Going micro-atx

[diduknowthat]

I have finally decided that I want to go micro-atx for college. I am going to switch some parts with my parents HTPC. Here are the parts that I am going to get. What do you guys think of them?

Gigabyte GA-31m-ES2L micro-atx motherboard ($55)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357

Coolermaster Elite 340 case ($40)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119149

 

[63083]

Why not this. it's way more stylish. And it's cheaper... by a lot. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

 

[daisymtc]

I suggest using MSI P6NGM-FIH instead.
It is better onboard video than G31 chipset, and it support HDMI

Case - How about using ATX Mini Tower? It is smaller than normal ATX mid tower. But you case still fit a ATX Mobo in case you want it in future.

Also, if you using a micro atx case, I strongly suggest you go for Modular /single rail PSU. Too many cables would block the air flow inside the case.

 

[diduknowthat]

Why not this. it's way more stylish. And it's cheaper... by a lot. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Because that thing is almost as tall as my p180. I need something small.

I suggest using MSI P6NGM-FIH instead.
It is better onboard video than G31 chipset, and it support HDMI

Case - How about using ATX Mini Tower? It is smaller than normal ATX mid tower. But you case still fit a ATX Mobo in case you want it in future.

Also, if you using a micro atx case, I strongly suggest you go for Modular /single rail PSU. Too many cables would block the air flow inside the case.

Well I don't really need better onboard video as I have my 8800gt. And for those cases, the cooling really isn't that great. The Elite 340 supports two 120mm fans stock and can be modded to take another one. Remember, this is still going to be a full powered rig with quad core, 8800gt and 4 gigs of ram.