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Ugh, what mobo for me?

G

Gurck

Banned
Building a rig for an aunt and had no idea it'd be so difficult to find the right motherboard.. basically I'm looking for a full ATX board with onboard video & sound, somewhat reliable and not an MSI. There are tons of microATX boards that fit the bill, but 1) why would they be so inexpensive when boards with bigger pcbs are double the cost with the same features? 2) The case I'm getting has these... "pimples" stamped onto the mobo tray and supports it using those instead of standoffs. If they're in the wrong spot for a microATX board I'd have to send either the board or the case back, and I'm not in the mood for a headache, so would rather not try it. Anyone have any suggestions?
 
Oh duh, sorry. AMD 2500+ barton.

That one looks like a nice board, but I was hoping for something in the $60-$70 range - why do microATX boards with all the trimmings (onboard everything) cost this much? 😕
 
It's an Enlight model, a friend has one and likes it. It seems to be a good compromise between price, power, and quality - and unlike many budget cases, it comes with an exhaust fan. She won't be gaming or overclocking, but it can get hot in the summertime and she's got no a/c.
 
Yeah, what I mean is that microATX boards with onboard sound, video, and LAN are a dime a dozen and cheap. Fullsize with those options run at least $90-$100
 
You should be ok with microATX boards in there too. I see that it has domed standoffs in the places where microATX and ATX overlap, and a screwhole for a thread-in brass standoff that may or may not be needed for either of the two. Compare to this photo, which shows a conceptually-similar InWin that also combines both types: photo

I used a Shuttle MN31N in that InWin for my mom's rig. But if you want full-sized ATX, that Abit that Megatomic posted looks like just the ticket 🙂
 
Most of the NF2 uATX boards I've seen come from brands like Shuttle and Biostar, neither of which do I like much. Most of their boards are cheaper than the competition across the board.
 
If a micro will fit, I'm all for it. Budget is of utmost importance; she's not poor but she is extraordinarily cheap, and if I go over my estimate (even though I told her it was only tentative) I'll probably never hear the end of it. Why are fullsize so much more expensive? I won't hold you to it, but you're pretty sure a micro will go in there np, yes?
 
Full size is more expensive as there is more PCB, more PCI slots, and typically more integrated components. As is often true in life - you get what you pay for.
 
Well, since I'm not going with an AGP card, I'll have some monetary breathing room. I think I'll end up going with that Abit board after all. And while she doesn't need onboard LAN, it'll help when I'ms setting it up (windows updates and such; I have dsl, she'll be on dialup). Thanks for the help you two.
 
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