Help with choosing the right AMD motherboard

[fmma]

Hi,

I'm interested to build a new computer. This time it should have a small foot-print. Interested to use Silverstone Sugo SG05B Mini-ITX Case.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-063-SV

I would like to use the AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 710 2.6GHz, or the 720 (not sure what makes more sense, only 10£ difference).

Mt big problem, which Motherboard, as the case does not take standart ATX boards.

Will by example the Asus M3A78-EM AMD 780G work

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-316-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=807

or which mainboard would you suggest ?.
This is not a 'gaming' / overclocking machine.

Thanks for your help

Frank

 

[Art]

The Asus M3a78-EM you've asked about there is micro ATX, so it probably wouldn't fit into a mini ITX chassis.

OcUK Have a section in their shop with Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards but they're all Intel sockets, which mean you'd have to ditch the PII 720.

If it's not a gaming machine the Intel sockets should be just as good to be honest, but if you're really set on AMD you might have a hard time finding an AM3 socket Mini ITX board. You might get away with an AM3 compatible AM2+ board, I'm not sure how common they are.

 

[Minimoke]

Hey there,
I think Intel are a bit easier when it comes to ITX, with their Atom processors but I've still seen quite a lot of AMD boards. The J&W MINIX™ 780G-SP128MB looks like an awesome board for you, will handle your CPU of choice and anything else you would like. Obviously I can't post a link for it, but Google is your friend

Just for the record, why are you going for that CPU? What are you planning to do with the PC? Just me being nosy, might help us give you some advice too!

Chris.

 

[Art]

The J&W MINIX™ 780G-SP128MB looks like an awesome board for you, will handle your CPU of choice and anything else you would like

You sure? The J&W website doesn't mention AM3 CPUs, plus they say they strongly recommend using a CPU with a TDP of 65 or less, which'd rule out the 720. The only Zotac AMD ITX board doesn't seem to support AM3/Phenom II processors either.

Like Minimoke said, a hint at what you're planning to do would help. You're really not going to need a 720 just for office stuff.

 

[amkan13]

jetway and j&w both have mini-itx amd boards

an am3 processor will fit into an am2+ motherboard as long as there is bios support for the chip.

 

[fmma]

You sure? The J&W website doesn't mention AM3 CPUs, plus they say they strongly recommend using a CPU with a TDP of 65 or less, which'd rule out the 720. The only Zotac AMD ITX board doesn't seem to support AM3/Phenom II processors either.

Like Minimoke said, a hint at what you're planning to do would help. You're really not going to need a 720 just for office stuff.

Hi,

thanks for your help. Yes - its office stuff - number crunching and advanced statistics. I like the small ITX Silverstone Sugo case. The AMD Phenom has good reviews and the 710 is just a little over 100GBP - which is the same I have to pay for a E7400. This was the reason I asked for the AMD advise.

I think I will go for the E7400 with the Zotec GeForce 9300 ITX board (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-000-ZT, although I find the 125 GBP price quite high.

 

[Art]

I think I will go for the E7400 with the Zotec GeForce 9300 ITX board (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-000-ZT, although I find the 125 GBP price quite high.

I think Mini ITX boards generally are pricey for what you get, I doubt too many get sold so they've got to put the price up to make it worth it. If the cheaper one won't cut it and you want to stick with OcUK then you're not exactly spoilt for choice.

I hope you get it running anyway, whatever you choose.