Mobo recommendation for BUDGET computer

[Watchdog22]

Hello All,

I'm currently looking to put a couple computers together for somewhere in the $400-$500 range. They're not going to be used for anything too intense, probably e-mail, IM, maybe a little picture editing, etc. Anyways, price is the number one concern for these boxes, and I've been out of the motherboard loop for a few month now, and I feel almost completely lost, haha. As of now, I'm considering picking up 2 of the Asus A7N266-VM boards. Integrated graphics is fine for the people I'm making these for. From what I've read, they seem to be pretty nice boards for the price.

Does anyone have any other possible recommendations?

Thanks

-Greg

 

[Vette73]

I was going to say the same thing. Go for the A7N266-VM with a slab of 256mg Ram and a Athlon XP 1700+ retail (newegg.com has them for $63 shipped)

That will be a great all round system.

 

[novice]

If you really are on a budget, take a look here for a board with onboard video and sound, that also supports both SDRAM and DDR. SDRAM is dirt cheap, you can find 256 mb sticks of Kingston or PNY for about $20 after rebate. While the asus boards my offer better performance and superior video, they do require DDR ram and it isn't nearly as cheap as SDRAM. For the uses you stated, the Biostar boards would probably work fine. They even have an AGP slot, in case somebody decides they need to play some Unreal Tournament 2003. Again, if price is your object, you could pick up a Duron 1.1 gig cpu for $29 and a $13 thermaltake volcano 8, so for right around $100 you have your motherboard, incl video, sound, and network card onboard, your cpu and heatsink and fan. Throw in another $200 for case, hard drive, floppy, cdrw and keyboard and mouse and you should be good to go. As for monitors, try to catch a Staples special. I picked up an Envision 17" for $57 after rebate and coupon. Good luck.

 

[tcsenter]

If you really are on a budget, take a look here for a board with onboard video and sound, that also supports both SDRAM and DDR.

While it will not be available for couple more weeks, check out the Pro version of the M7VIG. KM266/VT8235 + USB2.0/Audio/ProSavage 8/LAN/ATA133/SDR + DDR. Loaded.

 

[lsman]

actually 400-500 each give you a good loaded systems with all you need, DVD-ROM, CDRW, 17" monitor.... etc
check hot deal forum for good deals.

should check your local staples B&M for FS740 17" monitor and
Compusa or BB or CC or staples for 39.99 or less 256 DDR ram this week (sun-Wed as with the CompUSA ads)...

but if $500 for both (2 system) you may have to go for some cheaper board like the pcchips m810lmk (about $48 shipped, integrate everything, sis730) or about $50 for the sis740 chipset. (wiredzone.com with pricewatch coupon no) It take both SDRAM and DDR RAM. The VIA chipset has more like the USB 2.0 (future), ATA133(no use). but the video may be as good as the sis740 one. and go with SDRAM for saving.