Slim/Small Mobo help

slim_complaint · 06-22-2008, 10:26 PM

Ok, I'm not building an entire computer, but I am trying to move parts from one computer to another, and will be adding newer parts to it.

The problem:

I hae a Dell Inspiron 531s, the slim line computer. It has a miniATX motherboard, model #M2N61 - AX.

I would like to move it into a newer case, and add a PCI-E graphics card to it, such as an 8600/8800 gt. I am concerned about the size of the pci-e slot on the mobo, and am not sure if the small form factor graphics cards are the same length as the normal type. I would like to put in a normal sized graphics card once it is in the new case.

if you need any information provided, please let me know.

Chosen case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811208004

Chosen Graphics card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130332

Thanks in Advanced.

**stressfreesoul** · 06-23-2008, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Inspiron 531s

The slim version of the 531. It comes with a 250 watt power supply. Most standard add-on cards (modem, nic, sound, graphic cards), will not work in this computer. You must use 1/2 height cards.

So says Wikipedia...

**stressfreesoul** · 06-23-2008, 01:55 AM

However, you might get away with it, being the case you want is full size. You will need a higher end Power Supply Unit. I suggest something by Corsair or OCZ. Their 550-650watt PSUs are sufficient for you. The combo deal just below the main picture on the graphics card page sounds ok. How many main connectors does your motherboard have? I have read that the ASUS board in your PC is specifically made for Dell.

slim_complaint · 06-23-2008, 02:43 PM

Main connectors? as in for the PCI-e slot?

And I must apologize, as i left out a paragraph. I have found a 550 watt power supply that will work, and I know that the motherboard is a micro atx, so It will fit in the mid-tower I found.

-thanks

dai · 06-23-2008, 05:13 PM

usually the backing plate has standoff holes for most m/b configurations

slim_complaint · 06-24-2008, 12:09 PM

So all in all, you guys are saying this should work?

or should I just get a new motherboard?

-Slim

dai · 06-24-2008, 04:36 PM

it should we had one a couple of days ago that said it did not have the holes in his backing plate

slim_complaint · 06-26-2008, 09:40 AM

One other question I had was that if I decided to go out and buy an SLI capable board, can I get an 8800 gt and put an 8500 gt on with it? Can you use two different graphics cards or must they be the same?

Thanks for all the help!

Narynan · 06-26-2008, 01:59 PM

Yeah you can use them both, however that 8800gt will only be running at the clock speeds of the 8500gt. The two cards only share the lowest common features of each other. Will it work..... yeah. But for the cost I would either can the 8500 or use only the 8800. If you feel like you must go sli though, there is the two 8500 attack. not so hot, but cheaper than getting an 8800 if cost is an issue.

slim_complaint · 06-26-2008, 10:54 PM

Ok Thanks! I appreciate all the support and help!

-Slim

**stressfreesoul** · 06-27-2008, 04:15 AM

With the advent of Dual core GPUs, SLI is slipping into two categories, budget game bashing and extremist quad SLI enthusiasm. I just bought an Asus P5N-E SLI pretty cheap. Fair enough it only runs at 8x in SLI mode, but it still provides more memory flexibility and a slight boost to graphical representation, all on a budget of less than £100 (incl. mobo)

06-22-2008, 10:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
slim_complaint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: vista	Slim/Small Mobo help Ok, I'm not building an entire computer, but I am trying to move parts from one computer to another, and will be adding newer parts to it. The problem: I hae a Dell Inspiron 531s, the slim line computer. It has a miniATX motherboard, model #M2N61 - AX. I would like to move it into a newer case, and add a PCI-E graphics card to it, such as an 8600/8800 gt. I am concerned about the size of the pci-e slot on the mobo, and am not sure if the small form factor graphics cards are the same length as the normal type. I would like to put in a normal sized graphics card once it is in the new case. if you need any information provided, please let me know. Chosen case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811208004 Chosen Graphics card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130332 Thanks in Advanced. Last edited by slim_complaint : 06-22-2008 at 10:33 PM.

06-23-2008, 01:55 AM	#3 (permalink)
stressfreesoul Inspector Gadget... Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Yorkshire/County Durham Posts: 1,248 OS: XP My System Blog Entries: 7	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help However, you might get away with it, being the case you want is full size. You will need a higher end Power Supply Unit. I suggest something by Corsair or OCZ. Their 550-650watt PSUs are sufficient for you. The combo deal just below the main picture on the graphics card page sounds ok. How many main connectors does your motherboard have? I have read that the ASUS board in your PC is specifically made for Dell. __________________ Finish the project. We'll buy you a new family.

06-23-2008, 02:43 PM	#4 (permalink)
slim_complaint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: vista	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help Main connectors? as in for the PCI-e slot? And I must apologize, as i left out a paragraph. I have found a 550 watt power supply that will work, and I know that the motherboard is a micro atx, so It will fit in the mid-tower I found. -thanks

06-23-2008, 05:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 41,849 OS: vista 32x ultimate retail	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help usually the backing plate has standoff holes for most m/b configurations __________________

06-24-2008, 12:09 PM	#6 (permalink)
slim_complaint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: vista	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help So all in all, you guys are saying this should work? or should I just get a new motherboard? -Slim

06-24-2008, 04:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
dai Manager, Hardware Forums Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: west australia Posts: 41,849 OS: vista 32x ultimate retail	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help it should we had one a couple of days ago that said it did not have the holes in his backing plate __________________

06-26-2008, 09:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
slim_complaint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: vista	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help One other question I had was that if I decided to go out and buy an SLI capable board, can I get an 8800 gt and put an 8500 gt on with it? Can you use two different graphics cards or must they be the same? Thanks for all the help!

06-26-2008, 01:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Narynan Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 51 OS: WINxp	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help Yeah you can use them both, however that 8800gt will only be running at the clock speeds of the 8500gt. The two cards only share the lowest common features of each other. Will it work..... yeah. But for the cost I would either can the 8500 or use only the 8800. If you feel like you must go sli though, there is the two 8500 attack. not so hot, but cheaper than getting an 8800 if cost is an issue.

06-26-2008, 10:54 PM	#10 (permalink)
slim_complaint Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 5 OS: vista	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help Ok Thanks! I appreciate all the support and help! -Slim

06-27-2008, 04:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
stressfreesoul Inspector Gadget... Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Yorkshire/County Durham Posts: 1,248 OS: XP My System Blog Entries: 7	Re: Slim/Small Mobo help With the advent of Dual core GPUs, SLI is slipping into two categories, budget game bashing and extremist quad SLI enthusiasm. I just bought an Asus P5N-E SLI pretty cheap. Fair enough it only runs at 8x in SLI mode, but it still provides more memory flexibility and a slight boost to graphical representation, all on a budget of less than £100 (incl. mobo) __________________ Finish the project. We'll buy you a new family.