MicroATX opinions

[MNOB07]

I'm going to be building a computer for someone, and since they're not really looking for a lot of expandability, overclocking, or anything too crazy, I thought it would be more interesting to have a smaller MicroATX form PC. more specifically a quiet stable one.

Who has worked with MicroATX? is it worth it? what are the good PSU/Mobos/cases? and what graphic card choices would there be? I was hoping for 6800GS or similair performance, but not sure how to check if it would be compatible aside from measuring myself

 

[Jhhnn]

So long as you stick with something like the V series Inwins, it's just the same as atx, just a little smaller. They even use standard atx psu's.

When you go to the smaller cases, the ones with vertical optical drives, then things can get cramped, particularly problematical between longer optical drives and processor hsf's, also with some low profile boxes that won't accept standard height cards... they're also limited to ~300w psu's of decent brands, being different formfactor, usually sfx...

One of my favorites, updated with a 350w psu-

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811108168

They're stout, easy to work with, and they breathe well. The top comes off for access to the rear of the optical drives, and the psu's are altogether decent. The left sidepanel is also removeable, allowing for some cable-fu... I've been wanting to use this fan in one, as the stock fan is a little on the noisy side for my taste-

http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/nmb92lowsp36.html

The linked case will accept virtually all graphics cards, other than maybe some of the professional models...

 

[MNOB07]

that case you linked to looks great! but would i be able to replace it with a fortron or seasonic psu? the individual who reviewed the case commented that a replacement psu wouldn't fit or maybe I read what it said wrong...

Also I was looking at the micro atx form factor mobos on newegg, and I've come across at least two that I like so far (albeit BIOSTAR that seems to have dropped support for theirs which might be a problem...)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138264

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130529

do either of those look good?

 

[cubby1223]

The reviewer of the In-Win case has no freakin' clue what he's talking about - looks like he saw the 24-pin atx connector and had no clue what to do next - the extra 4 pins are removable so it works in any 20pin atx connector. My choice for cases is In-Win, & their stock PSUs are more than adequate for most people.

All mATX motherboards will come with on-board graphics, so just try that out before spending more $$ on a dedicated graphics card. Both those motherboards you highlighted look fine to me.

 

[Jhhnn]

Like cubby sez, the reviewer was clueless. And, yeh, like he pointed out, try the stock psu and the onboard graphics before doing anything else- they're both entirely adequate for non-gamers... with the psu being relatively quiet.

If you want to hold the noise level down, then replacing the oem processor hsf with something quiet is a better investment. Also avoid boards with chipset fans entirely, and graphics card fans in general, unless you're willing to spend for a quiet aftermarket unit...

Either board you've linked should be solid, I'd probably spend the extra for the msi- they've served me well in the past.