After getting some feedback about a QBIC that I was thinking about (see this thread: http://mysettopbox.tv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2310), I've decided that it might be best to explore the mATX route for a dedicated Myth box. The motherboard I'm thinking about is the:

ASUS A7V400-MX mATX SOCKETA KM400A

Link here: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php? ... omoid=1056

My question is this. Since that uses a Via chipset, will it work properly with MythTV and my PVR-350. I've heard rumblings that some Via chipsets aren't "happy" in a Myth box.

Thanks again for the help!

Avoid the Via chipsets since the older (and thus cheaper) stuff at least has known issues. Since your vendor doesn't carry the "unofficial reference MoBo" look at one of these other NForce2 motherboards. (Wow, those prices seem kind of high, must be the Canadian $ ... Guess it's been too many years since I live within 20 minutes or so of the Peace Bridge, Fort Erie, the nearest "Brewers Retail" ... What's the rate at these days?)

http://www.ncix.com/search/?quicksearch=nforce2

Tom (who grew up watching "CHCH Channel 11 - serving Hamilton, Toronto and the Niagra Penisula.")

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I will avoid the Via chipset.

I've just come across one of these actually:
http://www.ecsusa.com/products/k7sem.html

It's out of an old computer we have here - it's a mATX and has a 700 Mhz Duron in it right now which should be plenty for the PVR-350 if I get TV-out working. I just have to convince my girlfriend that her old computer would be put to much better use as a Myth box!

If anyone has any warnings/suggestions about this one, speak now as I'll likely get going on this over the weekend!

Hoyd,

I have used a couple of these: MSI K7N2G-L mATX
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=10317&vpn=601-6777G-010&manufacture=MicroStar

I have had very good luck with boxes built with these boards. The onboard video is OK for video out to your tv, but was just not bright enough for me, so I added a $50 FX5200 AGP card. This is what I use in my mythbox with two PVR250 cards. I have components for one more that will be a front end only. Good luck in your search, but these boards have worked well for me.

You may want to search the forum on that SiS chipset, I vaguely remember something... Maybe a special driver that you need... There are reports of success with it however.

As for the girlfriend, you could always build her a better replacement box, and get double mileage points...