Asus A8N-VM CSM, MSI K8NGM2-FID). I've checked the forums here and at Sudhian and avforums. From reading other peoples experiences, I was just about settled on the MSI board in a X-Qpack case. Then I stumbled upon a review of a pre-built system (HP dx5150). This is reviewed in PcPro magazine (UK) and on AnandTech (both favourably).

The HP dx5150 comes in 2 shapes, a slim desktop (low profile cards required) or a mini tower. There are a variety of configurations available (CPU, memory, hard drive etc). If I have interpreted the specifications correctly, it has both DVI out and integrated gigabit LAN (which is what I want).

Possible negative points.
- No firewire (I don't need this at the moment, am I likely to in the future? Or has USB2 marginalised firewire?)
- It doesn't have the same range of video and audio outputs as the 6150 boards, but this shouldn't be a problem for me.
- Some people don't like the ATI IGP. I've read that nVidia have better linux support than ATI, but I've been running ATI and linux without problems.
- The PSU is 250W (mini tower). Is this enough? AnandTech seemed to think so.

Anyway, I'm thinking of getting one of these soon (preconfigured Athlon64 3500 / 1GB ram / 160 GB HDD / XP Pro is about 550 quid - customisations tend to work out more expensive). Is this a bad idea? Can anyone think of a good reason to DIY instead? I'm not interested in overclocking and the idea of having everything assembled and pre-tested appeals.

 

[Busithoth]

if the idea of OEM appeals to you, then by all means, go for it.
DIY appeals to me, but it does complicate things. I don't overclock, but I like to tinker with upgrades. (or did. taking a break for a while)

 

[Ivan05]

I'm not familiar with the HP dx5150, but I do have a Shuttle SN95 and I just built an SFF using the MSI K8NGM2-FID and X-QPack case. While I do love my Shuttle, I'm very, very happy with the MSI/X-QPack combo. I was in the market for a new SFF and was looking at the Shuttle SN25P. Knowing the limitations of the Shuttle's, I opted for the X-QPack. I'm glad I did.

See my post here. There are some minor issues with the X-QPacks.

Don't know if this will help, but good luck in your decision.

 

[DotheDamnTHing]

diy

 

[Fruitbat]

Well I went for the HP. Getting lazy in my old age. AMD64 3500+, 1GB RAM, 160 GB SATA plus XP Pro installed. Put my 2 TV cards in and I'm laughing.

If I were to get another, I'd probably try the X-QPack/MSI combination.

 

[Shadowmage]

Use the BIostar Tforce as your mobo though

 

[Diasper]

A good DIY combo

X QPack
Foxconn / DFI RS482 / Biostar / Jetway
AMD64 3200+ / X2 3800+
1 GB RAM
Enermax Liberty 400/500W
Hardrive..

Of those motherboards I'd recommend the Jetway or Foxconn as they're the most feature rich (both use the ULI chip so it means SATA 2, fast USB2 etc) while supporting good overclocking (300mhz on the Jetway or 275mhz on the Foxconn) so you can get a pretty decent overclock especially if using 10x multiplier or greater. I'd favour the Jetway however, especially if you want to use the onboard sound.

MSI can't overclock if that's important.

One benfit of DIY is that you could upgrade to dual-core later at a bargain and if you wanted put a fast graphics card in there as you have a quality PSU. (Would you ever want to play games on it - even connect it upto your TV?) Also you could just use 1GB stick and upgrade to 2GB later on easily. Also DIY you can buy a big hardrive from the outset - especially important if you're using it as PVR etc.

RAM I'd recommend Crucial as you can get a 4% discount code and then combine that with another 10% quidco.com discount - that and their support is among the best while their their sticks are pretty good eg 1Gb sticks getting 240mhz or so at 3-3-3

 

[Diasper]

Just did a check on prices. These aren't the best but should give you some idea:

Qpack ~ £70 (eg ebuyer.com)
Jetway SOCKET 939 A210GDMS PRO ~ £60 (difficult to get but techfever.co.uk sell it)
AMD 3000+ OEM ~£95 or 3200+ ~£110 or X2 3800 ~ £205
Crucial 1GB RAM ~ £52 with discount (crucial.com/uk)
Enermax Liberty 400W ~£53 or 500W ~£64
250GB hardrive ~£70 (eg Samsung or Hitachi for low noise)
DVD-RW eg BenQ ~ £30
XP Home ~£50

So the base unit with a 3000+ CPU = £480 which when overclock would perform better, would undoubtedly be quieter (espcially if you undervolt the rear fan), have a larger hardrive, have better quality components and be expandable.

If you wanted to spend £550 you could get a Chaintech 7.1 audio card (great analogue quality and price - though if you're a gamer you might want to choose the Audigy 2) and an extra GB of RAM.

Companies are really charging a premium for SFF stuff.

(edited forgot to add in the cost of XP and a DVD-RW)