Onboard NV GF 6150

I'm looking at putting a PC together for the GF. It's mainly to be used for internet surfing / email / work.
However, it will also be used for the ocassional game. Now I gather from a few reviews that the onboard 6150 IGP is good but of course no match for a proper 3D card when gaming.

The crunch is I was thinking of getting this board and sticking it in a uATX case like this one for a small, dinky setup.

However, that case can only really manage low profile cards, so if it turns out that performance isn't really good enough (although she's hardly a doom3 fragger) what can I do because I'm not aware of many low profile cards.

Alternative is to go for something like a shuttle case which gives full size PCIe capability but they are rather expensive.

Any suggestions? :confused:

Thanks! :)

what might be the budget on the graphics card?

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Originally Posted by Steve B

what might be the budget on the graphics card?

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Say £150 max.

The budjet isn't a big problem. It's whether I can justify spending that money on a card providing power that'll only rarely be used.

I'm tempted to go ahead with that mobo and see how she gets on with the onboard - we can always add another card later on, providing one's available in low-profile format.

If it's a definate no-goer, then I can get a shuttle instead. Just seems rather expensive for what they are, although they do look nice...

The board looks like a good one. I brought the S939 version for my dad and it is working well, though I have heard problems over linux compatablitility if that is an issue for you.

On the case front, the one you have chosen is tiny as you point out, but there are alternatives. Have you seen the
SilverStone SG01S for example? The problem of course is that it will be more than double the cost, once you factor in a PSU.

Perhaps your best bet would be to stick with the JJ Nu-1290 Slimline case you chose, and then if you need to upgrade the graphics, and a sutable low profile card is not avalable, you can sell the case, and transplant the system into a larger one.

Also, you should know that many low profile graphics cards don't actualy come with low profile brakets, so unless you are handy at metalwork, you would have to run the card with the bracket removed.

Ooh I hadn't spotted that silverstone case. Could be an interesting option.

Yes, it's more expensive, when you factor in the PSU, but it's only marginally bigger than a shuttle and still half the price once all factored in. :) My only concern is that PSU to get? As it takes a normal ATX-size PSU, I need something with short cables, or a modular PSU to minimise cable clutter.

I'll check with SWMBO and see what she thinks

any the money u spend on the case can be saved in other areas, for example, if its just for non-regular gaming, you could get say a 7600GS at about £80:)

Hmm well spoken to swmbo and she likes it - lots of USB ports on front scores points with chicks LOL

I think I'll go with that silverstone case, and see how I get on in the 3D dept. As you say, I can always add a "budget 3D" card later on, knowing that it will fit with no problem :)

Sooo, anyone recommend a decent PSU that has short and/or removable leads.

I reckon 400W is more than enough. Only 1 HDD and maybe 1 GPU ;) Will most likely be a DC AM2 though LOL

If you're interested I could probably do you a package deal on an Antec 480W Neo modular, black Sugo Evolution & an Abit Nf-95 S939 6100 mobo?
Could probably do some RAM for it too if needed - alll you would need is a CPU & they're cheap as chips now...
Heck I could even do you an X800GTO2 or a 7800GT :eek:

If its gaming such as aoe 3 or Rome total war at low resolutions then the onboard will be fine. I have been playing these 2 games on mine over a 37" plasma from Asus A8N-VM-CSM and it looks fine. As you say, she won't be playing games that frequently! Make sure you have 1gb ram though.

The system's been ordered from Scan now, went for the silverstone case but no GFX card but of course can upgrade later if required...

menthel, thanks for the info - sounds like it'll be enough. Her monitor is 1280x1024 but of course can run at lower resolutions when gaming :)

BUFF, you have PM ;)

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Originally Posted by tfboy

BUFF, you have PM ;)

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I do? :confused:

I run a 6150 board (MSI K8NGM2-FID) in an Aspire X-Qpack case and find it ideal for its MCE purpose, internet and so on......that said, had a few driver issues to begin with, but I believe latest nVidia drivers play ball......would say it is a good platform choice for non-gaming rig, but at least there is the PCI-e slot is there... ;)