Buying an AMD System

[Syke]

Hi folks,
I'm about to buy a new system, based on an Athlon 1.4GHz (266 mhz FSB et al). The question is, which motherboard should I go for?

So far, I've been planning on a MSI K7T266 PRO.
I'm not into overclocking, just looking for a system with good stability and good (gaming) performance.
I've also been reading about KT266A and nForce. Should I wait for these chipsets, or go for a bog-standard KT266 mobo?

The K7T266 PRO is quite cheap, and I've read that it's got good overall performance, but I'm still not sure. Where's the Socket A Mobo Roundup when you need it?

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

Any help greatly appreciated.



/Regards Stefan "Syke" Falk

 

[SpotDancer]

There is another thread running around in here regarding the new KT266A chipset. Epox is beginning to ship these boards on Friday, 9/28. I havent heard of any others that are shipping yet, but you can believe that there will be many not far behind.

Reviews of this new chipset show that it easily outperforms the KT266, the Sis735, the AMD 761, and yes, even outperforms the new NVidia chipset.

I am holding onto my money to see how the board performs when it finally hits the market, but I dare say I am going to go with this KT266A..........with some motherboard manufacturer........just dont know which one yet. Want to see the specs of the different boards, and what kind of bells and whistles they have.

Now is a great time to be in the market for motherboards, methinks!

Good luck!

 

[NelsonMuntz]

The SiS 735 is the highest performing chipset that is currently readily available, and ECS is the mobo manufacturer, so that is what I would suggest. Lots of features and a low price and much better performance than the KT266. Since you won't be overclocking, it sounds like a perfect fit. If you want to wait around for the KT266A and nForce, then you can, but it might be a little while yet before there are a lot of reviews of the actually shipping mobos with these two chipsets, particularly the nForce.

 

[ku]

Either choose between the EVS K7S5A which is the leading AMD based board and also the cheapest. However, in the next couple weeks, the KT266a chipsets will hit the market and that will be the highest performing, but not the cheapest. Expect it to be around $130 for decent boards. However, do NOT go with the KT266 boards, especially MSI K7T266. If I had to suggest the best KT266 bored, i would say the shuttle ak31, but don't get that either =P. Either the ECS K7S5A vs. new KT266a chipsets.