Will a Gigabyte MicroATX GA-G31M-ES2L fit this case?

[RevOne]

Hey TH Forum Members,

Here's my situation:

I've pretty much got a budget and supplies all mapped out and this is the best I can do with it (or so I think it is).

I've got this computer just sitting around doing nothing:

eMachines T5026: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/emachines-t5026/4507-3118_7-31297819.html

I read in some places that eMachines uses standard ATX cases, or in this instance, a standard micro-ATX case; and I've read in others that most "prebuilt" manufacturers use proprietary hardware designs. I'm looking to completely pull the current mobo, which is an Intel 915GV Express chipset that will only do Celeron/Celeron D's/Pentium 4/Pentium D's. It's dimensions are documented at being 9.6 in x 9.6 in I want to try to replace it with either of these two G31 boards, hopefully without needing to do any type of physical modification so that the board will seat correctly and having everything line up correctly (ports, expansion slots, etc.) :

9.6 in x 7.6 in - Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L Core 2 Quad/Intel G31/FSB1333/DDR2-800/A&V&GbE/Micro ATX Motherboard: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3485#sp

MSI G31TM-P21 LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard: http://us.msi.com/index.php?func=prodmbspec&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=&cat3_no=&prod_no=1869#menu

So on to the processor:

Core 2 Duo E6600 3.06GHz: http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=42807

I was also looking to do the 2.4 GHz E6600, but I'd rather get the one that has the 45nm lithography. I've checked, and the Motherboard and CPU should be compatible. The CPU will also include the necessary heatsink and fan upon purchase.

I found a 480W PSU that's meant as a replacement for the actual T5026 (the original one went bust) for about $28 after shipping: http://www.cputopia.com/emachine-480w-t-series-t5026.html

The first thing I'm concerned about is whether this PSU will work with the new mobo (it looks like it should, as it seems to state all the right connectors I should need for an LGA775 board). The second thing is, I don't know about rails, or volts, or how it's calculated, but according to the datasheet at that link, I'm wondering if I would have enough juice to power a EVGA GeForce 9800GT 512MB DDR3 PCI Express x 16 2.0 card. No Overclocking or fancy cooling or anything like that (maybe a PCI Slot fan at most). I'm not really looking for anything phenomenal by any means and this is about what I can afford right now, but it sure as heck would be a pleasant bump up from the Dell Dimension 4550 P4 2.53 GHz (non-HT enabled) setup I currently have.

-=deep breath=- Thanks for reading all this. So I was wondering - would any of you infinitely more knowledgeable folks have an idea as to whether or not this could work? Primarily with regards to either of the new mobos fitting that case for starters (is it a standard mATX case size?) and whether I can trust sticking with that PSU? Thanks so much in advance. Any and all help would be sincerely appreciated. Take care everyone!

 

[RevOne]

Nevermind... sorry for taking up space on the threads. After a little more thorough digging (Google is indeed everyone's friend... I just thought I'd looked hard enough already! -=laughing=-), I was able to get a definitive answer from here: http://www.dexplor.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=7750018&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=be27d5e1ed68d8e43ffee4559035a37d . Looks like I'm good to go on most accounts. Still not too keen on that PSU at all, though... Since I can go with standard parts, I'll just find a good regulation mATX one.

 

[RevOne]

Okay... so now I have a legitimate motherboard question: I ruled out the MSI board in favor of the Gigabyte which is a G31-based that *claims* it can run PCI-e 2.0, although I have no confirmation of this other than the manufacturer's site. A quick google search and browsing around a few forums at what owners of the board have to say is to the contrary (saying it's 1.0 or 1.1). However, it seems to have really good overclocking capabilities. Direct-X 9 support apparently (though I thought that was an OS and GPU limited thing, unless they are talking about the onboard graphics and with a DX10 card and Windows Vista/7, you can do it). The advantage - OC'ed it claims 1600 MHz FSB.

Then, there's the Intel DG41WV - a later G41 chipset which is a Direct X 10 capable mobo right out of the box (of course, I'm getting an add-in graphics card either way) says it's PCI-e 2.0, but it's FSB max is capped off at 1333 MHz with NO options for overclocking.

I guess the question is - which one will affect my gaming more on an E6600 that's already at 3.06 GHz (which has locked multipliers btw): No PCIe 2.0 w/OC capabilities(and possibly DX9, whatever that part indicates), or PCIe-2.0 support, but no OC'ing, I'm sure whatever gfx card I get, I can tinker with OC'ing once I have the right cooling solution, so I guess that part is negligible. The Intel board would be about $12 - $14 cheaper. Both are the only options in my price range (40 bucks and under)(that have the features that I want).

Any thoughts anyone?