Choosing a new motherboard..what to look for

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

Hello,

I'm planning on upgrading an old (terribly slow) computer of mine, by installing a new motherboard + CPU + memory
I found an all-inclusive motherboard which interests me here:
http://www1.conrad.de/scripts/wgate/zcop_b2c/~flNlc3Npb249UDkwV0dBVEU6...BR0FURT
(sorry, it's in German..but I think it shouldn't be too difficult to make out the specs Confused

)

The only things I know of, that I would have to pay attention to when buying a new motherboard are that the CPU and memory..and any other additional hardware (video card, graphic card etc) fits, and that the mobo fits into the case..the CPU and memory isn't a point anyways, as they're included..and neither are video/graphic card or the likes..and it certainly would fit into the case..

now I'm wondering if there's anything else I have to check? like, for example, what type of power supply I have? (i just know that this plays a role when buying a new case..I think something to do with a form factor..

)
Which makes me think of another question: does anyone have any idea roughly how much power such a motherboard & CPU would need?..I'm quite sure the power supply I have in there right now doesn't provide enough..and if I do need to upgrade that too, I would need to know what I have to upgrade it to Laughing

Once again, I hope I haven't left out any details..
Oh yes, I'm running XP Pro..SP2..

El

Edit
I just noticed that the link doesn't lead to the exact page..so I'll just list the specs of the kit here:
Motherboard:
Asus M3N78-CM

RAM:
DDR2 2048 MB - 800 MHz

Processor:
AMD® Athlon™ 64 X2 4850E

Interfaces:
6x USB 2.0
6x SATA II
1x IDE
1x PCIe x16
1x PCIe x1
2x PCI
1x Gigabit-LAN
1xPS/2
1x VGA
1x DVI
7.1 Sound

Chipset:
nVidia GeForce 8200

Form Factor:
Micro-ATX

OnBoard-Grafic:
nVidia GeForce 8200

Sockel:
AMD AM2+

goretsky · Posted: Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:07 am Post subject:

Hello,

I found a link to the Asus M3N78-CM motherboard here on Asus' web site. If you are planning on using the upgraded system for more than a couple of years, you might want to consider purchasing a Socket AM3 motherboard like the M4A78-VM or M4A78-EM as these contain newer technologies and should have a longer lifespan than the older M3N78-CM motherboard.

All three motherboards have integrated graphics processors (on board video) as well as sound and network interfaces. If you need a higher performing video solution, you can install one in the PCIe 16x slot.

All of the motherboards mentioned are Micro-ATX formfactor (size) motherboards, so one consideration is to make sure it will fit in your existing chassis. If you have an ATX or Micro-ATX motherboard already installed then this should not be a problem, but it would be a good idea to check. One thing to keep in mind is that all of these motherboards have only four expansion slots (one PCIe 1x, one PCIe 16x and two PCI), so there is not as much room for expansion cards as with a contentional ATX-sized motherboard. This could be an issue, especialliy if one of the cards installed blocks the expansion slot next to it.

It might be helpful to know what parts you wish to keep from the old system and what their specifications are, in order to help you decide which components to reuse in the new computer.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

Thank you for the reply..

Currently installed in the computer are:
PCCHIPS M789CLU (V1.2) Motherboard (with onboard CPU)
768MB (256MB+512MB) DDR RAM, PC400
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live 24Bit Sound card
1 40GB Maxtor IDE HD
1 'USB card reader', which's connected somewhere on the motherboard and never worked.. Laughing

1 IDE Floppy drive
1 JustLink IDE CD-RW drive
1 LG IDE DVD-R drive
And the power supply:
MX-350ATX
350 Watt

I'm hoping to keep everything besides the motherboard & RAM (and the sound card can go too, if onboard audio works)..I still think (even more so, after checking what's in the computer) that the power supply will have to be replaced too..and I may be installing a new SATA HD..
I would like to buy a complete set of motherboard + CPU + RAM, so that I don't have to piece everything together, and can just go ahead and install it, knowing that the components are made to work with each other :]

I don't think I'll be adding many expansion cards..at the most a graphic card, if I can't already connect two monitors to the motherboard itself..

Hopefully that cleared things up a bit Laughing

El

atenor · Joined: Jan 30, 2004 Posts: 24

The one thing that I might suggest, especially if you put in a newer video card is a more powerful power supply, say 450 to 500 watts. Maybe more if you are getting a really high end card.
350 is probably OK for running an on board card though.

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

I'll probably just leave in the current power supply, hoping that it'll work with the newer motherboard..and if not, I'll have to buy a more powerful one Laughing

Thanks :]

El

goretsky · Posted: Thu Mar 12, 2009 3:31 am Post subject:

Hello,

One thing to keep in mind is that many new motherboards may have only one PATA connector--or none at all. This means you will only be able to attach two devices to the connector, the hard disk drive and the DVD-R disc drive, for example. Likewise, floppy diskette drive connectors are also disappearing from motherboards.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

I see..I shall keep that in mind then, thank you Smile

Only one question left:
would a mini-ATX mobo work with an ATX power supply..? Confused

El

goretsky · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:49 am Post subject:

Hello,

It should, newer motherboards have a power connectors with additional pins, however, it may be possible to either leave the extra pins disconnected, or purchase an adapter which connects the additional pins. Likewise, if the CPU requires an additional power connector, you may be able to use an adapter plugged into some of the 5.25" Molex drive power connectors to power it.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

alright :]
with the motherboard and processor that i'm buying now though, i will apparently need a new power supply..so i guess i'll just buy a fitting one Laughing

assuming that a mini-ATX power supply fits into a case that currently has an ATX power supply..?

El

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 1546 Location: Central FL, USA

There is NO Mini-ATX power supply. All aftermarket PSU's are basically the same size. Really OLD PSU's don't have enough power connectors of the right type to power up the newer mobo's.
I now use only Antec Earthwatts power supplies. They come with every connector that you'd ever need, for even the most advanced mobo's.

MINI-ATX refers to the size of the Motherboard. That's the smallest mobo you can buy. For the small size, you won't get many PCI slots.

The Pac-Man cases that I've used for the past nn years are what's called "Mid-Tower" and have plenty of room for ANY size of mobo.
If you're building a new system don't cramp yourself up in a tiny little case.

Good Luck,
The Doctor Cool

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

Oh right..well then I shouldn't be having any problems buying a new power supply..
And I'll see if the shop that I'm buying from does Antec Earthwatts power supplies

I can say I'll only be needing to add a graphic card and that's it..so 'mini' should be just fine :]

I don't believe the case is too small..I'm not sure exactly which category it falls into, but I would believe it's the size of a larger desktop computer, but not a tower of any kind yet..should be enough for what i need in there Laughing

El

goretsky

Hello,

You might want to measure the dimensions of your current power supply and computer case so that you find one which matches the same size and screw locations. This Wikipedia article gives the various dimensions for the different types of ATX power supplies (microATX, Mini-ATX, ATX, Extended-ATX and so forth).

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

el · Joined: Nov 14, 2006 Posts: 255

Thank you, Goretsky.
And sorry, I somewhat forgot I had this post going Confused

I'm still considering whether or not to actually upgrade the computer, will probably end up doing it though.
I'm rather confident that I should manage now, along with buying the right components and such.. Smile

El