Most reliable chipset for socket 370 CPUs

[Link19]

What would you say are the most relaible chipsets for socket 370 CPUs? I'm looking to configure the system as a Linux server for routing? I have seen socket 370 motherboards with VIA and Intel chipsets? Out of VIA and Intel chipsets for socket 370 motherboards, which chipset brand would you find to be more reliable for the most part? Are Intel's own socket 370 motherboards more reliable than any other brands for Intel CPUs? I have heard that they can be, but are less flexible with other hardware? Also, would most Socket 370 motherboards allow me ot have a great deal of flexibility for underclocking and overclocking the memory bus and CPU external clock? For instance would I be able to underclock a 100MHz FSB Celeron CPU to 90MHz, and not just have the only choices of 100MHz or 66MHz for the FSB? I want to underclock the CPU so I can run it with a fanless heatsink and the only option is to underclock the CPU front side bus because Intel locks the multiplier on all their CPUs.

Suggestions greatly appreciated.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Do you have any parts already? It almost sounds like you already have a socket 370 Celeron but you don't state it out right.

 

[CraigRT]

440BX if you can find it.

other than that, i815 (E, EP)

 

[Link19]

No I don't have a Celeron CPU right now. I'm looking to buy one, but need a few suggestions first. I did buy a Celeron 700MHz a little over a month ago, but I returned it because I couldn't underclock it because it had only a 66MHz FSB and the multipliers are locked, so I was stuck to run it at no lower than 700MHz as no socket 370 motherboard supports any bus speed slower than 66MHz. I purchased a motherboard not realizing what brand I purchased and then I found out it was PCCHIPS brand, and I've read from various sources that PCCHIPS is one of if not the worst quality motherboards you can get that have tons stability and reliability problems. So I'm looking into getting another motherboard as well. I know these parts aren't made anymore, but I'm buying from places that have left over new stock or sell used parts for a very low price.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

how much are you looking to spend?

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
440BX if you can find it.

:frown: When the 440BX motherboard from Intel was still in production (mine was a Slot-1 type), I had a system with one of those in it. I had just about every type of problem with it that seemed possible to have. I hated the BIOS they used on the one I owned. I still have the board and the P-II 400 MHz processor. In recent weeks, I have learned that for certain very specific uses, those old things are still in demand, and I should perhaps dust it of and try selling it.

But I would feel guilty as sin to pass on a P.O.S. like mine to anyone else! Several months ago, I was feeling constrained about upgrading my newer AMD PC and looked instead into finding some surplussed parts, such as the "Slocket" device, that would bring that old 400 MHz slug up out of the dark ages performance-wise. I was very surprised to find out how little competition Intel had during the P-II/early P-III era. Intel's 440 series chip sets seemed to dominate every used PC parts source I turned up.

:disgust:

 

[Bateluer]

The 440BX chipset was a legend. It was Intel's workhorse thru a few CPU revisions. You probably just had a bad board, Kiwi. I had 3 Abit 440BX based boards and never had a lick of trouble with them.

 

[jt63]

My Asus P3B-F is still in use as an mp3 server

 

[bunnyfubbles]

isn't the 440BX faster with a 100MHz FSB than the i815 with a 100MHz FSB?

 

[Auric]

Unless you want Mini-ATX I would go with Intel. As far as I recall such older generation boards don't offer fixed dividers to keep the other busses within spec while altering the FSB significantly so your choices are generally limited around 66, 100 & 133 MHz. But that should not be a problem. i440BX and i815EP are both good choices depending on availability and desired speed. The latter does not require an adapter for the final generation CPU's and I think they are worth using for the extra pep because older slower ones will not necessarily run cooler. A C1.1A with sufficient heatsink is fine at rated speed of 100 while the option of 66 is there if desired (or 133 with active cooling or perhaps a massive passive heatsink). I can recommend the Abit BH6 and ST6 for maximum flexibility but otherwise be sure to do a bit of research into available BIOS options and such. The best source of definitive advice is overclockers forum.

 

[airfoil]

My vote would go to the i815e on an Asus CUSL2.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: bunnyfubbles
isn't the 440BX faster with a 100MHz FSB than the i815 with a 100MHz FSB?

not by a significant amoutn. maybe 1-2%

 

[osage]

if you are looking for a Intel 440BX mobo...... I have 4-5 availible.

couple slotkets too

 

[stevty2889]

Definatly use an intel chipset for socket 370. The VIA chipsets were pretty horrible. I had several and had nothing but problems. I still have a 440bx chipset running with dual pentium 2 266mhz chips, running strong since 1998.

 

[boomerang]

Another vote for the 440BX. Within the last few weeks I upgraded my wife's BX6 Rev.2 to a 2500 Barton setup. The Abit board was running XP Pro for her without a hiccup.

I installed the board and processor in a case and gave it to one of her employees as a system for her grandkids to play games on.

Now, was the 440BX available in Socket 370, or is he going to need a slotket?

I don't think you'll need to underclock if you have a rear case fan and good airflow.