Re: tlug: Motherboard recommendations?

[Jonathan Byrne - 3Web <jq@example.com>]

On Tue, 17 Nov 1998, Totoro wrote:

>I'm in the process of putting together my own box, and would like
>to know about good motherboards and also places that can ship to
>Japan (Well, inside Japan is ok as long as it's standard Linux-
>usable material that can run on 115v 60Hz). 

I'm very happy with GigaByte boards, and these are widely available in Japan.
However, any motherboard that you attach to a 115v power source is gonna be
toast really, really fast :-)

>Also, this is the first time I've done this. Quick question: does
>the motherboard come with the connectors (mouse, keyboard, parallel,
>serial, etc) installed?

Yes, it does.  One point you need to be aware of is that there are two form
factors you'll run across.  ATX and AT (which is generally baby AT now).  The
ATX form factor has all of the port connectors fixed on the edge
of the motherboard, and they align directly with holes in the case.  How well
they align depends on how good of a case you have.  Having done it once, I
would buy an AT motherboard next time and not hassle with fitting an ATX.

The AT style uses cables that run between the port connectors on the MB and
the holes in the case.  This style is more flexible, since alignment is less
critical than with the ATX form factor.  I think it may also place less stress
on the motherboard, since external devices are plugged into cable ends that
are screwed to the case, rather than connectors directly attached to the
motherboard.  If you are doing the whole thing from scratch, including the
case, you might want to go with a good AT-style case and board rather than an
ATX.  If you're using an existing case, chances are that it's AT form factor,
unless it's pretty new, and that will already dictate motherboard choice.

I've also heard that some boards now have both AT and ATX connectors, although
I have not seen one myself.  Seems like it would probably raise the price,
though, so you might want to buy a board that's one or the other.

Cheers,

Jonathan

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