SFF (Socket 939) for gaming? o_O

[jontce]

Hi.


I've got an FX-57 currently sitting in an Asus A8N-SLi Deluxe motherboard with 2 7800GTX's in SLi. It has 2Gb of Crucial Ballistix ram (I can't remember the speed off the top of my head). I use the machine almost exclusively for gaming, apart from web browsing and a few other bits and bobs. I LAN with the machine about five times a year.

I'm looking to put the FX-57 into a SFF PC with the same components, but maybe upgrade the graphics card. I can see this being a problem as 939 is pretty ancient now, so i've come here looking for help! Is there any good SFF PCs with a motherboard that offers good performance, and PCI-E that will support say, a single 8800 series card?


Thanks for your suggestions

[staffsMike]

If I remember correctly there is (was) a shuttle barebones for socket 939 which had an SLi motherboard. Might be perfect for you if you can find one

I'd also check these out
Lian Li PC-A05B Aluminium Midi-Tower - Black

SFF tower but allows full ATX motherboards

[tino]

The SN26P was the Shuttle with the SLI motherboard, if thats any help.

[SiM]

Its probably not worth bothering to do that TBH... I'm pretty sure that even an overclocked E2*00 will be faster than a FX57...

[jimbouk]

There was one mATX motherboard with SLI for S939 I think, EVGA if I remember...

ebay all the way i think

[str]

A problem you might run into is the power requirements of a decent modern GPU in a Shuttle or Biostar IDEQ socket 939 SFF and of course the dreaded problems keeping it cool and/or quiet.

I have two Biostar IDEQ socket 939 SFFs one has 2GB ram, an X2 3800+ and ATI 2600XT and runs with no problem while the other has 2GB ram, a X2 4200+ and ATI X1950 Pro and I have the GPU underclocked due to heat. Both have the Enhance 300W PSUs which have 20A on the 12v.

For a Shuttle socket 939 SFF you can usually buy better specification PSUs but they are usually very expensive.

It's likely your best bet will be to sell your current 939 items on ebay as it's very probable you will achieve a decent return from them and then you can buy a more uptodate SFF.