What's the best micro atx mobo out there?

[wretched73]

Im thinking about getting a micro atx case for my comp. and was wondering wat mobo would be the best for gaming

[redhalo]

Are there any that are any good for gaming?

edit: was thinking about a smaller form factor, Newegg had an NF4 or two.

[MrSlacker]

Intel or AMD? AGP or PCI-E?

[Zeus]

also, what socket you planning to go with more specifically.

Intel 478 vs 775
AMD 754 vs 939

[ack ack]

i'd say, in terms of all around multimedia/features/performance, the via epia sp.

[Zeus]

i'd say, in terms of all around multimedia/features/performance, the via epia sp.

Pardon my ignorance, but HUH??!!?? :? :?

[ack ack]

http://www.via.com.tw/en/initiatives/spearhead/mini-itx/

via epia is an ultra compact form factor. 17cm x 17cm.

the epia sp is one of their models. low profile with lots of built-in features like sata, multimedia encoding, audio, and tv out. also comes in fanless/silent and quiet solutions.

http://www.viaembedded.com/product/epia_sp_spec.jsp?motherboardId=261

[MisterChief]

Just a quick question: Why do you need a micro-ATX case and a micro-ATX mobo for gaming? That seems a little strange, seeing that there are so many excellent ATX mobos.

[MrSlacker]

Just a quick question: Why do you need a micro-ATX case and a micro-ATX mobo for gaming? That seems a little strange, seeing that there are so many excellent ATX mobos.
may be he is building a small comp.

[MisterChief]

may be he is building a small comp.
:rolleyes: obviously... but what fer? Even if you're short on space, a small ATX
case dosen't take up that much space. Besides, a micro-ATX case will be hard to cool, especially if you game.

[Xato]

Maybe its an object mod... Ammo box mods come to mind... Just because a u need a small mobo, doesn't mean u should compromise on its performance.

[ack ack]

mini-itx makes a good compact space saving htpc, prolly good for internet multi-play too.

[public_eyesore]

my computer is running on a p4sdla-oxford. Its is an hp mobo and i think its totally awesome. I play any game with a 5200 and ive never had any problems except for the fact that you cant overclock it in bios.

[Xato]

Thats a pretty hefty problem as far as i'm concerned...

[ack ack]

mini-itx isn't really meant to be overclocked. for the most part they are meant as 'always-on' solutions for automotive multimedia/electronics and htpc solutions. since most mini-itx mobos are fanless solutions anyway, heat dissipation would be a major issue with an oced board, especially in an object mod.

[Xato]

I admit shuttles usually arent cooled properly, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be OC'd... And i just hate the thought of a 'fanless' solution... *shudders* :D lol
What i meant was that for me, no matter what chip i get, i'm still gonna OC it and squeeze a little bit more out. I'm running a 400mhz overclock with stock AMD cooling atm... <3 the Barton core!
I've only had a few probs every so often, requiring a 10mhz drop in the FSB for hot days.
And the OTHER thing about non OC mobo's is that RAM customisation is usually not allowed either... And your ram will often run at lower speeds than intended, and RAM is very easy to OC (the timings), even without great cooling...

Ofcourse decent is required... I admit i'm a gamer, so performance will always play big in my books :D ;)
I would just want to get a Board which allows that if possible...

[ack ack]

i know there are some sites that offer bios tweak tools and drivers for mini-itx mobos, but they tend to be model specific. i think mini-itx.com or idotpc.com might have some.

In terms, of gaming you would want to get a VIA EPIA MII model mobo. comes with built in firewire and 7.1 audio and a bunch of other features. it has a high profile compared to other itx mobos tho, and might be difficult to cram into tight spaces.

[public_eyesore]

arnt micro and mini itx different types of boards?

[Xato]

Could be, but not that i know of... i only remember seeing ATX and µATX on the form factor site.

[public_eyesore]

i have found the problem. People including my self have gotten micro ATX and mini ITX confused. these are two totally different types of mobos. So from here remember that this thread is about micro ATX. :D

[Zeus]

see http://www.interfacebus.com/Mother_Boards.html for some add'l info

[s4n9]

testing

[Zeus]

you passed

[Rachel]

noob....