Help with Duron 600 Motherboard selection

[ratpack]

I would like to build a value gaming, like the guide suggests. I have about 5 older 3 to 8GB HDs and 256MB of PC-100 memory, that I would like to use in new system. Since I am attempting to save money, which MB would you recommend (no overclocking needed). I don't mind, setting jumppers or switches to set CPU up right. I am gonna reuse my old ISA sound blaster if possible, also my old intel pro100 NIC.

 

[lostnthenet]

You probably wanna go with the Microstar or the the Asus board. Check out pricewatch.com for the best deals.

 

[GT1999]

Check out the Abit KT7-RAID.

 

[GT1999]

You could even use dual Hard Drives (such as those you have) and set up a RAID box!

 

[ToBeMe]

A, I wouldn't even consider the Asus board in your situation.....you'd be saddened to find out it has no ISA slot! I'd go with the KT7, easy to set-up and many more options!

 

[lostnthenet]

The only reason I suggested the microstar is because he wants a cheap, no frills board. I don't know why anyone would not want to overclock, but oh well. If you do decide to overclock, the ABIT KT7-RAID would be the best and easiest board for that and you can use the RAID setup with your Harddrives.

 

[wviperw]

Since you aren't going to o/c, then get a MSI K7T, or a FIC AZ-11. If you were going to o/c, then I would say the Abit KT7.

 

[Topher]

If overclocking is not needed, and you want an inexpensive socket A board with at least 1 ISA slot, then look at the Biostar. (I forget which model, but there are only two, one is microATX, the other is full ATX). They are going for under $100 and are perfectly stable as is. No overclocking options though, but since you don't plan to do that, then it's a good bet, check them out over at TCWO.

 

[TimeKeeper]

Epox Ep-8KTA. There suppose to be a "+" version according to a member here.

I am currently using and abusing this 6VBA2 since Feb. and it never give me a single problem nor hardware-competible problem. I give A+ for Epox's stability!


a review also compare to K7TPRO.
http://www.motherboards.org/reviews/ep8ktaintro.html

 

[Konrad]

If no o/c then MSI K7T PRO

 

[M00T]

No overclocking would make me suggest the A7V or the MSI board. A7V is a great overclocker, and asus has usually been a good manufacturer in the past. I have no opinions on the MSI boards, except that Anand is using them in his web-servers.

 

[Sid]

I have had my MSI K7T Pro and Duron 600 running for a week. The easiest swap I have done. It runs great and have had no problems. Not a problem for me, but there is no ISA slots.

 

[Darius]

What are the best prices found for a Socket A board like the MSI, ABIT, and ASUS options?

 

[Maniac9127]

Even though you said you're trying to save money, if I were you, I'd still try and get the money for a KT7-RAID, or at least a KT7. It's a nice, dependable board that should last you a long time. Also, with that 600, as games get bigger and bigger, and poly counts get higher and higher, you'll be able to oc it to fit your needs.

So, don't be stingy, get a good motherboard that will last you a long, long time.

 

[hans007]

if you want to be really cheap, get a ga-7zx or zm with the sound onboard or an fic az-11. they are all around $100-110

 

[jonnyGURU]

Topher: That model is the M7VKB. It's pretty inexpensive and quite solid. The bus overclocks nicely too! (650 @ 728). It does have an ISA slot (go AWE64!).

If ISA was NOT important, but stability and reliability was important, I'm a big fan of the Microstar K7TPro.

The only reason I can't say the same of Biostar is because the RMA rate on Biostar is about 3% compared to MSI's 1%.