So, suppose you were going to take the Dragon 2.0 hardware and put it in a microATX case that you had your eye on. What microATX motherboard would you recommend for the system?

I'm having a difficult time finding a motherboard that has all the following:
- works for Core 2 Duo E6300 or E6400
- S/PDIF digital out
- 2 IDE ports
- and, of course, works well with Knoppmyth would be helpful!

The best option I have found is the Foxconn G9657MA-8EKRS2H or G9657MA-8KS2H, but these both have only one IDE port.

Any suggestions?

Good question. I'm looking to put together a HDTV MythTV frontend with a micro-atx motherboard as well. I'd like to re-use my old Cooler Master case and ultra silent power supply. One MB that jumped out at me is the Abit IL-90MV. The only question is whether the onboard Intel 950 video card can handle HD playback? If not then that board is a bit of a waste. It would be a shame since it has a built-in HDMI out connection.

What about the Asus M2NPV-VM?

- AMD Live!â„¢ Ready
- NVIDIAR GeForce 6150 + nForce 430
- Dual-channel DDR2 800/667/533
- PCI Express architecture
- Integrated GeForce6 GPU
- Dual VGA Output: DVI-D & RGB
- HDTV out interface (HDTV/AV/S output module was bundled)
- 2 x 1394a Support

"This motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/ Athlon 64 FX processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture."

It has the above, and many people already use it to run KnoppMyth, including myself. If you get the S/PDIF cable you would be set.

Link:http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?l1=3&l2=101&l3=0&model=1138&modelmenu=1

_________________
-Roseville, Michigan USA
LinHES R8: FE/BE, FE (x2)

Hmm, interesting. I had been looking for an Intel motherboard, but if the integrated graphics on an AMD board work well enough for HD decoding, that would be an appealing advantage. Does the nVidia 6150 chipset work well for HD decoding?



I am concerned, however, that there does not appear to be an S/PDIF connector built-in. (Looks like it is just 6 channel analog.) Is there a header on the motherboard for S/PDIF that I could just find a panel for? Or would I need to plug in a separate sound card if I want S/PDIF?

I could't tell you about that. I am using standard video out, composite.
I think EtherNut is using HD though. Take a look here: http://knoppmythwiki.org/index.php?page=Asus+M2NPV-VM



Yes, there is a header on the board for it. You need to purchase the cable separately though. The header is located right next to the PCI Express (4x) slot

_________________
-Roseville, Michigan USA
LinHES R8: FE/BE, FE (x2)

Based on that link, it looks like HD will work without too much trouble.



That's great! I haven't a clue where to start looking for a cable, though. Any suggestion?

You can get the cable from Asus, other then that I have no idea.

_________________
-Roseville, Michigan USA
LinHES R8: FE/BE, FE (x2)

I just ordered the Asus M2NPV-VM motherboard along with an Athlon x2 64 3800+ processor and 1 gig of Corsair memory. I'm reusing a bunch of components from my old box (case, PS, HD, DVD burner).

Make sure that your power supply has the connections needed. The board also needs a 4 pin power connection.

_________________
-Roseville, Michigan USA
LinHES R8: FE/BE, FE (x2)

I wrote to ASUS and am waiting for a response. Meanwhile, I found...

bouncey posted a link where he (she?) get his (her?) SPDIF bracket on this thread: http://mysettopbox.tv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=12643. This is the link he (she?) posted: http://www.excaliberpc.com/ASUS_Motherboard_Accessories_SPDIF/SPDIF_OUT_COA_OPT/partinfo-id-551265.html. Come on, though, $16 for this stupid little bracket? (And it's not even in stock at the moment.) I can almost get a whole sound card with SPDIF for the same price. Yeah, yeah, then it would take up a PCI slot... grumble, grumble...

Anyhow, thanks for the good suggestion, spidey!

Anyone want to comment on experience with the rather similar ABIT NF-M2? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127013 It has the same 6150 video chipset, has an S/PDIF connector, but not the component video bracket. For those of us with an HDMI TV, does DVI-out to HDMI-in work well on this ABIT board (for HD, in particular)?

Had a good coversation about ASUS M2NPV-VM vs. ABIT NF-M2 over here: http://mysettopbox.tv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=14217&sid=9d104dc8d1d137be6450036b275e3898. After that discussion, I am convinced that ABIT board will be do-able and it fits my needs (S/PDIF and HD via DVI-out to HDMI-in) most efficiently.

Wish me luck!

Curses!

So, the question is, why is the ABIT NF-M2 out of stock everywhere? According to several rumors going around, it is being discontinued: http://forum.abit-usa.com/showthread.php?t=120192&page=5. The few remaining stores that actually have it in stock are nearly charging you your first-born to get it. That's not very encouraging news for the NF-M2. Although, I will be intrigued to hear about it's replacement. Sounds like the replacement AN-M2 may have HDMI built in: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?p=1030715490

So, nevermind about the NF-M2. I guess I'll be getting the M2NPV-VM after all... And paying for the stupid SPDIF bracket. Grrr...

@hackmaster

I have the same setup for my frontend-only machine and it runs HD video like a champ.

_________________
LinHES 8.3, 1 BE, 3 FE

Hack,

Which 3800 processor did you purchase? I looked around, and saw that there's a 3800 Windsor that only consumes about 35 watts. I have been thinking about this type of setup for a low power svideo frontend box for now, then potentially upgrade the display hardware later.

Check with ASUS before buying the bracket from an online store. I've now contacted ASUS UK and found that I can get the bracket directly from them at half the price online stores (in the UK) were quoting me. That's taking into account postage and VAT.

Now the M2NPV-VM appeals more though I'm intrigued about this new Abit AN-M2. Think I'll delay a couple of weeks until that's released before making my move.

Simon