Motherboard suggestions please......

[mayesj999]

Having lurked for a while, I'm gonna go ahead with the direct question! Looking for a motherboard recommendation... hopefully, to fit in my existing ANTEX fusion case. Requirements as follows:

Must be MicroATX format
HDMI video out (going into FullHD Sony panel)
SPDIF out for HD audio (pref coax, but optical if I have to!)
At least 4 3gb SATA sockets

The biggest limiting factor is the case, for space and heat reasons - but it looks acceptable in current setup, and my missus won't notice a new mobo and processor - she will notice a new case!

Not bothered whether I go AMD or Intel at this point... so go right ahead, what should my wish-list look like... and why!?!?!

 

[fishmonger]

Is this for a "media center" install, or what?

I don't know about Intel boards but AMD 740G-based boards are good value at the moment - they have up to six SATA ports, SPDIF and I think some have HDMI. They are good low power boards and coupled with a 45W X2 CPU you can get a very good low power solution.

dabs.com - Gigabyte AM2 AMD 740G MATX A L G (GA-MA74GM-S2)

If not a 740G you can go up to a 780G.