Granite Bay vs 845PE vs SIS 648

[incinerate]

Hello
I'm looking to buy a new system and I was hoping to get the opinions of some of the experts on this board. I'm going p4 2.4B, with an ATI Radeon 9700pro. The Sis 648 chipset fulfills all my needs since it has agp 8x, but I hear it's buggy, and i dont fully trust non-intel chipsets. The i845pe chipset is rock solid and overclocks very well, but it doesn't support agp 8x. The granite bay has everything but it's way too expensive.

I guess my question is this: I know agp8x offers no support now, but down the road, would it be an issue? When games and apps are more texture intensive. I dont plan on upgrading for anotehr 3 years at least, so I would like some longevity. Do you guys think agp8x will ever make an impact, and which motherboard would you suggest? I'm also on a pretty tight budget. THanks for your time guys.

Alex

 

[wicktron]

If you don't plan on upgrading for 3 years... Then go for the best (Granite Bay). It'll take you a long way.
I do however, much prefer the 845PE over the Granite Bay because of the current availability and price situation.
AGP8x won't be a viable technology for another year IMO, so I wouldn't worry much about it.

 

[poldi1]

Well I ordered a GA-8INXP myself, since I dont want to upgrade for some time either and with that board you are prepared for the future, the nearest at least).
I think for 3 years without upgrade a little more spent on a good mobo is well worth it! The GB will last you longer. Its just the safest way after my opinion.
And overclocked its definately faster than a PE board, too. I have a Radeon 9700 Pro too and I am still waiting for my 2,4B C1....)

good luck!