Motherboards and building computers (Please help!!)

Onoborisan

Junior Member
Mar 8, 2001
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I am trying to build a computer from scratch and I need to know which motherboard would be best for me. First of all can someone explain the differences among Slot 1, Slot 2, Socket A, Slot A, Socket 370, Socket 7, 8, 423, etc. What does all this mean?

I was recommended to buy only ASUS products as they are supposed to be the best and most reliable. I would like to build my computer such that it doesn't get outdated very quickly. I was thinking of getting one that would support at least a Pentium 3 running around 1 MHz. I am not sure if I should venture into the Pentium 4 level, as these have not really been tested(?). Also cost is a factor and I do not want to spend more than $250 +/- $50 each on the CPU and motherboard. Also, I wanted a motherboard that will support at least 750 MB to 1000 MB of RAM. The ASUS Motherboards I was considering are: P3V4X, CUV4X-M, CUV4X-E, P4T.
Do you think these are good choices. Can you wizzards out there suggest similar/better ones in my price range?

The other components I want to add in my computer are: 1. PlexWriter? 12/10/32S drive (SCSI); 2. UltraPlex 40X Wide40X Wide SCSI CD-ROM drive; 3. Adaptec SCSI2940UW SCSI card.

I want to use my computer for CD burning, some home video editing, usual home business purposes, and some gaming. Also, in relation to a CD burner is there any advantage to getting a SCSI versus an IDE version? I am told that the burnproof technology of Plextor may eliminate the need for a SCSI interface. Is this true?

Any help you people can offer this novice would be most appreciated.

Thank you.
 

azeker1

Senior member
Mar 30, 2000
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Wow, you have a lot of questions, so I'll start with the easy ones first.

Plextor CD burners are great, but if cost is a factor, I would not go for the SCSI. IDE with burnproof works great. I have a 12/10/32A (IDE) and it works like a champ with my 40x IDE CD ROM drive. I can burn from my HD or Disc to disc with no problems.

I also have an Asus P3v4x. It is great. It is, however, a slot one board, and you would be better off with a socket 370 unless you want to mess with what's called a slocket adapter. Asus boards are first rate, but they are also among the most expensive. I am also fond of Tyan and Soyo which may be cheaper...

I'm not particularly enthused about P4s, so if cost is a factor, you will probably be fine with a PIII or a Thunderbird. Slots/Sockets go like this: Socket 7=older pentiums and older AMD processors (pre-Athlon). Socket 8 was only for Pentium Pros, I believe. Slot 1 is for PIIs, & earlier Celerons & PIIIs. These last two migrated to Socket 370 some time ago, but adapters can make the newer 370 chips fit in older Slot 1 boards. SLot 2 is only for High-end, expensive Xeon chips, I believe (primarily used for servers). A similar thing happened with AMDs Athlon line (all pre-Athlon AMD chips fit in Socket 7 boards). They started using their own standard Slot A with the Athlon and then moved to Socket A. The P4 uses the newest type of interface, called Socket 423.

For expandability, you prbably want a Socket A, Socket 370 (PIII), or Socket 423 (P4).

Hope this helps.
 

Onoborisan

Junior Member
Mar 8, 2001
12
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Thank you very much. You have been most helpful. If you have any after thoughts please drop me a line.
Thanks again, :).
 

ledzepp98

Golden Member
Oct 31, 2000
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you mentioned that you don't want it to be quickly outdated and you mentioned you were hesitant in going for a p4...but i figured i would mention this.....the current socket 423 for the p4 will be ditched for a new socket (478? or something like that) so if you don't want to be limited in future upgrades don't get the p4. otherwise, as azeker1 mentiones, the platform you want would eb either socket-a for an amd system or socket370 for intel. i don't have any personal ex[perience with intel so i wouldn't know what board to recommend but for amd there are a number of options (3 main chipsets to consider). the kt133 is the most used at the moment but it has been kind of replaced with the kt133a (for use with the new 266mhz fsb athlons). otherwise, i believe the chipsets are the same and both use pc133 memory (or pc100). that being the case, i would think a kt133a equiped mobo would be the better of the two choices (it is also compatable with the 200mhz fsb athlons). lastly, there is the amd 760/via kt266 chipsets which support the newer 266mhz fsb athlons and also support ddr memory. they are more expensive and are relatively new so while they show potential they are not quite as tried and true yet. that's all i can think of at the moment...
 

Pickhead

Member
Oct 25, 1999
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If you must have that much system ram you will have to stick with a good ole BX based board. If you can get by on 256 to 512 meg then the 815 boards will fit your needs. The Asus Socket 370 CUSL2-C 815EP is a good P3 board for about $120 or so. to reach your 1Gig mark for around $250 your going to have to do some overclocking.
The Abit SA6R Raid Socket 370 815 for around $140 would be another good choice.
JMHO
 

Onoborisan

Junior Member
Mar 8, 2001
12
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Thanks guys for helping me decide/select a suitable mother board. I decided to go with ASUS CUSL2-C motherboard, Intel IGHz CPU, 256 K RAM (Kingston), Plextor 16x10x40 CD-RW (IDE, not SCSI as I had earlier considered, thanks to y'all). All for just under $800.
Now, I need to decide between getting a CD-ROM or a CD/DVD ROM. Can you guys please suggest a good brandname/model? I am leaning on getting a CD/DVD because it will be multipurpose. Also, it seems that the prices between just the CD-ROM and DVD-ROM are not too far apart.
What do you say?
I need some sound advice and a response by tomorrow as that is when I will place the order.
Thanks in advance, :)
 

shawnmos

Banned
Dec 11, 2000
2,136
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Get a DVD-ROM. It works fine with regular cd's and will let you watch dvd movies and use other dvd cds. They are not much more expensive then CD-ROMs. Also I would recommend you get an AMD Athlon. It is cheaper and you could get a faster one for the price you are paying the a P3. If you are set on Intel then what are getting is a good choice.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
2
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Stay away from Intel, you'll pay too much for too little. I would go with an AMD Athlon and an Asus Socket A motherboard. AMD has cheaper CPU's, and they outpreforn and Intel at the same speed.
 

Ryan

Lifer
Oct 31, 2000
27,519
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Also, I sure you could save A LOT if you were to buy from the "for sale/trade" forums.
 

Onoborisan

Junior Member
Mar 8, 2001
12
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Regarding e-phex's question: I go to a shop in Santa Monica,CA (Comp Xpress, on Wilshire, near Yale)