MicroATX suggestion for porting rig from a Asus P5B Deluxe?

[dwell]

I have a system built off of a Asus P5B (see sig). The problem is my rig space has been significantly gimped and I need to cut the size down on my setup. I have a new desk that holds the computer, but my Coolermaster Centurion 5 won't fit in it, so I need to get a smaller case. The only cases I think will fit are MicroATX. I am dealing with about 19x9x16 (HxWxD) of space with a little bit of wiggle room.

My concern with MicroATX is that I wont be able to OC on those boards. I don't want to gimp my rig just to fit in a desk.

Any suggestions?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Chris
My concern with MicroATX is that I wont be able to OC on those boards.

What makes you think that?

There are reports that the upcoming Asus G35 chipset board (already released in Europe) have hit 540MHz FSB in the hands of end users. Is that a high enough overclock for you? The current G33 chipset boards have been reported near 500MHz FSB.

As with a regular ATX board, you just have to know which one to get.

Also, check in Hot Deals for a (kinda) micro ATX version of your Cooler Master case for $25 shipped after rebate.

Here it is

 

[dwell]

Thanks Zap. I actually already bought that case (paid 75 shipped, returning and getting the deal).

Any idea when the Asus G35 board will hit Stateside, or what G33 board to look at now?

This aint it, is it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131237

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Chris
Any idea when the Asus G35 board will hit Stateside, or what G33 board to look at now?

This aint it, is it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131237

OMG that might be it. Dunno, I stopped researching mATX boards after I built my latest gaming rig about a month ago... lot of things can happen in a month with computer hardware.

So sexy in black... gah, I don't need another board...

 

[Skott]

Originally posted by: Chris
Thanks Zap. I actually already bought that case (paid 75 shipped, returning and getting the deal).

Any idea when the Asus G35 board will hit Stateside, or what G33 board to look at now?

This aint it, is it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131237

Yep, thats it. A few reviews up now too. Last I checked (been a few days) max fsb someone got was 600fsb. Not a stable OC though. It'll do over 500fsb stable with the right set up on air.

Edit: that 600fsb was done using a 8500 chip if I remember correctly.

 

[dwell]

I don't have my current setting available and I forget this stuff as soon as I set up. Would I be able to get my E6400 up to 3.2Ghz on this board? That's what's it's a ton the P5B and has been running stable for a year. Forgot the FSB though.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Chris
Would I be able to get my E6400 up to 3.2Ghz on this board? ... Forgot the FSB though.

That would be 400MHz FSB. Should be a piece of cake.

 

[dwell]

Awesome. Ordered it. Thanks guys!

 

[Skott]

Just be aware that when using a mATX mobo in a SFF case your OCing achievements could be less than those what you would see if using a ATX case. The reason being is that although mATX mobos will fit the big hsf you see people use in ATX systems the smaller SFF cases limit you in size of the hsf. Short explanation is that SFF cases dont allow for the better bigger hsf for those high OCs and the SFF cases usually have far fewer fans and/or smaller fans for superior cooling. Smaller box = smaller cooling abilities. Generally speaking. So if you plan on using a mATX mobo and want to OC make sure your case can fit whatever hsf choice you have made and has excellent cooling abilities.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Skott
although mATX mobos will fit the big hsf you see people use in ATX systems the smaller SFF cases limit you in size of the hsf.

AFAIK the OP is using this case so I don't think that would be an issue. However, you do make a very good point.

 

[dwell]

Zap and all, thanks again. Got the board and after a rough start finally got it back to where my P5B Deluxe was. The board has a lot of options for overclocking, I didn't know MATX could do all this. Just ran Prime95 for two hours with no errors at 3.2Ghz, I am happy. Will run it overnight after Christmas.

Thanks again. As always AT saves the day.

 

[Zap]

:thumbsup:

You're welcome.