Everything Motherboard

[xane]

I'm in the slow process of building a "concept" PC, one of the components needs to be an "all in one" motherboard, with at least video, sound and LAN built-in.

I originally had an Asus A7N266 reserved, but this weekend I was fixing the keyboard on my stepson's PC and I went and pulled hard on the mouse lead and wrecked the PS/2 socket connector, so I had to replace his motherboard with the Asus.

TBH, the A7N266 was looking a bit dated, now I need another "all in one", the qualifications are:

* small footprint (250mm x 250mm maximum)
* includes Video, Sound and LAN
* includes USB

I'm not concerned about Intel or AMD, although I'd prefer the latter as I'll be retiring my 1.3Ghz Athlon later this year and it would make an ideal home.

Suggestions ? TIA

 

[Jonty]

Hi xane

Personally I'd go for an nForce2 motherboard. Although the specifications vary from board to board, you can find ones with an integrated GeForce4 MX, integrated 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound, integrated LAN and a whole lot more besides. The majority of manufacturers chose to omit the integrated graphics, so be very careful when choosing. That said, the last Epoc motherboard on this page is a good example of an 'all in one' solution.

Alternatively, ATi are about to release Intel compatible motherboards with a similar setup, utilising a Radeon 9100 graphics core. However, I've yet to read any thorough reviews of these products, and as they are so new, it may be reasonable to assume there may be some teething troubles with them (especially considering ATi are new to this sector of the industry).

Kind Regards

Edit ~ Sorry, just checked the footprint and the above board is too large. You might want to check out Shuttle's small form factor motherboards, though, which I believe can be purchased separately and are based around the nForce2 design

 

[xane]

Yeah, an nForce2 would be ideal, I've got the A7N8X Deluxe sitting at home waiting to be installed, and I can't wait to get all those features enabled.

So an nForce2 with built-in video is perfect. No problems about the Epox as I've had too much trouble with them in the past, I wont be buying them again anyways.

 

[Jonty]

Hello again

It's true that the quality of the integrated components on the nForce2 motherboards is quite exceptional. Anyway, I just checked ASUS's site and, as luck would have it, they produce a A7N8X-VM board which is based around the nForce2 design and comes complete with the ellusive integrated GeForce4 MX. Furthermore, it's footprint is 24.5cm x 24.5cm. Anyway, it sounds pretty much ideal for your needs.

Kind Regards

 

[xane]

I missed the A7N8X-VM, seen any for sale in the UK yet ?

 

[Jonty]

Hi xane

My apologies, I didn't realise they were quite so new (well, I'm guessing they're new anyway). Komplett have them listed at £75.18 inc. VAT exc. delivery (which I believe is a quite a lot with them) although there are none in stock as yet. No doubt more sites will introduce them soon, though.

Kind Regards