New Build, Questions about Micro Mobo

[kalor]

I am looking to build a comp that was a little smaller but still packed a punch in it, so I have a few questions. Also, all the following links link directly to Newegg.

First, with a micro motherboard, the only limitations on it are that it doesnt have as many PCI slots, External and Internal 3.5" Drive Bays, correct? So it would only limited how many CD drives (or other drives for that matter), the number of Hard Drives, and graphics card, etc. I wanted in it?

Seconds, assuming the first is true, I can essentually put any part I want in the comp, or would the amount of space in the computer affect what would fit? Since I enjoy gaming I am looking for a good graphics card, but the good ones are much larger.

So, for example, if I were going to us this case: APEVIA X-QPACK2-BK

With this mobo: ASUS M2NPV-VM

And I wanted this graphics card: Radeon HD 2900XT

They would all fit together and I would be able to have 1 PCI slot left over, right?

Also, I am new when it comes to having to worry about PC Temperature. If I had all the parts specified above, and I was going to put a AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ processor how would I have to worry? For a heat sink and fan would a ZALMAN CNPS9500 cool it down enough AND fit in the case? Or is that fan too big to fit in there. And if it is too big, what kinda heat sink should I be looking for?

Also, an AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ WOULD work with that mobo, correct?

Finally, with the power supply, how many watts would I need? I heard that that graphics card sucks up a lot of power, so would I need over a 600W? I am planning on putting 2 CD drives in there and 2 hard drives, so not sure how much more power that would add on that is needed.

Thanks for the time guys, I have a basic idea of what I want, I just dont know if it can work with that case because I have only built 1 computer before. I would hate to order the stuff then realize it all didnt fit!

[shadowpr]

i think that cpu will work with that MB. only thing i'm not sure about, but think is good is the FSB.

as for a heat sink, unless you plan on overclocking, i'm inclined to say that the stock heat sink will work perfectly.


for a psu, you probably wouldn't need anything more then 600, this might work: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9001&Tpk=520hx

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by kalor First, with a micro motherboard, the only limitations on it are that it doesnt have as many PCI slots, External and Internal 3.5" Drive Bays, correct?

Yes, micro-ATX motherboards don't have many expansion slots. But the drive bays are part of the case, not the motherboard. The motherboard should still have an adequate amount of drive connection ports on it.

Originally Posted by kalor So it would only limited how many CD drives (or other drives for that matter), the number of Hard Drives, and graphics card, etc. I wanted in it?

I think you're talking about a micro-ATX case so yes, you'll be very limited to the amount of stuff you can put in it.

Originally Posted by kalor Seconds, assuming the first is true, I can essentually put any part I want in the comp, or would the amount of space in the computer affect what would fit?

See my previous answer.

Originally Posted by kalor Since I enjoy gaming I am looking for a good graphics card, but the good ones are much larger. So, for example, if I were going to us this case: APEVIA X-QPACK2-BK With this mobo: ASUS M2NPV-VM And I wanted this graphics card: Radeon HD 2900XT They would all fit together and I would be able to have 1 PCI slot left over, right?

Yes, you'll have 1 PCI slot left over...but make sure that ATi will even fit in the SFF (small form factor) case.

Originally Posted by kalor Also, I am new when it comes to having to worry about PC Temperature. If I had all the parts specified above, and I was going to put a AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ processor how would I have to worry? For a heat sink and fan would a ZALMAN CNPS9500 cool it down enough AND fit in the case? Or is that fan too big to fit in there. And if it is too big, what kinda heat sink should I be looking for?

You linked to a retail boxed CPU and it already comes with a AMD heatsink designed to work with that processor. Use that one to keep the 3 year warranty on the CPU. If you use a third party heatsink you'll void the 3 year warranty. And the stock heatsink will be smaller than that Zalman and may be a better fit in a SFF case.

Originally Posted by kalor Also, an AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ WOULD work with that mobo, correct?

Yes, with the right BIOS version.

Originally Posted by kalor Finally, with the power supply, how many watts would I need? I heard that that graphics card sucks up a lot of power, so would I need over a 600W? I am planning on putting 2 CD drives in there and 2 hard drives, so not sure how much more power that would add on that is needed.

First of all, don't use the 500 watt Apevia power supply that comes with that case. I think a good quality 550 watt PSU should be able to handle your computer.

Cricket

[kalor]

Thanks for the AWESOME help Cricket!