best cpu & mobo that's compatible with SDRAM?

[nikko]

I have a fried Intel cpu and ABit mobo, so I need to upgrade. However, I don't want to shell out anymore $$$ than I have to, so I want to avoid buying new RAM if possible. I currently have 512 MB PC133 SDRAM. What's the best cpu and mobo I can buy while using that memory? I was running an Intel 1 gig/133 cpu on an ABit BF6 mobo and have a 300 Watt power supply, should that be helpful to know. Thanks.

 

[Athlon4all]

How many sticks of RAM? 2? Whos the Maker of the Power Supply? Top quality like Antec/Sparkle/Enermax/Enlight? If 2 sticksa of ram, and a top quality Power SUpply, then I';d say an ECS K7S5A for $50 and an Athlon XP 1600+ for $55+$10 for a SVC GC68 HSF. Don't think you'll be able to get much cheaper than that.

 

[DimZiE]

the ECSK7S5A is cheap and a pretty good performer..
and it supports DDR as well ( PC 2100 )

you can't go wrong with it...
on the CPU depends on how many you're willing to spend..

 

[mechBgon]

Another possibility would be a Biostar M7VIQ, if you were ok with a microATX board with onboard LAN, video and sound. A bit more money, but if the onboard video meets your needs then it might be worthwhile. It uses the VIA KM266 chipset, which is KT266A with onboard video added, so it may perform a little faster than the K7S5A with a given CPU. Like the K7S5A, it can take DDR as well as PC133. link

 

[Minot]

I would recommend looking at the MSI K7T TURBO2 (6330-250) with Via's KT133A chipset. For reference, New Egg has that board for $69. Add a $54 Athlon XP 1600 (plus a good fan) and you'd see a cheap yet impressive boost in your performance. For PC133 you're going to have to stick with at KT133 or KT133A motherboard solution. Otherwise you'll be shelling out approximately another $125 for 512MB DDR2100. This should maximize the bang for your buck. Good luck.

 

[AndyHui]

Go with the ECS K7S5A.

It's not worth getting a KT133A board; the SiS 735 chipset has better performance, while the implementation on the ECS board allows you to use your existing SDR SDRAM and upgrade to DDR SDRAM later when you can afford it.