Home Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

What MoBo-Soundcard-Combo...?

Hi Everyone,

I'm about to build a cMP2-machine. I'm a beginner. So I dont't want to fiddle around too much. My plan:
Case: "ATX Silverstone SST-LC13B-E La Scala"
CPU: "AMD Athlon II X2 240e"
MoBo: mini-ITX "Jetway JNC84E" with PCIe OR microATX "Asrock A780LM-S with PCI"
Soundcard: "Asus Xonar Essence STX" (PCIe, provides a 12V-Molex plug) OR "Onkyo ST-90PCI" (PCI, no extra 12V plug)
Energy: an ATX device providing four 12V lines at 18Ampere+

Question:
is it better to to use a smaller, industry-style mini-ITX board together with an above average conosumer soundcard like the Asus Xonar Essence STX
OR
is it preferable to use a simple standard microATX board together with a top notch Onkyo soundcard like the ST-90PCI
OR
is all that nonsense since focussing on a second ATX power supply is much more important (by the way: do seperate 12V-lines make a difference?)??? The mini-ITX board would probably offer a chance to place a second ATX power supply inside the spacious case.

There are several questions hidden in my post. Sorry for that. But a complete set of answers arriving over time might be very useful for other novices as well...

Thanks. Cheers.
Jens


This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Kimber Kable  


Follow Ups Full Thread
Follow Ups

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.