best 754 mobo out there?

[nny]

building a 64 3000 for my brother, was going to get an asus k8v deluxe se, then i saw the msi neo platinum. is the second generation of 64 mobo's better, and is it worth the extra money?

also, what is the best midrange graphics card out there now? a 9600? he doesnt play much, so i dont think a 9800 is necessary.

thanks

 

[formulav8]

If your buying new, go ahead and get a second gen chipset. The NF3 250 or the new Via chipset. The NF3 has pci locks out of the box. No manufactors are having problems getting the pci lock implemented. I read that not all of the new Via based board manufactors are getting the pci lock to work. I would go NF3 250. I have one. I paid $69 shipped second day air for it and it is plenty stable.


Jason

 

[formulav8]

I also have a 9600 Non-Pro. I can play any game I want at 1024 with 4AA and 16XAF filtering with no problems. I play medal of honor, far cry, knights of the old republic, ect.. It should be just fine for him.


Jason

 

[Brian48]

I like the new Epox iteration of the nForce3 250 (if you can find one).

 

[Cerb]

To give another option: for cheap, not-so-feature-filled boards, Foxconn has a nice SiS755 board.
As far as mid-range graphics...I guess a 9600 Pro could do. It's not a matter of how often, it's a matter of quality.

FormulaV8 obviously does not have settings up all the way.
Serious Sam, not exactly a new game (but I felt like replaying it), get choppy with the graphics set for quality at 10x7 with 4xAA and 8x AF, with a 9600XT no less. My brand new 5900XT does just fine.

 

[Wahsapa]

i just read in a post yesterday some guys stock heatsink snapped off his msi board landing on his 6800U =\ maybe you should stay away from the msi's