The Mother Board

[ejames82]

Hello,

I wish to build a computer, but I need recommendations as to the motherboard I should get.

the CPU that I have to start with is a pentium 4 model 631, but my intention is to upgrade this to a 'midrange' (more modern, but still good bang for the buck) CPU. top-of-the-line is not necessary for me as I don't do graphic editing or anything like that. so I am hoping for a MB that offers a nice selection of CPU's with the pentium 4 631 being the slowest.

the only other issue that I can think of, is that it needs to be an ATX motherboard. the reason for this is that the case will be a compaq/hp sr1710nx. I am assuming that the connectors for the on/off switch and the lights are all the same (I will be able to use the native sr1710nx switches and lights).

a good power supply will not be a problem. I have a corsair tx750, and I have quite a bit of ram, but I would purchase more ram if necessary.

I assume that ebay and amazon will probably be the most likely place to find such a motherboard, since it would not be a new board. I don't think a new board can be purchased to accomodate the pentium 4 631. ebay or amazon would be fine, or just the name of the desired board. I don't mind searching whatsoever.

your insight will be most appreciated.

[Hardware Junkie]

Just not sure its worth spending the money like that.
If you want to do an upgrade, I would do a motherboard, CPU and memory all in one. You should be able to use the rest of the components, although the original hard drive might be older SATA and a bit slow.

The other consideration is the compaq case has a proprietary connector for the power button and hard drive light (usually) so you may have to modify this.
Its a good thing you plan on replacing the power supply, because compaq usually switches up a few pins to make them propitiatory as well.
Your CPU Heatsink and Fan may also not fit on the new board if they used some weird attachment.

Otherwise what your looking for is a MicroATX motherboard. Its the size that will fit in that case.

NewEgg also does still stock some LGA775 motherboards that will fit that P4 though.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600007913&IsNodeId=1&name=Core%202%20Quad%2fDuo%20%2f%20Pentium%20Dual-Core%20%2f%20Celeron
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[ejames82]

Hello Hardware Junkie,


after doing a little research, I now agree with your opening statement.

"I would do a motherboard, CPU and memory all in one"
tigerdirect sells good deals on these bundles. maybe I will pick one out and ask you about it.

however I still want to use that sr1710nx case. according to this:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00496280&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=1817035

the motherboard is an ATX. so therefore the case would also be. or perhaps the case can accommodate both ATX and microATX (I have a sr1103wm, a sr1403wm and a 1820nx, and they all look the same). am I incorrect in saying the case (the 1710nx) is an ATX case (or that it will accommodate an ATX board?)?

also, I will do whatever 'modification' is necessary to get the power/lights to work in the front.

thank you for your input. you've helped me a bunch already

[Hardware Junkie]

ATX has many variants, and in your case its a MicroATX design.

[ejames82]

this is from the wiki:

'A full-size ATX board is 12 in × 9.6 in (305 mm × 244 mm). This allows many ATX form factor chassis to accept microATX boards as well.'

I think what they mean by 'full-size' is what the wiki calls 'standard ATX'.
but I appreciate the clarification. until I get to actually see the case (my job and the weather is not permitting at this time), I will strictly be looking at microATX. it would sure be nice if I could use a standard ATX (full-size) because the bigger the board, the more goodies it can provide.

when I see a bundle that I am considering, I will be back.

thank you.

[Hardware Junkie]