Question on DIY computers

[cyrusv]

Hi guys,

 

I have a old desktop computer that i DIY-ed 1 year ago...... Now I am thinking of doing a motherboard upgrade for the system. My question is does what is the main difference in the different form factors of the motherboard such as microATX and ATX out of the physical size? Would both type of motherboard fix onto my computer casing(the type you buy from sim lim)?

[crazydj]

Bro, its not as simple as that. You have to make sure that your CPU, RAM. graphics card, HDDs can physically fit the motherboard. After that, you have to make sure that they are compatible.

 

Technically, microatx and atx boards are generally the same. The only difference is size. You may fit the components on it but the question you have to ask is, will my expansion cards fit the small number of slots?

 

To answer your question, yes, both motherboard sizes can fit into a standard mid sized tower case.

 

You can try to post your current motherboard model so that we guys can assist you in choosing an equivalent or better board that will be compatible and fit your casing. Giving us your full specs would be great.

[cyrusv]

Hi there I am currently using a mobo from Biostar you guys can see the specs at the link below

http://www.biostar-usa.com/app/en-us/mb/content.php?S_ID=99

 

I am thinking to change to Asus P5KPL-AM EPU

 

http://sg.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=xs6iinKxu0y5agcg

 

both are microATX compliant but their size is a bit different

[crazydj]

Your case is microatx or atx? IF your case can fit atx i say go for it. I'm not really a fan of microatx.

 

You need to check on your current ram speed though. The biostar mininum supports 533 while the asus supports 800mhz. Check your ram speed first. Other than that i dont see any other problems.

 

But you could do much better if you could go for atx instead of microatx. More ram slots, more expansion slots as well.

[zyrofillica]

micro atx is for those who like their Pc to look small sleek and stylish so they will get a micro casing. If you want a regular pc or more inclined to performance and on a budget, go for regular atx and casing. usually micro atx casing is more expensive and provides less air flow for cooling your mobo/gfx and components. but it looks really good/sleek.

[cyrusv]

upgraded my system thanks guys for your helpful comments. By the way damn new motherboards have problems running both onboard VGA with the Nvidia 9600GT i have.... lucky was just settings problem on the BIOS. Asus really rocks la.... thanks once again

[crazydj]

I prefer ASUS boards. They are real solid boards. Avoid ECS and Biostar though. Real crappy.

[cyrusv]

Yea **CK biostar

[tanchunxun]

how abt gigabytes mobo?

[crazydj]

Gigabyte is okay. MSI is okay. DFI is good. ASUS is good.

 

Then again, you have to look at th chipset and the particular model to be exactly sure. Do your homework first.

[cyrusv]

Gigabyte is okay. MSI is okay. DFI is good. ASUS is good.

 

Then again, you have to look at th chipset and the particular model to be exactly sure. Do your homework first.

 

Personally i prefer asus but because the warranty by local dealer takes a while for RMA so gigabyte is my next choice. Just stay off MSI, the motherboard seems to have a lot of problems when it comes to compatibility with graphics card of other make.

[VidaK]

I love my gigabyte board... my desktop is currently 2.5 years old but it still runs like a gem! playing dragon age: origins these few days...