Micro-ATX motherboard Recommendations

[bboldschool]

I am looking to build a sagepvr using a microatx mb..pvr purposes only..no gaming...I would appreicate any suggestions...

[BigGator]

I built mine with an
ASUS A7N8X-VM

So far, it's been just fine.
"-)

[stanger89]

I've been very happy with Abit boards. I'd get something with an 865 chipset for Intel or an nForce2 400 chipset for AMD. A quick search and I found an Abit IS-10 P4 board or and Asus A7X8X-VM Athlon board. I'd probably go P4 over Athlon since Intel chipsets seem to be better than any of the chipsets for Athlons, but nForce2's seem to work well for many as well.

However I'd recommend full ATX over microATX since your choices are much more limited with microATX.

[IKK]

Well I can tell you, I built a system using a mini-itx board for SageTV. It worked great. I used it for 3 months without any problems. The issue came when I wanted to make a server with multipule capture cards. I had to end up building a new system. No problem I will use the mini-itx for a client. Well not that easy. As the board worked great as a server due to the fact that the Capture card was doing all the work. I am trying to still work out the kinks to get the cpu usage done. I have it about 85% constent with Sage. Now I know a Micro ATX has more power then a mini-itx but it is also limited on the number of PCI slots just as the mini-itx does. You might want to spend a little more now and save it in the future. You will want to expand and then your looking on a new system. Plus I havent heard of any quite systems stright out of the box so you will be spending money to silence it. Just start from scratch and do it right the first time.

[fidget]

One thing you may want to take into account for the ATX system is the chipset used. My main recorder PC uses a VIA chipset and I cannot get more than two tuner cards to work together. I have heard that Intel chipsets work better, but I can't verify this. I just ordered a system from Monarch Computer, which should be arriving tomorrow (it is an Intel system using a mini-ATX motherboard). I went with the Monarch system because I liked the manageability of the small form factor case (better expansion than a Shuttle system while still having some of the advantages).

I, too, have a mini-ITX PC to drive my TV set. It has a PVR-350 so I can use the S-Video out and get a good quality picture.

[justme]

Even though I'm a big AMD fan, I say go with an Intel MB/chipset. As has been pointed out there are PCI problems with some(my VIA) chipsets and for a PVR, especially a multituner one. You need a rock solid PCI bus. If you insist on going with a AMD CPU avoid the older VIA chipsets and use an Nforce2 board.

[bboldschool]

Thank You very much...I plan on using it as a one tuner system only...Thanks again...

[phenixdragon]

This is a nice board.

P4R800-VM

Brand new and it is sweet.

[BigGator]

Hey Brian..
slightly off topic, but how well do those wireless keyboards you sell work?
I've tried 3 or 4 different ones, and haven't liked one yet.

I need it to work well from about 15-17 feet (direct line of sight).

"-)

[bigjohn]

I have Tried that many too and then purchased a Gyration mini kybd and mouse - I t works great and is useable past 30 feet. The mouse has a recharging base and works on any surface or in the air. The only problem is the price!

[BigGator]

I also prefer to have just one piece of hardware (a keyboard with an integrated trackball, etc)..
the gyration stuff is awesome, but so few people make an all-in-one unit.. all off-brand stuff (and so far, all poorly made)
"-)

[nielm]

IKK: Other users are successfully using the WinTVPVR-USB as a second capture card... As the M10000 has 4 USB ports, this should give you a few more options!

SageClent CPU usage... I assume you have enabled hardware accelleration on the MPEG2 decoder you are using... The M10000's also seem to use a lot of CPU for network access... Maybe using a lower quality may help?

[EncoderHouse]

I use the BioStar M7SGX and the MS6534ver:1
they both work good, very stable.
BOth are P4, 3 PCI, 1 AGP, i have mixed PVR-250's and they get along fine.