Deep Dilemma: Leadtek K7N420DA or Abit NV7-133R

[jarsoffart]

I'm looking to build a simple extremely low cost system. I want the nForce boards because I want video sound and ethernet integrated. I've narrowed it down to the Leadtek K7N420DA that has everything that I require, but can only find for 118 including shipping from NewEgg.com and the Abit NV7-133R which has Raid, more PCI slots, and it's Abit, a better name in motherboards, plus its only 84.00 at Ajump.com where I can do customer pickup. Please help me decide... some how I feel there will be even more arguments for either one after this thread is done, but hopefully you guys can help me come to a decision. I'm equipping this board with an Athlon XP 1600+. I really want to have it be as cheap as possible with half decent performance. I'm willing to put up with the nForce graphics. If I was to get the Abit NV7-133R I want a cheap GeForce2 MX or GeForce 2 MX200 or even a TNT2 card, but the cheapest one at NewEgg.com is 29.00. PLEASE HELP!! I beseech you people.

 

[KneeHowMa]

Search on eBay for keyword "nForce" or "k7n*" and you will find that there are nForce 420D motherboard from MSI K7N420 selling for around $80 + shipping. I think nForce based motherboard is very very economical, considering the video/sound performance isn't all that bad.

 

[jarsoffart]

Do you mean the MSI K7N420 Pro, or is there a non-Pro version? The MSI K7N420 is $127 at Beatprice.com which is higher than the Leadtek K7N420DA but doesn't seem to offer more than the Leadtek K7N420DA except for one extra PCI slot. Are there any other reasons why I should get it over the Leadtek K7N420DA? Anymore nForce motherboard suggestions? Should I get the Leadtek K7N420DA or the Abit Abit NV7-133R w/ a cheap video card?

 

[Oakenfold]

If you are going to buy a GF2 MX then why don't you just get the onboard?
I've got the NV7-133R for myself and the other chipset for my mother in law in (micro atx lower chipset, don't recall the names right now..been up to long from studying) Asus flavor.
Stellar 2D, just don't plan on playing any new games.
If you want to play games you won't regret getting the abit board, I am loathe to get a new setup because it means getting rid of that board but hey I've got a P4 on the way to boot..

BTW the onboard sound blows any other one I've ever heard.
Forgot needing to buy any soundcard.

 

[jarsoffart]

Originally posted by: Oakenfold
If you are going to buy a GF2 MX then why don't you just get the onboard?
I've got the NV7-133R for myself and the other chipset for my mother in law in (micro atx lower chipset, don't recall the names right now..been up to long from studying) Asus flavor.
Stellar 2D, just don't plan on playing any new games.
If you want to play games you won't regret getting the abit board, I am loathe to get a new setup because it means getting rid of that board but hey I've got a P4 on the way to boot..

BTW the onboard sound blows any other one I've ever heard.
Forgot needing to buy any soundcard.

I know if I'm just going to by a GF2 MX I should just get onboard. That is part of my question. Should I get the Abit NV7-133R and a GF2 MX or should I get the Leadtek K7N420DA which has on-board video? The Leadtek is 110 and the Abit NV7-133R is 84 + the price of a cheap graphic card (GF2MX or lower). The Leadtek has everything I want on one board but the Abit has all the features I want except on-board video, but it has a lot of extra features that I could possibly use such as USB 2.0, Raid, 5 PCI Slots (instead of 4), and is by trusted motherboard manufacturer. I know Leadtek makes great video cards, but their foray into the motherboard world has been short, so the Abit might be better. Once again I reiterate my question, "Should I get the Abit NV7-133R and a GF2 MX or should I get the Leadtek K7N420DA which has on-board video?"

 

[Oakenfold]

but it has a lot of extra features I could possibly use such

Personal choice here as there is no right answer, it's all going to come out the same setup. Except you won't get some of the features the abit has.
If you get the onboard video consider that you can't ever use that video as a backup for another rig with the stand alone card.
I can't say much for leadtek as I"ve never owned one of their motherboards.
check out amdmb.com for user forums and search through them for info on the leadtek.

Another thing you say possibly use when talking about the features for the Abit, do you really plan on running Raid? How often do you upgrade? Why do you need USB 2.0? Ask yourself these questions.

I would go with the Dolby onboard myself, if you can't afford the extra money for the GF2mx then I would wait on buying a new setup.