Motherboard ?

[Josh123]

Ok so I'm planning on picking up a new case, memory, and CPU cooler from Best Buy to replace my wife's Dell machine. The Dell is BTX which requires me to replace most of the parts but I'm not sure about what motherboard to go with. I need something cheap but most of the cheap ones are Micro ATX. Is it common to put a micro ATX motherboard in a full case? I'm planning on getting the Antec 300.

The main reason I want to do this is to OC the processor and be able to install my old 8800GTS. I'm unable to install it in the Dell because the BTX motherboard doesn't give me enough space for a double slot cooler.

 

[MustISO]

The Antex 300 can accept Mini-ITX, microATX, Standard ATX. Personally I like to use regular ATX motherboards rather than mATX. Which CPU does your current system have?

 

[DaveSimmons]

What is the CPU model and socket? What kind of OC are you thinking of? How much RAM? Is this for gaming? (If not, why overclock?)

MicroATX boards do fit into ATX cases without any problems, but some of them (especially the cheapest) are not as good for overclocking as full ATX boards.

Depending on the CPU speed and RAM that you have now, it might make more sense to spend ~$200 on a new AMD CPU + motherboard + 4 GB RAM combo.

 

[Josh123]

Currently I'm looking at getting this RAM.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ValueRAM...=1218141142419

The CPU that is in the Dell is a C2D E8400 and I was hoping to get it up to about 3.6 GHz. The only reason I am looking at Best Buy is I have $190 in certificates to use there.

This is the motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131615

 

[Blain]

So the only component from the Dell machine you're using is the CPU?

 

[Josh123]

So the only component from the Dell machine you're using is the CPU?

Correct. Right now it has a 9800GT single slot GPU and I really want to have the freedom to overclock and upgrade so that means new case/motherboard.