Hi I would like to transfer my existing build( 2 hd 7970 system ) to matx mobo and case. Assuming the mobo hv x8x8 pcie, does any other prob arrise eg heat, gpu or psu space dont fit etc. Also can anyone recomend a nice cheap matx chassis that fit the part tq.
crossfirex in microatx mobo and chassis
- Thread starter I_kitaro
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photonboy
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- Jun 20, 2006
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I don't really recommend micro-ATX for Crossfire as you limit the SPACE between the graphics cards for air flow.
Also, I'm not sure why you are switching MOTHERBOARDS either, but you may have to buy a new copy of Windows and reinstall everything which will cost you another $100.
However, you asked. I can't recommend a micro-ATX motherboard since you didn't specify the CPU. As for a CASE.http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=84140&vpn=NSE-200-KKN1&manufacture=COOLERMASTER
That's a Canadian link.
Points:
1. Supports front USB3 (make sure motherboard has USB3 front output)
2. Organized to support long video cards (see pictures)
3. Comes with two fans (probably top-rear, and front-bottom)
4. Cable management.
If you get an ATX or other micro-ATX I recommend using the above points.
*Micro-ATX motherboards have FOUR PCIe slots available. That means two, two-slot graphics cards are very close together so the TOP card will get hotter than the bottom card. Again, I don't recommend this. I recommend an ATX case and motherboard.
Also, I'm not sure why you are switching MOTHERBOARDS either, but you may have to buy a new copy of Windows and reinstall everything which will cost you another $100.
However, you asked. I can't recommend a micro-ATX motherboard since you didn't specify the CPU. As for a CASE.http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=84140&vpn=NSE-200-KKN1&manufacture=COOLERMASTER
That's a Canadian link.
Points:
1. Supports front USB3 (make sure motherboard has USB3 front output)
2. Organized to support long video cards (see pictures)
3. Comes with two fans (probably top-rear, and front-bottom)
4. Cable management.
If you get an ATX or other micro-ATX I recommend using the above points.
*Micro-ATX motherboards have FOUR PCIe slots available. That means two, two-slot graphics cards are very close together so the TOP card will get hotter than the bottom card. Again, I don't recommend this. I recommend an ATX case and motherboard.
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
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Just go to NCIX.
http://us.ncix.com/products/index.php?minorcatid=104
Don't forget to follow the points I listed, and consider carefully if the difference in height (2.4") is worth the loss of cooling. You also lose that 1x PCIe slot above the top graphics card if you don't get ATX; that's something you MAY wish you had later for a sound card or something else.
So I still think micro-ATX is a bad idea for Crossfire but it's up to you.
I don't mind recommending a motherboard if you specify your CPU SOCKET, and again remember you likely will have to purchase Windows again so I'm not quite sure WHY you're even doing this. A new case, motherboard and Windows just to save 2.4" in height? Am I missing something?
ATX PSU:
Most or all micro-ATX and ATX cases support ATX power supplies. I think it's only the HTPC models that sometimes support the smaller PSU's.
photonboy
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- Jun 20, 2006
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I found four motherboards that met the following criteria:
1) micro-ATX
2) 1155 socket
3) 4/5 stars for customer reviews
4) CROSSFIRE
Here they are:
1) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130647
2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128542
3) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157294
4) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157300
#1 is interesting. 1/5 Stars are fairly low percent. Some complaints of DOA etc (but all do). If the free memory still exists that's a pretty good deal. I don't recommend mixing RAM, and if you already have 8GB you don't need more unless you do video editing; won't benefit games in the least. Perhaps you can SELL it for $50.
*Whatever board you get, read the customer reviews, especially note the PERCENT OF 1/5 and 2/5 stars!!!
I'll include two ATX boards as well that were relatively inexpensive and 1/5 and 2/5 scores are relatively low. They just happen to be MSI but that's coincidence (sort of):
1) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130644
2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130687
#1 again has the same 8GB of DDR3 memory as the micro-ATX board above. If still available.
Note that #2 has "GAMING" as part of its name. There's a DIFFERENT motherboard with just the first part. I was a little confused for a while.
**Still unsure why you're switching from ATX to micro-ATX.
**I looked up transferring Windows 7 to new motherboard. It's OKAY to use the same socket. That's considered a "REPAIR". So you won't have to buy a new copy and your existing copy should start right up, however you should UNINSTALL any drivers for the motherboard that aren't the same as your new motherboards and then install the new motherboard drivers. For example, the MAIN CHIPSET driver.
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