I need low end MB recommendation

[JJordan]

I have been putting together a computer for my wife from spare parts and it is now runnign on an Asus p2b-f MB with a celeron 300a at 450. Does everything she needs, but I bought a new Antec Sonata case (needed quiet in the kitchen where it sits) and would liek to utilize the front Firewire and USB but haev no idea how I can do that with curretn MB. I guess I could buy a USB card and a Firewire ard - $20 or so total) and hook them up -- does that work ? Or I am considering buying a MB for a P3 chip and want a MB that has at least extra USB connectors and maybe firewire to hook up the front.

Main issue is getting the front access not upgrading to a faster processor so if you have any ideas, let me know ?

 

[DahDee]

Here is what looks like a compatible mobo with the specs you want, for $64 shipped at Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproduct.asp?DEPA=1&submit=Go&description=N82E16813181010

Edit: direct link to manufacturer's product page for this item: http://www.viavpsd.com/product/C3M266_spec.jsp?motherboardId=101

Looks like it has firewire and usb headers (in addition to 2 usb connectors on the rear i/o panel) for connecting the front ports on the case.

Edit 2: WHOAH! Looks like the motherboard on the linked manufacturer's product page does indeed have the headers described above -- but the linked mobo at Newegg is apparently NOT the same exact model (weird, since I got the product page link from the Newegg product page for this mobo). One of the Newegg customer reviews of this board stated that the Newegg version is the "L" version, apparently meaning the "lite" version, and that customer's board from Newegg did not come with firewire headers. So be careful and make sure you get the exact model you need.

Edit3: Okay, finally found the 'real' VIA C3M266, for $88: http://www.motherboards.com/catalog/product_info.php?category_id=4&index_id=7&subcategory_id=&products_id=21132&PHPSESSID=02dde7a65e5f16b193b03c36cd1eb00f

Please note that I know absolutely nothing about the reputation of this vendor. Maybe others can weigh in.

It's also worth noting that this mobo is apparently micro-atx. Not sure whether it will fit in your case.

Seems like the cheapest way to hook up the front might be with the add-in cards. Seems to me if you're going to replace the mobo you might as well go ahead and upgrade the CPU (and RAM) too, go with a Barton 2500+ or something like that.

Edit4: I found an Aopen board for $58.30 at MWave that is ATX form-factor and has USB ports + headers but no firewire: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/SpecB/BA06363.html

And here's a similar Soyo board at MWave fpr $62.54: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/doc2/A15711.html

 

[JJordan]

Thanks for your help.