MSI 6340/Aopen MK33? (microATX socket A) Help me decide guys ;)

[rockhard]

Im just finalizing the parts for my home Lan's new server and have narrowed down the motherboard to either the MSI 6340 or the Aopen MK33.

The MSI I like as its basically a cut down version of the KT7 Pro so be nice and stable
Trouble is it does not support Hardware Monitoring!

The Aopen MK33 does support Hardware Monitoring and also has an extra dimm slot over the MSI.

If i could be sure that the Aopen would be as stable as the MSI then reckon be my better bet.

The Servers goin to run 24/7/365 so going to need to be rock solid.
Also going to be running with Crucial Cas 2 PC133 dimms and a 800mhz T-Bird.

If you guys can help me out be much appreciated,

rockhard =)

 

[novice]

Unless you believe you are going to need the extra DIMM slot and want the hardware monitoring because you are planning to overclock, (which makes no sense on a server) I would suggest going with the MSI board. While I have no experience with the A-Open boards or the slot A boards generally, I do have two of the MSI-6309 boards and they have been rock stable, even when overclocked. Everything I read indicates that the MSI boards are among the most stable in general and their slot A boards in particular. To be fair, I have also read some good things about A-Open and am happy with my A-Open Geforce 2 MX video card. Still, if it were me, I would opt for the MSI board. Good Luck,
Chuck

 

[rockhard]

thanx novice

Everywhere i look on the net i hear nothing but praise for MSI's socket a mobo's at the moment
I think for now i'll follow your lead and give them a try. Can always whip it out if it gives me grief

What u reckon to running 2x HD's, a CDRW with the microATX 150watt PSU?
Says on AMD's compatibility list that quite a few 150 watt SFX PSU's are up to running a T-Bird @ 1200mhz! Would this still hold with the 2 hd's and CDRW?

rockhard =)