Fast, Cheap, and Stable

[cpals]

Hello. Thanks for reading this topic.

I'm looking for the best deal on a motherboard/cpu combo. I want to have at least a 900mhz cpu or higher.

I've been searching around and am looking for a good price on a combo. What kind would you suggest? On Pricewatch the cheapest ones are ECS. I've never heard of them... anyone else?

Thanks for any suggestions. I'd like to keep the price under $200 w/out fan.

Thanks a lot.

 

[Boonesmi]

easy to keep the price under $200 and get a great combo

epox 8kta3 $90 newegg.com
tbird 1.2ghz $107 newegg.com

thats alot of system you can also get a cheaper cpu or even a 900mhz duron for $68

 

[dowxp]

if ur going ddr,

epox 8k7a

 

[cpals]

Here's what I will be putting in it, if that helps any:

SB Live! Value
Creative Labs Annihilator Pro DDR
256 pc133 Crucial Ram

and the regular hd, modem, cd, etc..

Thanks everyone for your continued help in my decision.

 

[cnhoff]

I think the Annihilator is a Geforce card, isn't it.
Why don't you put in a Geforce 2MX card or if you don't need T+L (in fact who really does at the moment?) us a Kyro2 based card.

 

[heffe734]

like they say...pay a lil more now...save later. I wanna add to that...enjoy more. Get your stuff at newegg.com that's for sure. Epox 8k7a gets my vote for the mobo...you choose the CPU.

107 bucks for 1.2
135 bucks for 1.33...i'd say pay the extra 28 bucks and get the 1.33. I say get the 1.33...plus you can OC a lil higher...i think the 1.2's are hitting 1400 and 1.33 if you could an AYHJA from newegg.com w/ some good cooling and good psu could hit 1550+. But i don't think you'll have much trouble hitting 1.5

 

[GregANDTCH]

If the Epox board has a VIA chipset,
you might want to use a different sound card.

 

[Bingo13]

If you are looking at keeping your SDRAM then the Abit KT7E would be an excellent choice for a motherboard. Pair it with a 1.2/1.33, it will run the fsb up to about 140~143 without issues.

 

[cpals]

Yes, the Annihilator is a GeForce card... but I already have it, so I wouldn't buy another one.

Questions:

What's better: Abit KT7E vs Epox 8k7a

Also, why would I want to change my sound card if it has a VIA chip? I have a VIA chip right now, and it seems to run fine with my SB Live. What Soundcard would you recommend?

Thanks.

 

[cpals]

Also, sorry for all the questions...

On the AnandTech Weekly Mobo Prices... What is the difference betweent the VIA KT133/E, the VIA KT133A, and the VIA KM133 Motherboards?

What ones should I be looking at for around a 1-1.2ghz 266fsb and pc133 ram?

Thanks.

 

[GregANDTCH]

"Also, why would I want to change my sound card if it has a VIA chip? I have a VIA chip right now, and it seems to run fine with my SB Live. What Soundcard would you recommend?"

Read me

Avoid headaches

 

[cpals]

Thanks Greg... so you suggest I get a new soundcard? hmm... SBLive is the best though.

Anyone else have a good mobo/cpu combo that would fit my addons?

Thanks.

 

[GregANDTCH]

I'm actually using a SB-Live too.
It's on a P3V4X board (VIA chipset)
for Intel processors.
This uses a Different model chipset.
I haven't had problems with it,
but I don't run the LiveWare either.
(I don't know if that makes any difference either.)

I'm waiting to see the ASUS N-Force board when it comes out!
I think it's supposed to be about the end of August.