MicroATX Build Suggestions

[whoanonstop]

Here's the situation: Last November I built a new system that was concentrated on gaming and multimedia performance. I contemplated using some parts from an older computer, but decided to keep both computers functional.

However, now I am planning on taking some of the parts from the old computer (Hard Drive, DVD Burner, Power Supply, RAM) and using them to build a MicroATX computer. The main reason I want to do this is for mobility. I need to switch down from the massive case it is in now to a smaller one so I am able to take it from home to school, so I can use it in the research lab.

Besides the change to mobility, I would like to upgrade the system so it fits better for its new needs. Most of the processes will be research based, running of intensive C++/Java/Maple 12/etc programs. I do not plan to do much gaming on this computer, but it would be nice if I could use it as a "backup" when travelling.

With all this said, I plan to keep these parts from the old computer:
Power Supply (Unless the new case has one)
Hard Drive
DVD Burner
2 x 2 GB RAM

I am looking for suggestions for the rest of the build, as I am quite familiar with many ATX boards, but have never used any microATX (even though I know they are just smaller with less slots)

Any suggestions on the following would be greatly appreciated

MicroATX board:
Looking for something at or under $75

MicroATX case (preferably one of the compact cube-like ones):
Looking for something at our under $100

Processor:
Looking for best bang for the buck, doesn't have to be high-end.

One other thing I have noticed about MicroATX boards is that they almost all come with integrated Video chipsets. Would you suggest sticking with this integrated video chipset or possibly taking the video card from the old computer (7600 GS)?

If there is a much better graphics card that you suggest at or under $50, what would it be?

Thanks! -Riley

 

[WR2]

Is you're 7600 GS AGP or PCI-e version? It could be either.
It's also a good idea to list make and model of the rest of what you're going to carry forward to the new micro-ATX system.

It would also be handy to mention a target budget.

 

[WR2]

SILVERSTONE SUGO SG02 MicroATX Case $80 10.6" x 8.4" x 15.5"
Sugo SG02 review

Want to look at other smaller form factor cases? Helps you use your funds more efficiently on computing power.
APEX TX- 381 MicroATX Mid Tower Case $50 16" x 7.2" x 16" (H x W x D)

 

[whoanonstop]

The 7600 GS is PCI. Hard Drive is a SATA 3.0. RAM is 240 Pin 6400 800 MHz. I can give more specifics to these, but I think this is the useful info. The Power Supply is a Rosewill 350 watt (RV350)... Not sure if thats any good.

I'd like to keep the budget of the new parts under $250, with shipping and all... but $300 might be more reasonable.

 

[whoanonstop]

I am also wondering if the CPU needs to be upgraded or not. I checked the old computer and dxdiag says... "Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.20GHz (2 CPUs)" Is this a dual core, or just a single?... I can't even remember what the D stands for...

-Riley

 

[WR2]

7600GS
SATA 3 HDD
4GB DDR2 800 RAM
DVD Burner
Rosewill RV350 PSU

HEC 6K28BB8F MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case $35
ASUS P5QL-CM G43 Micro ATX Motherboard $90
E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz CPU $73

 

[WR2]

That is a dual core CPU. It could be 835/935/940 model I think.

 

[MykC]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163085 SG03 $100 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128379 Gigabyte 780g $70 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835118034 Zalman CPU Cooler $47
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811999346 2nd 120mm fan $10
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125244 4670 $50 after MIR (really good deal)

The CPU cooler fits the motherboard (this can be an issue when working with mATX boards in an mATX case) and its low profile and it cools components near the CPU like the ram and northbridge. The 2nd 120mm fan I would consider manditory given its cost and benefit, with the additonal airflow it creates positive airflow from the front of the case where the dust filter is.

CPU choices
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244 Quad Core Phenom 9600 $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649 Tripe Core Phenom II 720BE $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471 Quad Core Phenom II 940BE $200

The 9600 is a good general CPU (I have a 9500), its not the greatest CPU for gaming unless the game takes advantage of quad core cpus. In additonal you'll have to disable the TLB patch on the processor to boost performance considerably. With that said the Phenom II provide good value for the cost if you want to spend more money on a CPU.

If your hard drive or your DVD drive is not sata then you'll should replace it, working in a mATX case is already hard enough and huge IDE cable isn't going to help with airflow.

The SG03 is a very portable case and will take huge video cards like a 4870 of even a 4870x2.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPBSWAJ_aiM this is a video review which gives a good idea about the system.

Included the pic to give you a bit of reference to size. See the PS3 on the right side of the TV, the SG03 (on the left side) is only a bit taller and a bit deeper. Also, its all alluminimumumum so the case itself is light.

 

[whoanonstop]

Alright, I've looked at some of the options that you guys have posted and have started to look at some specific units.

Case. I don't mind the mini-towers that have been posted, but I seem to be attracted to the sleek cube designs, which there aren't a whole lot to choose from. Here is the one currently at the top of my list:

Thermaltake LANBOX VF6000BWS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133044

I have also looked at some of those Apevia cases (The Qpack2s) , but I am concerned about the power supply unit in these. Any comments on those? The case I just posted does not come with a power supply, which brings me to my next question. Will the Rosewill RV350 (350W) be okay in this unit? It isn't a huge power supply and it has worked in its current configuration for over 2 1/2 years, so I believe it is quite reliable.

