Looking for a Great Mobo for AMD XP 1800+ Processor

[Froid]

I currently have an AMD XP 1800 processor and want to find a new motherboard. I have taken my Shuttle AK31 out into the driveway and smashed it into small pieces, hence I need a replacement.

I am looking for either a KT333 or KT400 board and don't need a lot of options. I am looking for stability, performance (without overclocking), and USB 2.0

Anyone have a suggestion?

p.s. I have been looking at Asus A7V333, Gigabyte GA-7VAXP, MSI Ultra 3 & 4, Abit KD7-E, etc... I can't seem to get a good feel for what is the best bang for my buck.

 

[Shimmishim]

have you thought of getting an nForce2 board? they are great boards! and great for overclocking...

 

[tapir]

I recommend the FIC AN19E Stealth - KT400 with much tweakability, 6 PCI, everything onboard except 1394. My friend is thrilled with his. Newegg has it. Good bang for the buck, especially if you want to overclock.

 

[gtd2000]

How about that new Biostar Pro board over at newegg for $60 shipped?

USB 2.0 and lots of other goodies included too

 

[Zepper]

Iwill has always made good, stable mobos and they have recently came out with the KK400. And the AOpen KT400 (I think they call it the AK77-8XN) should also be solid as a rock. newegg carries both.
.bh.

 

[Shimmishim]

nForce2 .... hands down...

or wait for the kta400 dual channel ddr solution from via...

 

[psykohog]

I like the MSI KT3ULTRA. If you are looking down the road go with
the NFORCE2.

 

[Froid]

Thanks to All for your insight, opinions, and such. I have considered the MSI Ultra 3 as one of my top choices. This is a 2nd computer system and I don't need it to be a real racehorse, so the Biostar M7VIG Pro also is appealing at only $60.

I have a couple of questions:

A - Has anyone had any bad luck with the MSI Ultra3?

B - Has anyone had any bad luck with the Biostar M7VIG Pro?

C - Has anyone had any good luck with the Shuttle AK31 V1.3?? I purchased 4 of these boards and built systems. I had to RMA 3 of them and the only one that worked out of the box started giving me problems about 5 months after I got it, hence it ended up on my driveway in pieces! I avoid phone calls from the people that have the other 3 boards (not really)

Thanks again!

P.S. My main system is an ASUS P4PE with an Intel Northwood 2.4Ghz processor. It is a real kick a** system and I absolutely love it. Since I do have the AMD Athlon XP 1800+ processor and plenty of other parts, I want to build another system.

 

[emjem]

I had the Shuttle AK31 V1.1 and it was one of the best mobos I have ever owned.

I was also highly impressed with Shuttle support. The fan on the chip set started growling from time to time. I sent Shuttle an email and the next day they had a replacement fan in priority mail to me. Free, no questions, no hassles. Granted it was a $2 part, but still ................. next day no red tape turn around.

I'm running an Asus now, but only because Shuttle didn't have the mobo features I was looking for.