Need advice on an mATX mobo

[digitalduck]

Basically that is it..I have that Gigabyte right now, but want a smaller case...can you reccommend something from Newegg that would be comparable but in the matx for factor?

Thanks!

 

[Synomenon]

I'd look into the Asus P5Q-EM. It has Intel's G45 chipset which is like the P45, but w/ onboard video. Some people report having problems w/ this board working with 8800 series cards, but I haven't had any problems. I've tried it with an 8800GT, 8800GTS, 9800GX2 and HD4870. All worked fine on mine.

 

[JaBro999]

There's the DFI LP JR P45-T2RS:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813136055

It's CrossFire capable, as well.

AT also did a preview of the DFI LanParty Jr. 790GX M2RS:
http://www.anandtech.com/weblog/showpost.aspx?i=498

Supposedly, there will be a big MB roundup coming from AT that may provide more options.

-jb

 

[digitalduck]

Thanks guys! Say, what about something like this Gigabyte price range is closer to what I paid for my original MB, what am i missing?

Thanks

 

[JaBro999]

That Gigabyte GA-EG31M-S2 could be a good choice for a cheap, basic LGA 775 MB, but OC'ing may not be an option (not sure if that is important to you).

This thread covers both the DFI lanparty JR P45 T2RS and the ASUS P5Q-EM mentioned above:
http://www.hardforum.com/showt...rerid=121629&t=1349281

 

[digitalduck]

Thanks JanBro999...yeah I was wondering about teh Gigabyte beause I wont be O'king (see key doesnt work) but would love a smaller alternative...so how will that Gigabyte board kompare to my exisitng one? Thanks!!

 

[Foxery]

Originally posted by: digitalduck
Thanks guys! Say, what about something like this Gigabyte price range is closer to what I paid for my original MB, what am i missing?

Thanks

I recently picked up one of these from Gigabyte - looks like the only difference from your link is the audio controller and $4. I'll vouch for these as having basic but decent overclocking capabilities, and a lot packed in for barely US$60. Just beware that there are only 2 RAM slots.

 

[digitalduck]

Awesome..thanks Foxery! Yeah I kurrently am running two gig stiks so i would just bump it up to if I had too.. but the prise is what is drawing me to it..bekause i want a smaller kase...

 

[digitalduck]

now I would also need a black case to go with it.. any ideas? Something small..

 

[Foxery]

Poke around the "Cases and Cooling" section for case ideas. I actually bought mine for the price, and stuck it in a standard mid-tower.

 

[digitalduck]

I know this is the mobo thread, but what about This case? for the matx mobo?


HOWEVER..is it guaranteed to fir my 8800gts? Its a big card..

 

[JaBro999]

digitalduck,

I agree w/ foxery to check out the Cases & Cooling section, but I will say the HEC 6K28BBX585 you linked to has an attractive price.

I'm not sure what you are looking for, besides the color, but I will give a recommendation for a mid-tower alternative - the Antec Solo:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...29018&Tpk=antec%20solo

I have the Antec P-150 derivative of the Solo, which they don't seem to sell anymore. The difference is the P-150 came w/ a junky Antec 430w PSU, while the Solo has no PSU. The Antec PSU sucked (and died) but I love the case. I would have bought the Solo if it had been out at the time.

The Solo comes w/ a variable speed 120mm exhaust fan (very quiet on lowest setting), and you can add up to two 92mm fans in front if needed (most people would only need to add one, if any). The Newegg reviews say it all - minimalistic, elegant, and roomy.

Just my $0.02.

-jb

 

[digitalduck]

JaBro... thansk for the reply, yeah, I have a post in the cases section... question would my 8800gtp fit on a mATX mobo? if so then would it possibly not fit in a secratin case? I know its the wrong section, but still has to do with the size of the mobo... thansk

 

[digitalduck]

ttt

 

[Foxery]

Any motherboard will take any addon card... the thing to look for is whether your case picks have hard drive bays in the way. The one you linked above does not, so you'd probably be fine.

 

[digitalduck]

Awesome, thanks Foxery! ...Now i just have to find the best case for it..i have one linked like you mentioend, but I am trying to find something smaller.. its funny because there are some lan boxes out there, handles and all etc... but i like it for the size..any suggestions?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: digitalduck
HOWEVER..is it guaranteed to fir my 8800gts? Its a big card..

That HEC case will fit your card since there aren't any drive bays in front of the motherboard slots.

What you'll want to be more concerned with is will the motherboard fit your dual slot card without losing (by being covered) all the SATA ports. With the Gigabyte boards, looks like you'll lose only one SATA port.

 

[WT]

I'm using an Ultra Micro Fly case for my mATX, but the hardware is horribly dated so its time for a re-do on that box. The Micro Fly is a larger SFF, but it will fit standard ATX PSUs and has good air flow as well. The Micro Fly has been redesigned from the older model I have, but its worth a look.

As Zap already mentioned, the mATX boards are full of 'gotchas' once you research them from the covering of SATA ports with large cards to less overclocking headroom to issues resuming from sleep mode (in Gigabyte's case, it BSODs the PC. In eVGA's case, the USB ports are not provided ANY power to resume from mouse or kb).

So, building an mATX setup is undoubtedly the most frustrating build that can be attempted (short of full on water cooling), but it is a unique purpose for a standard PC, in that it plays or records SD or HD shows or movies, plays PC games and browses the web all from the comfort of your sofa.

 

[Freezebyte]

I picked the Silverstone Sugo SG01-F for my mATX build. I love the layout and the way it looks and that I could almost anything I want inside it sans a regular ATX board. Can't wait to get all my parts and get it running!