Next, the Thermaltake LANBOX on newegg has a combo deal with a Foxconn motherboard, which supports a AMD CPU.

Foxconn A7GM-S: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.175069

This combo only saves 15$, so going with a different motherboard would be an option. Since I already have an Intel processor in the computer I am replacing, I am wondering if it is worth keeping. As I stated before it is a Pentium D 3.2 GHz. Would it be smart to replace this or would it be worth the money to keep it around? If so I would need to find a different motherboard that supports the Pentium D, which I have looked at a few.

If you strongly suggest against keeping the Pentium D 3.2, what would be an affordable CPU that is AMD and will work with the Foxconn board? I am not aiming at a quad-core unless someone can completely convince me it is worth the money. I already have a Quad-core in my main system, and I do not feel this system will need that kind of processing power. With that being said, the 9600 is quite attractive for the price, but if I can save $95, then I should try to save $95 =)

As I mentioned before, I have a 7600 GS that I wouldn't mind keeping. I looked at the 4670 and that does seem like a great deal, but if I'm not going to be doing much gaming on this, will it be worth it to upgrade?

Besides that, the Hard Drive, DVD Rom, and Memory will all be staying, unless a really good deal presents itself. The memory is 2 x 2 GB DDR2 800.

Thanks for the feedback so far!

-Riley

Edit: Remember, the main objectives here are to transform my older computer into something mobile at the lowest cost possible. =)

 

[MykC]

As I mentioned before, I have a 7600 GS that I wouldn't mind keeping. I looked at the 4670 and that does seem like a great deal, but if I'm not going to be doing much gaming on this, will it be worth it to upgrade?

You getting good value with a 4670 upgrade, but if your happy with the performance of the 7600GS, then there is no reason to upgrade.

 

[kbits]

Also take a look at the Shuttle barebone systems. The quality is usually good, and because the motherboard and PSU is custom, the size will be even smaller than most matx case. This one have a PCI-EX16 expansion slot and a 400W psu:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101066&Tpk=SP35P2V2

Consider that for the price, you have the case, the motherboard and the PSU.

If you compare size with LANBOX:

SP35P2V2 = 12.8" x 8.3" x 8.7"
LANBOX = 17.0'' x 11.8'' x 9.1''

 

[WR2]

In 2d non-gaming tasks I don't think there should be any advantage in getting a HD 4760 over the 7600GS.

A good AMD CPU for the Foxconn MB would be Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz

I'm having trouble confirming if it's worth keeping your Pentium D 3.2 since you havent listed enough detail yet.
I know either the E5200 or X2 7750 would be a substantial upgrade, I just can't tell if it's even an option to have a micro-atx MB that supports both whatever CPU you now have, and an optional, newer CPU.

Case choices are highly personal and if you're happy to pay the difference in price there are no technical reasons not to get the case you like most.

 

[WR2]

I think I found a motherboard that would support that Pentium D and also support C2D CPUs like the E5200.
ASRock 945GCM-S 945GC Micro ATX Motherboard $44 Your DDR2 800 RAM should work without a problem in this board.

And even more choices that would let you "test" your Pentium D and if you're not happy with the performance you could upgrade later to any of the C2D or C2Quad CPUs.
PentiumD through C2Q CPU support motherboards

 

[whoanonstop]

I'm having trouble confirming if it's worth keeping your Pentium D 3.2 since you havent listed enough detail yet.
I know either the E5200 or X2 7750 would be a substantial upgrade, I just can't tell if it's even an option to have a micro-atx MB that supports both whatever CPU you now have, and an optional, newer CPU.

For some reason I am having trouble finding the actual number of the Pentium D. As you mentioned, I see three possiblities Pentium D 840/935/940, since it is 3.2 Ghz. After looking at the BIOS, it has Cache L2 of 4096 KB, which leaves just the 935/940. Also according to wikipedia (not sure how reliable), but it mentions that the 935 didn't come out until January 2007, which would have been after I bought the computer. The 940 would have been out. So I am almost fairly certain it is a Pentium D 940.

As for the motherboard, I feel that I need to make the decision on what to do with the CPU and then just worry about a specific motherboard for that CPU. I am not familiar enough with the differences between a Pentium D and a Dual-Core such as the 5200... They are both Dual Cores, what makes them different?

Thanks again,

-Riley

Edit: Looking over those motherboards you just posted =)

 

[WR2]

It's not easy to find a head to head comparison but this chart comes as close as I could find on a short search.
The 3.73Ghz Pentium Extreme 965 is a D series dual core. On this chat im guessing your D940 would be score around 100 and the E5200 around 145 or so.

You'll want to look over the rest of the benchmarks because in some the E965D is a lot closer, or out ahead of the C2D CPUs.
Core 2 Duo E6300 & E6400

edit; I was close - the D940 would score 102 on that chart:
http://images.anandtech.com/graphs/core2duolaunch_07130680720/12576.png

C2D background