MicroATX for audio server? 775

[imported_bowens]

Hi, I'm building an audio server, and I was wondering if someone could recommend a MicroATX (9.6 x 9.6) board. I don't need to overclock, just need stability. Here's my minimum requirements:

MicroATX
Intel 775
4-8gb RAM
7.1 Audio
OnBoard Video
OnBoard WiFi
SATA 3.0 x 4
IDE x 1

Is there such a beast?

thanks,

brad

 

[RaptureMe]

Hey I would recommend this one :"GIGABYTE GA-965GM-S2 LGA 775" its at the egg for $106.
It has every thing you want minus the onboard wifi.
No Micro atx boards that i know of has onboard wifi.
I just bought this board myself with a Qx6700.
I may just sell off my P5B DX WIFI & Dual Core E6700 no need for 2 systems right?
Anyways if you are looking for a WiFi setup and dont mind a standard atx mobo then keep your eye open for my trading/selling post.
Well that is if I decide to.
Hope that helps..

 

[Peter]

What are you doing with 7.1 audio on a /server/? Even that off, the specs are /way/ overkill. Audio serving is a low bandwidth task, even to multiple clients. I'd in fact go for a low power solution ... VIA C7 boards, like the PC-Chips V21G ($70 at newegg) paired with a PCI WLAN card like the MSI PC60G (handy for the included low-profile bracket) will get the job done nice and clean.

 

[imported_bowens]

Since I'm just learning how to put this audio setup together, my terminology may be off. I thought that the 7.1 was to connect the server to the stereo reciever-- digital to digital connection, no?

Originally posted by: Peter
What are you doing with 7.1 audio on a /server/? Even that off, the specs are /way/ overkill. Audio serving is a low bandwidth task, even to multiple clients. I'd in fact go for a low power solution ... VIA C7 boards, like the PC-Chips V21G ($70 at newegg) paired with a PCI WLAN card like the MSI PC60G (handy for the included low-profile bracket) will get the job done nice and clean.

 

[Heidfirst]

If you weren't wanting 775 then abit do a WiFi version (bundled x1 PCI-E WiFi card) of their nF-M2 nView AM2 mATX.
You can always buy the x1 PCI-E card separately though.

 

[imported_bowens]

well, I can be open minded. I'm not seeing this board with the wifi option, however. Can you provide a link?

Originally posted by: Heidfirst
If you weren't wanting 775 then abit do a WiFi version (bundled x1 PCI-E WiFi card) of their nF-M2 nView AM2 mATX.
You can always buy the x1 PCI-E card separately though.

 

[Heidfirst]

It certainly exists in the UK (they are doing lots of bundled WiFi versions AB9, AW9D, IL9 etc.)) so I would think in the USA too.
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=535322

 

[imported_bowens]

doesn't appear to be available here (US) yet; maybe it still has to pass FCC.

thx,

brad
---------

Originally posted by: Heidfirst
It certainly exists in the UK (they are doing lots of bundled WiFi versions AB9, AW9D, IL9 etc.)) so I would think in the USA too.
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=535322

 

[Peter]

Originally posted by: bowens
Since I'm just learning how to put this audio setup together, my terminology may be off. I thought that the 7.1 was to connect the server to the stereo reciever-- digital to digital connection, no?

So you're not building an audio server at all, but actually an audio client which is going to play the digital audio files and output them to amplifier/speaker equipment.

Your plan is even more of an overkill then. You realize that even the most miserable CPU you can buy today (VIA's C3-800) will run at about 5 to 10% CPU load when doing this, twice that when it receives the audio files through encrypted WLAN?

 

[RaptureMe]

Yeah Really why look for top of the line micro atx board when any combo deal will suite you just fine.
I would say just go to newegg and look at there combo deals you can get a cpu and mobo for like 100 bucks these days.
THere is even a sempron 2800+ for $27. and the biostar mobo for $65. thats only $95. bucks.
What a deal.

 

[imported_bowens]

well, you've outted me. I do have a hidden agenda, which is to try and install Mac OSX on a pc...hence, the Intel platform and chipset.

So you're not building an audio server at all, but actually an audio client which is going to play the digital audio files and output them to amplifier/speaker equipment.

Your plan is even more of an overkill then. You realize that even the most miserable CPU you can buy today (VIA's C3-800) will run at about 5 to 10% CPU load when doing this, twice that when it receives the audio files through encrypted WLAN?

 

[imported_bowens]

my case is a mini, and the biggest board that fits is 9.6 x 9.6 (inches)

Originally posted by: RaptureMe
Yeah Really why look for top of the line micro atx board when any combo deal will suite you just fine.