Looking for MOBO/CPU Suggestion

[sgopal2]

Hello:

I'm looking for some advice on a motherboard/cpu selection. I've built several computers in the past and looking to recycle some old hardware. My current system (Epox 8KHA+ just died). Here are my goals for the new system:

To be used by my in-laws for web-surfing, light Word processing and spreadsheets. No heavy video use.
Will need to run Linux OS (Ubuntu 6.2 in particular)
Will recycle my old Antec tower case, CD-RW drive, IDE 120 GB hard drive and PCI videocard and PC2100 500 mb sticks x 2

Looking for something that will:
fit into a tower case,
requires normal cooling (ie 2-3 fans is okay, but anything more is too loud)
extremely stable - does not crash all the time due to heat issues

Please advise with a mobo manufacturer, model number, and suggested CPU as well.

Thanks

 

[o1die]

I use the ecs boards that come with Fry's electronics combo deals. They're almost free (in some cases $0). They have the e6300 Intel core2 duo with board for $169 about once every 2-3 weeks. It uses either ddr2 or ddr, and has onboard video. Some folks trash ecs boards, but I've never had a major issue with them. For outright stability, it's hard to beat Intel, but I haven't used their boards for years, so I can't recommend a model number.