[jackdw]

What size are most dual-core boards? I recently got a new graphics card, AGP, and now regret not getting PCI-E. I don't want to go wrong here!

I go to my mates house a lot for a few network games and my full-ATX case is just too big. I want to order a micro-ATX case, as my current mobo is micro-atx, but are dual-core boards micro atx or standard?

Thanks
Jack

 

[EasY_TargeT]

You can probably get either

 

[jackdw]

But I suppose as the year goes on, things get better, and in turn smaller so micro-atx will be much more common soon right?

 

[Moby]

What dual core processors are you talking about? What socket type is your current board? Were you wanting to add dual core to your current board? Your listed processor type can be got for the older 754 and newer AM2 sockets. You say you are getting micro atx case because your current board is micro atx. If it's a socket 754 board they are being phased out and dual cores don't fit it anyway so you'll need a new board for dual core.

 

[jackdw]

I know I'd need a new board. That's why I was asking if most dual core boards were ATX or micro ATX.

 

[JohnWill]

Personally, unless you need the small form-factor, I'd be looking at ATX sized boards. As I mentioned, they generally are more "full-featured".

 

[brite750]

micro-atx are usually for budget builds, they almost always have ob gfx in addition to sound and nic, but have fewer features and pci slots, its not like atx is being phased out with micro, and smaller isnt always better

 

[brite750]

also micros sometimes have a hard time fitting any real sized gfx card so keep that in mind

 

[Rich-M]

Biggest problem I see with newer boards is they have fewer and fewer pci slots to add devices. Well that really gets painful on micro boards which might have only 1 or two and while it may not be a problem now, and many have pci-X1 and 2 slots, there aren't that many devices out yet to fit those newer X slots and the prices are pretty high for them besides. I would stay with full Atx boards as suggested.

 

[brite750]

I some of my recent builds for clients who wanted just basic office machine/lite home use, lite gaming, the micros have worked out to be the cheapest solution, no separate gfx/sound/nic, the mbz were in the $40 range, Biostar brand, throw a Sempron in there with 512 ram, under $150.

 

[schusterjo]

another thing to look at if buying a micro atx is heat, all those parts really close together creates a lot of heat. not much room there to let ari move around. So, you "MUST" have very good airflow threw your case,
A very good case for this is.
http://www.coolbidnow.com/vf1000bws.html

If you want small then this would be my choose
Now your not going to get much space to put multiple CD Roms ext but It can use 2 hard drives with one floppy, or just 3 hard drives

 

[Compiler]

Keep in mind that the issue of weight and space is the "FULL ATX CASE" more than the motherboard itself. The performance of a non-PC name brand mobo is on par with full size ATX boards, usually. So perhaps just put whatever board into a small light-weght case for gaming? Also, a MicroATX mobo can handle a full size 8800 video card and if needed an audio card.

Look at this case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129012
You can transfer your PC into something lighter... Also, there are some ultra-light cases that will cost quite a bit more money. This case weighs 18lbs with PSU. Add about 4-5 lbs for HD, DVD and video card, etc. It includes an Active PFC PSU at 380watts that should handle a single GF7900 card.

The LianLi cases tend to be among the lightest cases as well: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...5&Subcategory=7&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=

Note: bigger PSU tend to be heavier... etc.

 

[jackdw]

I was looking at this:
http://www.ariabeta.co.uk/Products/...4.111.100.117.99.116.73.100.61.50.49.54.52.54

I suppose if I do upgrade to a normal ATX, I can just get a cheap ATX case can't I. It's just that case costs a bundle and I don't want to only get about a year of use out of it.

 

[Rich-M]

Just watch out for really cheap aluminum cases as you will slice your fingers everywhere if you are not careful.

 

[JohnWill]

I have a pair of these cases, and right now all you pay is shipping. They have very good airflow, and I didn't have any issues with sharp edges building the systems. It's a no-brainer for me. Obviously, you will need a P/S, but you'll want to select a quality P/S, not something that the case manufacturer cut costs on to include in the package.

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/49...5IB6XHjrA**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[jackdw]

John, two things:
1. Whats rebate?
2. It looks like a server

 

[brite750]

John, two things:
1. Whats rebate?
2. It looks like a server

$40 rebate from Ultra, good case, mini-tower size, NOT anywhere near a server size, built with one of these and got a $29 rebate. For a decent case for FREE you really cant beat it, pretty solid also for dragging around to lans.

 

[Rich-M]

I have a pair of these cases, and right now all you pay is shipping. They have very good airflow, and I didn't have any issues with sharp edges building the systems. It's a no-brainer for me. Obviously, you will need a P/S, but you'll want to select a quality P/S, not something that the case manufacturer cut costs on to include in the package.

http://shop4.outpost.com/product/49...5IB6XHjrA**.node2?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

JW I don't even need one but the shipping is free and so is the case, Hell I bought one anyway. Who doesn't need a free case.

 

[brite750]

JW I don't even need one but the shipping is free and so is the case, Hell I bought one anyway. Who doesn't need a free case.

LOL, I know John has been trying to sell those free cases for a week now

 

[JohnWill]

I just realized that he's in the UK, so I guess the rebate is a non-issue, and the shipping would kill him!