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Help me pick CPU/mobo

J

Jarhead

Senior member
Okay, looking to spend less than 350.00 for MB, heatsink,
CPU.

Got a Geforce for it, SB Live, and HSDRAM, so I need compatibility.

This system will be my main machine.

With the flood of new motherboards/chipsets, in the
AMD world, can someone recommend the "best" board?
I'd like to hit 1.2 Ghz, and have the system rock solid.

Also help me pick where to buy it for the best deal, and
support if a part turns up to be a dud.

In return, I'll have it doing RC-5 for us.
 
For the motherboard, I'd say either the Abit KT7A Raid ($159.75 at www.allstarshop.com) or the Epox 8KTA3 ($129.99 at www.bunta.com). I wouldn't buy a KT133 chipset board if you're interested in overclocking. It's pretty difficult to get a FSB speed of over 110MHz with them. With the KT133A 150MHz isn't unheard of with the right system configuration. Not a lot of stores seem to have these boards in stock however.

If you're wanting to hit 1.2GHz I'd say you have to get at least a 1GHz tbird ($177.00 at www.pcboost.com). That'd probably give you the best chance of hitting 1.2GHz while still keeping the price somewhat low.

I recommend either an Alpha PAL6035 ($30.00 at www.2cooltek.com) with the 38cfm Delta fan if your ears can manage it, YS Tech otherwise. Or a GlobalWin FOP38 ($24 at www.subzeropc.com). Keep in mind that the FOP38 is very loud.

Hope that helps you out,
Nohr.

(edit: added prices and store links)
 
I've built several computers with parts from Thompson's Computer Warehouse (link) and they've been fine. As for motherboards, I'd go with either the Abit K7T or the Asus A7V if you're looking for good stability and overclocking. The MSI board is stable but has had some multiplier problems. You can get a 1GHz. Athlon for about $175 there, $150-160 for the board, and $6.95 for shipping. Comes to about $350 🙂. Good luck, let us know how you make out.

Nick Klingaman
appletalking@home.com
 
I don't know why Anand hasn't done any reviews on DFI's board, but I have had very good luck with DFI AK74-ec board. It is only $98 at MonarchComputer.com. All of the reviews out there say it's a solid board and from my own experience (13 systems with this board) I would have to agree. It only has FSB overclocking and voltage, no multiplyer. ATA100 or ATA66 not sure, but that shouldn't matter right now. It does have onboard sound, but you said you have a SC. It has 1 ISA, 5 PCI, 1 AGP(4x), 1 AMR. VCM support also. Anyway just my $.02

Murdmath
 
Get the FOP32-1 instead of the FOP-38. It is much less loud. You'll lose only one degree Celsius of cooling but will still be on par with the Alpha PAL 6035 (which is more expensive and weighs 35g more than the AMD recommended 300g limit). The multiplier problem is not present in all Pro2-A but I am waiting anyway for the MSI K7T Turbo-R because I want some KT133A sweetness for my 1GHz Thunderbird. For the cpu, I'd say simply to contact compuwiz1 for a guaranteed o/c Tbird. His merchandise and service are flawless.
 
Whoa, I can remember posts by the Dennilfloss handle claiming computer illiteracy and now the same "person" gives advice to the youngsters. 😉
edit: To answer your question I second Nohr's suggestions.
 
My advice for what it is worth is go here and contact the owner, a Mr.Stringham I believe and see what he has got.
Support your fellow team member.
Bleep
 
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