Help On Selecting MB for my Gateway G6-400

[Farrar]

I am planning to replace my motherboard in my Gateway G6-400. My documentation says that this is an Intel Integrated 440BX Slot 1 motherboard. The form factor is MATX {Micro ATX???} and the board measures about 9 ½ inches square. I have looked at several motherboards at Tiger Direct online but they only have 3 or 4 MATX boards and I wanted to get a recommendation on what would be the best MATX board to purchase and where I could get the best price. The board I am considering is an Epox 8KEM Socket A Motherboard w/AMD Athlon 1.3 GHz CPU located at:

<a href="http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?sku=MBM-8KEM2-1300." target="_blank">http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?sku=MBM-8KEM2-1300.</a>

The cost is 179.00. The dimensions look to be a bit different than mine at 8 x 9.6 where mine is approximately 9.6 x 9.6. This board has onboard sound and video, which is something I was looking for, as video/sound is not that important to me.

One last question: I am assuming there is a difference between power supplies for an MATX and ATX board. My current power supply for my Micro ATX board is much smaller than the power supply I installed for a friend. Is the major difference size, voltage, or what?

Thanks for any help you can give.

Jeff

[Gameguru]

I have had nothing but problems with tigerdirect. I cannot, in good faith, reccomend them at all.

As for your board question....Before you upgrade, you need to take a close look at that power supply. Your gonna need a 300 watt to avoid power problems that could arise if you stick with the PS you have now. If I'm not mistaken, yours is only 200watt and I don't think that will cut it. I think that epox make a decent board but I wouldn't plan on playing high demand games with that trident on board video. The AC-97 sound is OK and I know alot of people who have them and are happy.

What are you(mainly)using this PC for?

[Farrar]

I use it mainly for studying different operating systems. I currently have Windows 98, Windows 2000 Pro, Windows 2000 Server, and XP Professional running in a quad-boot. I am an MCSE studying for my final exam to upgrade to Windows 2000 from NT 4.0. I do a limited amount of web design work using FP 2000. Video and/or sound are not important as I usually turn the sound down on the speakers before booting up and the only game I play on the computer is chess and I seldom have the opportunity to play.

I saw a "Deer" brand power supply that was rated for up to 1.4 GHz but it was only 200 watts. I WILL have to have an MATX Power Supply, correct?

Thanks for the reply!

Jeff

[Gameguru]

I'm not 100% on this so maybe someone else can help out here.

I believe the Micro in MATX is the mobo. The power supply is an ATX and as long as it will fit into your case, it will work.

I did a search at <a href="http://www.pricewatch.com" target="_blank">http://www.pricewatch.com</a> for:

micro atx 300w

and it came up with two AMD/INTEL approved PS. They are about $33+shipping.

Unless size is a major concern, I would just buy a new ATX case w/PS and get a standard ATX board w/an XP processor. Probably would be less expensive then trying to find a specialized MB/PS to fit in your case.

JM2¢

[Farrar]

Thanks!

Yeah, I had thought of just buying the case/PSU to avoid the hassle of MATX. That way, I'll still have my old case and MB intact and I do have some RAM, a floppy, and a CD-ROM I can plug in and I'll have a 3rd unit.

I belive I'll just get a new ATX case/PSU. I have seen several with the tool-less chasis for about 45.00.

Thanks Again!

Jeff