Motherboard recommendation

[kjacobs]

I want to upgrade my second PC and that means new case, mobo, and CPU.

Current memory: non DDR SDRAM
Current CPU: AMD K6-3+
Current mobo: ASUS P5A-B (baby AT)
Current video: Voodoo 4500

I want to go with AMD Duron or XP CPU and an Antec SX630II case (300W PS).

The PC is for the kids for school and to share DSL connection with wireless network. Some games such as Star Wars Rogue Squadron. No overclocking.

I have looked at the K7S5A but have heard good and bad comments. Doesn't like more than one stick of memory, needs good PS.
ALso the 8KHA+ (which I used in my other PC). The Epox site says it has a problem with Voodoo video cards and of course I would have to buy DDR memory. I see some 8KHA+'s on ebay for $55.

Cost is a factor definitely. Maybe I should keep what I have but the case is an old 486 and only has the one fan (for the PS!). The old case is for a baby AT and the ANtec is ATX so I doubt I could just pop everything in the ANtec case. And I 'd like a mobo with USB port for the wireless connection.

Any other boards I should consider for <$100?

 

[mechBgon]

Biostar M7VIG could be worth a look. It's a microATX board with onboard basic 3D video and sound, onboard LAN (I think), and has slots for both DDR and non-DDR memory, so you could re-use some PC133 or even PC100. It uses the KM266 chipset, which is KT266A plus the onboard video. It has an AGP slot to allow for an add-in video card, too. They're pretty affordable, around $65. Make sure not to pick the similar M7VIQ, which lacks the non-DDR memory slots.

I have had good results with my K7S5A, for what it's worth. As for the PS, the Antec SL300 that comes with the case should float the boat for either board.

 

[455Buick]

Hi KJacobs,

For the intended use e.g. kids computer. DSL, Star Wars, etc. IMHO the KS5A with a Duron 1.3 would be fine for a start. The SX635 case comes with a 350W psu for the same price of $73.00 at www.newegg.com. One last thing. You'll need to get a good heatsink. Again I would suggest a Volcano 7 or 9 with adjustable fan speed for noise and cooling control. Everything else you have would fit the new system with upgrade potential later on. The memory and/or video card would be the first to go. Maybe you should think about a $60.00 XP1700 cpu instead of the Duron, though. Just a thought....

I hope this helped,