Need to build a new HTPC. My current system is a full atx mobo with dedicated graphics. I need to shrink this down to a matx format for space saving. It is currently connected to a 15" touchscreen monitor built into the wall to act as a jukebox. The problem is I cant find a decent matx board that has the serial connection I need to run the monitor as well as having a decent enough spec to act as a HTPC. Can the serial connection be adapted/adaptored to run as usb? Does anyone know of a half decent mobo that has the serial connection? If I can find a suitable mobo I can build a new system from scratch (won't need to use my old parts) so socket and ram etc specs aren't important..
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-USB-to-RS...uting_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=item27a9dc00b7 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/USB-to-Serial...uting_CablesConnectors_RL?hash=item45f22bb317 Can you not just use one of these, and then any mobo of your choice? (i didn't know if you would need a female or male serial)
If you are using serial port as a serial port, then yes, usb<->rs232 converter will work, but if you're using serial port to emulate some other protocol - then most likely no. You could also try pci/pci-e <-> rs232 card. If your really need a MB with serial - look for a server MB (like Supermicro C7SIM-Q).
I think finding the space to cram a super I/O on an mATX board may be a problem. the boards I know of with serial ports are either full sized ATX, or servers. there are some Atom boards with serial, but they may be a bit underpowered for an HTPC. If the software you are using does through your OS driver for the COM port, the serial should work OK. But if it is trying to get at the I/O port addresses a serial port is usually located at directly, then you may have a problem. Flow control can be another headache. And you likewise need to be careful with PCI serial port cards, not all of them conform to a specific spec for PCI based COM ports. I'll double check what we use at work since we need cards that conform. edit This ought to work: http://www.adeltek.com/product_info...d=851&osCsid=2c43a4b6bbf726a39763cb654e509120
