... and the most reliable equipment?

[Double Trouble]

I'd like to hear from some of the system builders/sellers (Red, Russ, John etc) that have lots of real-world experience.

I'm getting ready to build a system for my dad, who's a looooong ways away from me. I figure he doesn't need anything too fancy, he doesn't play 3d games, but would like a sharp display. I figure a matrox G400 Max would do fine.

What's the most solid hassle free BX-based motherboard out there, in your experience? (no driver issues, low problem rate, low conflict 'issues' etc). What's a solid video card to go with? I was thinking perhaps an MSI 6163 Pro would go well with your basic run-o-the mill PIII 600 or something to that effect.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

 

[teknoid]

Well I'm not on your list but I have built over 300 systems in the last 24 months. Of them all the most solid hassle free are based on the Intel SE440BX board. I have yet to hear the first thing back from any of them. In that they have been largely discontinued I've begun using the D815EEAL boards (also from Intel).

Most of my clients (a local college being the biggest) prefer stable to fast. Makes less support for their MIS department and less returns to me.

Go with Intel.

 

[Double Trouble]

Thanks teknoid, that's the kind of info I'm looking for. I certainly prefer stable to fast in this case. Fast is nice, but stable and hassle/conflict free is critical

 

[denali]

Well, since you are a long way away it might make more sense to get him a DELL or someother vendor. That way if he has problems he can call an 800 number and get help. If your dad can handle some down time while trying to get hold of you the building it your self might be better. Personally I don't like to build systems anymore for friends/relatives because they are always asking you to help because you built the machine. Also unless you are going to pirate software it's hard to compete with DELL or someother vendor on price, unless you put Linux on it.

 

[desy]

Yep I'll second going the Intel MB route and like he says if you don't want to build it buying a Dell is the Intel MB route and is almost as cheap as doing it yourself and if it screws up he's got somebody to gripe at.

 

[Double Trouble]

He's overseas, so buying a Dell would not help. If something went wrong he certainly wouldn't get any kind of quick resolution, and it would be incredibly expensive to even talk to someone in tech support. Not to mention that the prices of computers there (including Dell) are out of this world. I can build a very good one for half of what he'd pay there. Why not try to save $1000?

 

[denali]

Well with that additional info I'd build it your self. I was just trying to save you some headaches. I'm kind of out of the loop as to the best MB currently so I'll pass on making any suggestions.

 

[vi edit]

I definitely go the BX Chipset and P3 route.

Either an intel solution or an Asus P3B for the boards.

Nab some RAM from www.crucial.com

IBM HD

Enlight 7237 for the case

Possibly a Voodoo3-2k for the video


For sound I'd look for an old SB Awe 64. Driver issues would be non-existant as it can use default windows drivers. No need to hunt down a CD to install the bloated 30-70 meg install of the current SBlives.

Toss in a toshiba CD rom and you're set

 

[Demon-Xanth]

I've never heard any problems with Asus's P2B/P3B line of boards, might want to check into them.