Which budget mATX mobo to get?

BehindEnemyLines

Senior member
Jul 24, 2000
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I'm rebuilding a PC from a dead eMachine (both mobo and PSU died). Everything else works fine since I tested them on my main desktop. I visited newegg and came up with these: http://tinyurl.com/b2o67 . The mATX must have 3x PCI and 1x AGP slots as the case cannot go more than that. SOCKET A 462 PINS ONLY.

Which of those is most stable and/or has best on-board graphics? Any other suggestion is welcomed, but I'm looking for something that is <= $50. Also need a PSU.

Just found this one with better integrated graphics (BIOSTAR M7NCG 400 Socket A for $59.50 at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138234

Full url Newegg mATX mobos
 

BehindEnemyLines

Senior member
Jul 24, 2000
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It seems the mobo doesn't come with a backplate. How do I get the backplate for it then since the current one isn't gonna work? I think I'll settle on this one:

MSI K7N2GM2-LSR Socket A (Socket 462) NVIDIA nForce2 IGP Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: K7N2GM2-LSR
Item #: N82E16813130477

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130477

It has the best on-board graphics of the bunch and has the backplate. It's more expensive, but what the heck. Anyone has experience with this one? I read all the reviews for it. Seems good enough.
 

eplebnista

Lifer
Dec 3, 2001
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The Biostar board has a standard ATX backplate, which should fit the backplates that come preinstalled with a new ATX case. Generally, the only time you get a backplate with a motherboard, is when the motherboard has its own unique backplate layout.
 

Zap

Elite Member
Oct 13, 1999
22,377
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81
Yes, the "standard" layout motherboards don't come with a backplate since any new ATX case will have one, however you are gonna re-use that eMachine case? Well, you need to find someone who have put a few systems together since they'll probably have some lying around (unless they throw them away). Check with friends or local computer repair shops. Alternately, post a message in For Sale/Trade and see if someone has one they're willing to "sell" you for the cost of shipping.