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Motherboard is dieing; suggestions on new
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Posted by: digitalfx
I'm looking for a new board; on your opinion what would be the best board to try to get. I don't do much, just play games when I get a chance. I also want to try to setup a small network to mess with. So it would kind of act like a server. Just a few suggestions would be nice. Thank you!
Posted by: Chako
What is your CPU? Is it Intel or AMD?
Posted by: digitalfx
Well I was just going to get a MB/CPU combo .. I am not keeping the exsiting mb or cpu.
Posted by: Chako
Ok. Well if you go AMD:
If you want to use PC133 SDRAM, go with the Via KT133A chipset if your using a thunderbird with 133FSB.
If you want to use DDR RAM with a Thunderbird, then look for motherboards with the AMD 761 Chipset. They are a little better then those that feature the ALI Magik1 chipsets.
If you go with Intel:
Intel’s own 815E chipset motherboards are good, and go well with PIIIs. Stay away from the 820s at all cost.
Intel’s own 850 chipset designed to work with the P4 line of CPUs.
Now for some suggestions. Motherboards are very personal purchases. You must first determine your needs and what you have in your computer. If you have any ISA cards that you wish to keep, then make certain that the motherboard you buy has one. Another thing to think about are the options…do you need built in RAID support, SCSI, Ethernet, sound, video? If you say yes to any of these, then it further restricts your options in what you can buy. Now you can’t go wrong with boards from Microstar, Gigabyte, Asus, Epox, Abit (in no order). Any of the large motherboard manufacturers do make a quality product. Another thing to keep in mind are the overclocking options on a board….some use soft Bios, others use dip switches, and some use both. Same thing with how they place capacitors around the CPU, does it limit the size heatsink/fan combo you can use? Compare the layouts, some are designed better then others, etc..
Now I can give you some choices from Asus (because I am more familiar with their products then other motherboard makers…not because they are any better then other manufacturers).
Asus A7v133 is a good choice for K7 systems running PC133 RAM on a 266FSB (133 clock doubled).
Asus A7M266 is a good choice for K7 systems running DDR RAM on a 266FSB (uses AMD 761)
Asus CUSL-C BP is a special edition board for PIII users. It uses Intel 815EP chipset.
Asus P4T for those who want a motherboard for their P4s.
Take a look at Asus’s site to give you a good idea of how many chipsets are out there. Then scout the net for reviews of different motherboards etc…happy hunting!
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