CrossRoads:
That part drives nothing at all like an 8x8 matrix.
That part is also thicker than you said your requirement was.What a waste of time.
No in fact it is thinner then the MAX7219, the SOIC package is only 2mm thick.
Also, I appreciate your answers but no one forces you to answer questions, if you feel its a waste of time, then you shouldn't do it. No one needs to hear about how you think you've wasted your time on this.