Re: Mobo questions

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From: Jim Macklin (p51mustang[threeX12)
Date: 10/17/04


Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2004 07:50:59 -0500

The only difference is that the micro ATX has only 2 PCI
slots (generally) while the full size ATX board has 4-6 PCI
slots. Unless you have to have a small case, the standard
mid-tower case will use the ATX board. You can put a
microATX mobo in the standard case, but it does limit you
and the case will still take up the space and the micro mobo
costs about the same as the standard ATX.

Since you said you were not into gaming, you probably don't
intend to have a portable computer that you'd take to
LAN-parties, they even have smaller than mATX mobo, to fit
in little cases, such as those by Shuttle.

    www.intel.com has lots of info on motherboards and
advice. Intel makes and sells mobo under their own brand
name, but the also list mobo made by other who use Intel
chips. If you want an AMD, see www.amd.com to learn about
their lines. AMD does have a 64 bit CPU, which is as yet,
not available from Intel. But Intel as often said to run
Office apps better than AMD. But AMD is less expensive.
But then, none of the one-step down CPUs and mobo are
expensive now.

-- 
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
"Jack Carlson" <jack@email.com> wrote in message 
news:%23P9ocZBtEHA.3556@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
| Thanks for the info. Any preference with a micro-ATX to 
standard ATX? I
| understand the micro is smaller, but I saw one I like that 
is micro and was
| wondering if there are differences.
|
|
| "Jim Macklin" <p51mustang[threeX12]@xxxhotmail.calm> wrote 
in message
| news:OkN#Vy9sEHA.636@TK2MSFTNGP09.phx.gbl...
| > The new standard top of the line, is PCI Express.  That 
will
| > have the longest future life.  Currently for high-end 
fast
| > graphics you want a mobo with AGP 8X support, the mobo 
might
| > have an on-board graphics chip but be sure you have an 
AGP
| > slot for upgrades.  Also you will want  4 to 6 PCI slots 
for
| > expansion.  The current FSB should be at least 533 and 
800
| > or faster is possible.  So NOT plan on reusing your old 
RAM,
| > it will be too slow.  Also, you'll want a CPU upgrade. 
So
| > pick a CPU brand, decide how much money you want to 
spend,
| > then pick a mobo.  Then pick your RAM and other 
hardware,
| > such as hard and optical drives.
| >
| > And PCI slots are generally backwards compatible, but 
keep
| > in mind that using old devices may slow the new system,
| > negating the advantages of your upgrades.
| >
| >
| > --
| > The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
| > But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
| >
| >
| > "Jack Carlson" <jack@email.com> wrote in message
| > news:O3eRxp9sEHA.992@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
| > |I am looking to upgrade my current mobo. Does anyone 
know
| > if the PC 2.2
| > | slots will be backwards compatible with my a couple of 
my
| > old PC 1.1
| > | devices?
| > |
| > | Also, is it better to get a mobo with on-board 
graphics or
| > to just buy a
| > | standard PCI video card? I'm not looking for serious
| > gaming. All I want are
| > | some good latest graphics.
| > |
| > | Thanks.
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
| 


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