Cheap mobo that will run a Duron?

[wviperw]

My friend's computer recently went kaput, and I think we've traced it down to the mobo. Its a Biostar M7VIG (KM266) mobo running a 1.3ghz Duron proc w/ SDRAM. I'm looking for a new mobo that'll run the current proc and RAM, and be as cheap as possible (like $50 cheap). Do we stick w/ the KM266 chipset (I'm kinda clueless on that era of Socket A mobos...), or is there a better, more future-proof, chipset that will run equally as cheap? Any suggestions for make and model?

 

[Vette73]

If he needs onboard video then get another KM266.

If not then look at a KT266a chipset that has BOTH Sdram/DDR

Best bet is to get a KT400 board and get some cheap DDR. That way he can at least upgrade to Athlon XP's (333Mhz FSB)

 

[bad-ass]

I just got the 1800 duron ECS k7vta3 v8 combo from frys for $59 bucks. KT333 chipset. Runs great for a cheap mobo ~$29.

 

[Peter]

It'll certainly be easiest to replace when you stick with the same chipset, or at least a similar one from the same chipset manufacturer.

 

[wviperw]

Ok, I'm planning to buy the Shuttle KT400 "AK39N" mobo from newegg here, tomorrow. What do you think?

 

[fibes]

Originally posted by: wviperw
Ok, I'm planning to buy the Shuttle KT400 "AK39N" mobo from newegg here, tomorrow. What do you think?

I personally try to stay away from Shuttle. I had a bad experience with a mobo I purchased in 2001, model AI61. Shuttle might have improved, but the with experience I had with that mobo, I will never buy a Shuttle again. I would look into the ECS K7S5A Pro. It might not be as fast, but it's less expensive. Here's the link to Newegg.


ECS K7S5A Pro

 

[mdcrab]

Shuttles are normally good motherboards. I have had many starting with a 486 Spacewalker. More recently MN31N, AK31A and AN35N-ultra. The AK39N is a good choice IMHO.

mdcrab

 

[mdcrab]

On the other hand the K7S5A-pro will let you use your old memory, so if you want to keep the cost down it is definitely the way to go.

mdcrab

 

[wviperw]

Hmm, that ECS (sis 735) mobo looks pretty good. Allowing him to use his old PC133 SDRAM would indeed make it a bit cheaper.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[Super6]

I agree on the Shuttle AK39N. Basic, good overclocker, and better quality than ECS.

Super6

 

[buckmasterson]

Originally posted by: fibes

Originally posted by: wviperw
Ok, I'm planning to buy the Shuttle KT400 "AK39N" mobo from newegg here, tomorrow. What do you think?

I personally try to stay away from Shuttle. I had a bad experience with a mobo I purchased in 2001, model AI61. Shuttle might have improved, but the with experience I had with that mobo, I will never buy a Shuttle again. I would look into the ECS K7S5A Pro. It might not be as fast, but it's less expensive. Here's the link to Newegg.


ECS K7S5A Pro

Good board. Won't run a Barton, but it will run up to a 2400+ (I think). For this price you can also pick up an XP Processor at Newegg and spend just a tad more than you would for a different board somewhere else.

 

[o1die]

Yeah, I got the Fry's combo deal also. My 1.6 duron runs great at 166 (2000) with that same board. It was only $39.95, and is still on sale through Tuesday in Austin Tx.

 

[Bonesdad]

Also look at the Biostart M7VIGPro...verra similar to the K7S5A...with added benefit of onboard video. The Shuttle is a good board too tho.

Consider the Shuttle AN35N Nforce2 Motherboard....its priced at $63 at Newegg. I've built using 3 of these things...nice boards!! That way he can someday upgrade to Barton if he chooses.

 

[Zepper]

I would get the MSI equivalent - KM2M Combo L or if he doesn't need integrated video, the MSI KT2 Combo. I've used both and you can see my reviews in the "User Reviews" section of TechIMO.com .
.bh.

 

[optimistic]

Originally posted by: Bonesdad
Also look at the Biostart M7VIGPro...verra similar to the K7S5A...with added benefit of onboard video. The Shuttle is a good board too tho.

Consider the Shuttle AN35N Nforce2 Motherboard....its priced at $63 at Newegg. I've built using 3 of these things...nice boards!! That way he can someday upgrade to Barton if he chooses.

Yeah, I'd get another Biostar too link $47.

PS can't you RMA that board you have now?