Help! Finding a suitable Mobo

Knubje · 11 Jan 2010 at 16:13

Hi All,

I'm building a media server/centre. I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E6600, 2GB DDR2 RAM, 1TB SataII Drive kicking about already.

I need a motherboard that has the following:

- HDMI Output (Higher end Radeon/Nvidia Chipset prefferred for upscaling to HD on GPU)
- Four or more Sata/SataII connectors
- Reasonable onboard sound
- Gb NIC
- mATX size
- A few expansion slots. PCI-E/PCI (TV Card and possible E-Sata PCI-E Card in mind).

That is it really. I'm struggling because I can't see motherboards with decent onboard GPU available anymore. Some seemed to be discontinued.

Any ideas/suggestions more than welcome!

Thanks guys!

Knubje · 12 Jan 2010 at 09:38

Hi, just to bump my thread in seeking for advice from the knowledgeable folks:

I found this:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2946

That is something in the region of what I want, in fact I'd get it now if I could. Seems to be discontinued and I can't find other variations similar to it!

Any advice will be received with warmth and gratitude

Knubje · 12 Jan 2010 at 10:14

Hey Phatzy, thanks for the reply. To be honest I have been looking at this solution too as it doesn't look like I will be able to find a motherboard that has a decent GPU integrated on it!

That card would be alright for all HD needs wouldn't it? I'm sure those cards are £30-£40 so I could go with a slightly more budget Mobo due to it not having onboard graphics.

Thanks for your input mate! Muchly appreciated!

Knubje · 12 Jan 2010 at 10:58

Yeah I think I have found the same issue whilst browsing for a board. It seems probable that I will get a standard mobo and just get a card similar to the above. I believe ATI have less problems with HDMI and specifically sound issues.

I can't find any available boards that have decent onboard still that cover the spec in my OP...which is a shame as I wanted integrated to save on noise!