I need advice re: a new mobo purchase!

[Stoerm]

I'm looking to get ahold of a cheap mobo/cpu combo for a system I need to build. The last system I did this with was an ECS K7S5A and XP 1800. That system has worked great for me thus far, but I've read that others have had problems with theirs. Perhaps I've just been lucky enough to get a good board - dunno. However, I really would like to avoid problems with installation and use of the new mobo/system.

Here's what I'm looking for:

AMD XP based system
Able to use PC2100 RAM (which is what I have at the moment - it would be nice if faster RAM was an option later).
Not too horrible to setup and build myself.
AGP is important as I'm a big game player. I also need built in USB (preferably 2.0)
Onboard LAN and decent onboard audio are both big pluses.

Essentially, I need a fairly reliable and reasonably performing motherboard in the cheapish range and am not sure where to go. If I thought I had a good chance I'd go with another K7S5A, but I shudder at the thought of having motherboard problems and screwing around with system endlessly.

Any help? Thanks in advance!

 

[knightc2]

My ECS K7S5A is great, but I too am looking for a new board. Take a look at the Soltek?s SL-75FRN (nForce2) Golden Flame or the new ECS L7S7A2 (SIS746). The ECS is new (as is the Soltek) so not many reviews yet, but the prices on these boards is promising for the amount of performance you get. I am waiting to see how well the ECS stacks up before I make my decision. Anyway, just my 2 cents.

 

[floccus]

Well, depending on your definition of cheep... I'd recommend the A7N8X and a something on the T-bred B core .

Seeing as this might not fall into what you call cheap, I'll make a case for it anyway.

it would be nice if faster RAM was an option later)

With bios updates you'll be able to handle new ram for a while...

Not too horrible to setup and build myself.

Its quick and simple to set up and for many of us has been rock solid. Sure some people have had issues, but then again, you face that risk with any piece of hardware.

AGP is important as I'm a big game player.

AGP 8X support... that should hold you for a while

I also need built in USB (preferably 2.0)

Is 6 enough?

Onboard LAN and decent onboard audio are both big pluses

Well, lets see, we have dual LAN and Soundstorm, both of which are great quality


If this still doesn't get you to consider it, then, well, I guess I know why my job as a door to door knife salesman never worked out

 

[Bonesdad]

EPoX 8RDA+

4 USB 2.0 ports (with 2 more optional)
6 channel soundstorm onboard audio (great sound!!!)
Athlon XP (Barton ready)
Onboard LAN
AGP 8x
firewire headers onboard
Hardware diagnostic LED


40 dollars cheaper than A7N8X!. Just got mine from Newegg for $109 shipped! This board has gotten excellent reviews (see Anandtech for example).

 

[Stoerm]

Wow - thanks so much for all the fast and friendly advice. I'll check all these suggestions out asap!

 

[magomago]

It feels good to plunk 150 on the a7n8x back in November and still have it retail for the same price.

BTw. if you want cheap + reliable I would reccomend the KT333s for the KT400s as their preformance is good (obviously not nforce2 quality) and its cheap!

 

[Pancho7]

I bought two MSI KT4 boards(an Ultra and a KT4VL) on newegg refurbed for $29 each.
I figured that out of the two I would hopefully get one good working board.
I was fortunate enough to have rec'd two working boards w/the latest bios'. Both are great boards w/USB2.0.
The Ultra SR has the C-media sound so it gets the nod over the KT4VL.
Absolutely LUV the Live Update2 feature, makes updating the board effortless.
Just thought I'd add my $.02

 

[FearoftheNight]

Yea I got the A7N8X DLX...it rocks. But for Budget get Epox 8RDA+ w/ Tbred B 1700+....OC it. Hehehe...or if you want to say money you can go for 8RGA+ or the Leadtek Winfast PRo w/ IGP. THey both have AGP 8x slot for later video card upgrade and onboard video is always good to have to run diagnostics should something go wrong.

 

[Stoerm]

Please excuse the ignorance - but can someone explain the functional difference between an Ath XP and a Tbred?

Also, I've always been told that updating a bios carries with it a decent chance at turning the motherboard into a paperweight. Is this something I really shouldn't worry too much about?

Edit: OK, figured it out. Tbred-B is what I want for overclocking purposes. How would I go about finding out if the Ath XP 1800+ that I currently have is a Tbred-B? Also, is it possible to specify that I want a Tbred-B CPU when ordering a MB-CPU combo most places? Or is it more likely that I'll simply get what I get?

 

[FunkyOne]

AOpen: AK79D Max...

1394
Serial ATA
TV OUT

 

[FearoftheNight]

Originally posted by: Stoerm
Please excuse the ignorance - but can someone explain the functional difference between an Ath XP and a Tbred?

Also, I've always been told that updating a bios carries with it a decent chance at turning the motherboard into a paperweight. Is this something I really shouldn't worry too much about?

Edit: OK, figured it out. Tbred-B is what I want for overclocking purposes. How would I go about finding out if the Ath XP 1800+ that I currently have is a Tbred-B? Also, is it possible to specify that I want a Tbred-B CPU when ordering a MB-CPU combo most places? Or is it more likely that I'll simply get what I get?

Yes you want a TBred B for overclock. You can find that out by dling WPUID theres a link in the first post of this forum. B stepping is 681. If you want the B Newegg lists a Tbred B for thier 2100+ OEM and Excaliberpc also gives the stepping before purchase.

 

[Stoerm]

Thanks for all the info folks - you're worth your weight in gold! I've ordered an Epox 8RDA+ with Tbred-B 2100+, along with a TT 7+ HSF.