Micro ATX Case & PCI Express Questions?

[rhodges]

In consideration for an upgrade of my system, primarily for FS use I have come up with the following questions: (There will probably be many more).

1. To get the simple question out of the way first, Do Micro ATX Motherboards also fit the larger ATX cases without any problem, or must they be installed in unique Micro ATX cases?

2. In looking at Motherboards, many have the PCIe x 16 video slots so close to the first old school PCI slot that the PCI slot is not useable (Same for some AGP slots as well particularly with a cooler on the video card). I see other motherboards that are available where the separation between these slots really should be no problem, at least with some video cards. However, on many of these boards, between the X16 and old school PCI slots are PCI Express X1 slots which appear to me would be totally negated by the size of many video cards. A google search along with input from Tom's Hardware site for information implies to me that at least thus far these X1 slots have little use and few manufactured users as they duplicate sound card, LAN, and other functions that are already available on the motherboards or by cards in the PCI slots. Real world particularly to the Flight Simulator user, should this be a future concern for us?

3. While I am at it, I will throw in X4 slots that I read about, but have really not noticed available on any motherboards I have considered. Wonder what the future hold for these slots?

4. May as well throw in PCI Express 2 as a question mark as well.

I realize the history of computing for most of us has been that you can't put anything together today that will not be outdated immediately, but one wonders what will be the thing to buy tomorrow.

Just wondered what the feeling from this knowledgeable forum community is concerning these items? I am sure there are many of us that are somewhat ignorant on these subjects that would appreciate your input.

Respectfully:
RTH

[baddadnv]

Hi RTH,

Yes, the Micro ATX will fit the standard case's - just a matter of moving the mounts.

Micro ATX may not be a good idea for gaming only for the fact that Yes, by the time You install a Large GPU with cooler, You will lose access to at least one of the PCI slots - The other side to that is that on a gaming rig, You would want to keep any add-on cards installed in PCI slots to a Minimum. With the exception of a Sound Card, You probably won't use Your PCI slots. - A GOOD on board sound system is worth considering. Until just recently there were no excellent on board sound, but that has now changed.

As questions 3 and 4 > Just be sure the New Mo Bo has PCIE X 16 (of coarse). Could be other's are more knowledgeable and may offer advice.

Shop wisely,

Randy Burton

[rhodges]

Thanks Randy:

I will give your recommendations some thought. I have an older SCSI HD I use for backup, a sound card, and secondary PCI video card in PSI slots at the present time for implementation of three monitors. Of course an upgrade with dual PCIe X16 cards and the deletion of the SCSI controller card would negate those PSI implementations from consideration. The sound card may be another issue depending upon the quality of onboard sound on the card that ends up being the board of choice.

I probably will steer away from the ATX Micro cards. I really need all the room I can get as I have quite a bit of additional hardware in the case, and want to be able to implement third party cooling.

Again, thank you for your input.
RTH

[Adrian Wainer]

An issue with PCI Express 16x is that some boards whilst they accept PCI Express 16x Graphics cards, will operate them at a lower x, e.g. some motherboards when one card is operated will be happy to utilize a single card at 16x but when a second card is added in a SLI configuration now the motherboard deals with the two graphics cards at 8x each.

http://tomshardware.co.uk/2004/11/22...ing/index.html

Best and Warm Regards
Adrian Wainer

[baddadnv]

Also RTH, in addition to Adrian's advice .....

Keep in mind that as of right now, there is no Dual (multi) screen support when using SLI. - That pretty much leaves Me out, as I always use 2 screens for simming.

Randy

[Adrian Wainer]

Randy the way I use a second screen, is rather than split the image between two screens is to use the first monitor for the cockpit and transfer the radio stack, engineering panel, etc to the second monitor. Is SLI incompatible with the split image option or the cut and paste [ ie undock ] to a second screen system I use or is SLI incompatible with both?

Best and Warm Regards
Adrian Wainer

[rhodges]

Thanks Randy and Adrian:

I started out considering the ASRock 775 dual VSTA motherboard and retaining my 6800XT 256 bit 512mb video card as a secondary along with my 400 memory. My eyes just keep getting bigger though and those ideas seem long gone (unless I degress greatly in future thought).

One of my considerations has been exactly what you mentioned: The P5N-E-SLI board appeals to me greatly in a lot of ways, but reduces dual card SLI implementation to 8x just like you mention. However, some posts imply that this is not a significant issue (I still would be apprehensive.)

Randy, if SLI negates multi-monitor use, I probably will not be useing SLI, so maybe I should be looking at motherboards with less bells and whistles anyway. I sure didn't realize that, or an I interpreting what you said incorrectly? Adrian, I do exactly what you do relative to multiple monitors. I usually have Radio stacks, throttle quadrants, GPS or VatSim on my secondary monitor, and FSNAV on a third monitor. With a new upgrade I probably will add a fourth monitor (3-21" and 1-17").

I would appreciate it if both of you would also take a peek at a an issue I just posted concerning choices for chip sets as well.

Next I guess will be video cards. Originally, they would have been relative to SLI use, but if I interpret what you say correctly Randy, those questions will cease to be relative. Oh wellllll ---$$$$$.

Sure am grateful for the kind information:
RTH

[baddadnv]

Right Adrian, that's how I use mine (undock GPS to second screen Etc.).

No, When Your in SLI Mode (bracket attached and SLI enabled), The second or Multi Monitor support is grayed out in the Display setting box ........... Pity ........... No Spanning across with Wide Resolution - No Undocking to the second monitor.

4 DVI outputs on the back of Your Rig, but can only connect to 1.

The only 'work around MAY be the 'Matrox Tripplehead2go, but haven't done enough research to say whether or not anyone has ever got it to work? - Not that I've heard of.

Randy