ASUS P4T vs. P4T-M

[duson]

Hello Everyone!

I have a 423-pin Pentium 4 1.7 GHz and am looking for a motherboard for it. I still have my ASUS IPanel from my old CUSL2-C and would like to use it. According to what I have read, the P4T does NOT have the 20-pin IPanel pins on the MB (there are solder traces, but no pins - why?). The P4T-M, however, does have the correct pins. Is there any disadvantage in using the P4T-M instead of the P4T? I know that the M has only 3 PCI slots, and yes, I will populate all 3 with an Adaptec 29160, an Intel Ethernet Card, and a SB Live Platinum 5.1. I guess if I go with the P4T-M, and can't find it without the LAN/Audio, I'l just disable them (doesn't this give better performance - using add-on cards vs. on the MB?). Finally, does the 1394 "option" on the M require anything to enable it (or does it just come with all the right cables?)

Thanks!

 

[AndyHui]

The "option" means that you need to ask for a P4T-M with the FireWire chip.

I personally prefer the full size ATX boards as opposed to the Micro-ATX boards for expansion reasons though.

 

[Bingo13]

The lan on the P4T-M is very good but the audio is just okay for normal windows sounds and music, not very good for high end gaming. Also the P4T-M will not overclock like the P4T. If you are not planning on overclocking I would highly suggest the Intel D850GBCAL, excellent lan and audio on board along with great stability and support. If you intend to overclock then the Asus P4T is your best choice.