Cheap KT333 Mobo

[RWalker2]

OK so as u have seen in my previous posts i have had no success with my KT133 board which i thought was a 133a and im going to spring for a new mobo and ram

atm i am looking at the MSI KT3 Ultra2 from newegg @ $82 with free shipping.. looks like a good deal
any1 have any other suggestions? how do the Shuttle, Gigabyte, Soltek, Soyo and Abit boards stack up? Im looking for a board around $80

and is Mushkin 256mb PC2700 ram ok for $78 from newegg?

Thanks for the help,
Rob

 

[RWalker2]

Forgot to add that i dont need Raid but USB 2.0 could be useful if any of the boards have it at $80 because i dont want to spend more than that really

and if i play a lot of computer games (which i will) do u think that i should invest in 512 of ram? i really dont want to but if it would make a huge difference.....and if i should get 512 should it be one 512 stick or 2 256's?

Thanks for the help guys
Rob

 

[Technonut]

If you are quick, you can pick up a nice refurb EPoX 8K3A+ for $75.00 shipped in Newegg's refurb section. They also have the 8K3A for $55.00.

EDIT: They also have the MSI KT3 Ultra for $57.75 Shipped, and the MSI KT3 Ultra-ARU for $75.00.

 

[CraigRT]

just get some generic RAM and buy a larger quantity. you will not need Mushkin unless you want to OC.. which it is not even all that good for. Crucial is the best bang for buck memory out there.. i'd just get some regular stuff for your rig, i even use regular stuff in my own rig and it OC's just fine, for like 2/3 the price that is a good pick for a mobo you have.. used 3, they work pro. good luck.

 

[teqwiz]

Go for the MSI KT3 Ultra ARU mentioned by technonut. IMHO It is the best deal. I agree with Yeild about the Generic mem if you don't overclock. I use Corsair xms, but I like to mess with the settings alot. I also reformat more often than most people.
Whether you by 512 megs depends on the games you run and your OS. 512 will be the standard for gaming soon, so why not now?
Win2k or XP, yes. ME or 98 No. 512 megs in 2000 or XP will give the OS more room to run and even out the load as it is almost twice the code of the other two. Performance should improve immensely. In 98 you may need to edit the Max file or Max Buffers size to utilize all 512. I run 384 on my 98 machine and have never had any problems with it. ME doesn't matter.

 

[Vette73]

Also look at the Shuttle AK35GT2. It has on-board 5.1Ch sound card and is a good cheap board. If you need USB2.0 look for a Epox with the 8235 SouthBridge.

 

[aircooled]

Gotta second the Shuttle AK35T2. Yes it's a "budget" board, but it is also a "quality" board. I've been running it for about a month and the audio sounds great, my 1600+ oc's to 2100+ (1400mhz to 1750mhz). with no problems at all.

 

[RWalker2]

Yeah i will check out that shuttle although i do not need onboard sound.

and yes i am running Win XP and so if i am getting 512 (budget permitting) should i get 2 256's or 1 512? Both options are about the same price

The only add on feature i think i will ever use is USB 2.0 (altho atm i dont have any 2.0 stuff)

thanks for the help and keep the replies coming

Edit: Im hesitant to go with the refurbished items... i kno its a better board but i would prefer something i KNO will work and have everything included in the box, i mean most of the time it will be ok but if its not then ill end up paying a lot more with return shipping and such

 

[aircooled]

You might as well get a single stick of 512, most new motherboards will handle a couple gigs of RAM and if you ever want to upgrade RAM in the future, you'll want to get the most out of your 3 RAM slots as you can.


I also do not buy refurbed computer parts. Many folks have great luck doing so and save alot of money, but I live 3000miles away from newegg so shipping cost alone on any RMA's would kill the savings. The $74 AK35GT2 at newegg is not a refurb.

 

[teqwiz]

One stick of 512 will generally perform better also, than 2 254s. newegg had a sale on 1600+ yesterday for $ 52.

Good luck on your project.

CPU DEAL

 

[RWalker2]

doesnt look like i will have the budget for the 512 :/ but atm im on 256 of PC133 and it seems ok

Any1 have any pros/cons on the MSI or Shuttle?

 

[teqwiz]

I have never had a shuttle board, But 3 MSI boards that always performed well for me. Very stable and well supported. I had an MS 6330 that had a grounding problem in a case that was approved by MSI. When it shorted and fried my T bird 1100, MSI sent me the K&T Pro-2 That my server uses today, and a CPU also. I will always remember that.

 

[Vette73]

MOST boards are about the same if you do not overclock. Its kinda rare to find a WHOLE line of boards go bad.

So look at the price, features, and ask yourself if you are going to overclock.

 

[RWalker2]

no i dont plan on overclockin...

and most barebones boards have the same basic features and no add ons so its basically which is just the fastest and most reliable

Thnx,
Rob

 

[mityfowl]

The Shuttle board has 4 slots for DDR. Helps in the future.

 

[RWalker2]

hm that wont mean anything to me as i wont be getting over 512 of ram any1 (im a poor student )

Any1 else with recommendations?

 

[RWalker2]

ok looks like i am going to go with the MSI and the Muskin ram