Need Help Choosing MB for Comp I'm Building

[apemanttt]

Hi, I'm going to be building my first computer this summer. I don't have the greatest knowledge of all the specifics on computer parts, but I feel I can get the job done. I've been trying to do a lot of research, and I have experience working with computers. By the way, I'm hoping to build a pretty nice comp, and at first I won't be overclocking, but maybe soon afterwards I'll want to take the risk if I'm able to.

Anyways, I haven't purchased any computer parts yet, I'm still planning. I'm looking at the XP 1800+ for my CPU. I just need to know what I need to consider for my MB and get some good reccomendations.

Please help me.

Thanks.

 

[apemanttt]

Right now I'm looking at the Abit KR7A-133 w/o RAID Via KT266A/VT8233A ATA133 SoA Mobo.

Does anyone have anythin to say about this mobo?

 

[jna]

A KT333 board will gve you something like 5% better performance, if you find a good price on one. I paid $80 for my Epox 8k3A, and it is amazing. It lacks USB 2.0 and 6-channel sound, but the stability and overclocking options are grrreat. After owning an Asus A7A266 (revision 1.1), I learned that the big name brands aren't everything (and the A7V333's are still going for over $130). Be sure you get a fairly recent board that will support the Thoroughbred core, however. You need a board that will deliver 1.5 volts or so (which is 0.25V less than the Palamino's default).

 

[dunkster]

All of the current abit boards are high-quality, stable and good overclockers. Personally, I bought the KR7A/RAID version because I wanted the 4 IDE ports. At the time I bought it, the KR7-series boards seemed clearly superior.

If I were buying now, I'd probably buy the Shuttle AK35GTR or the Epox equivalent. The reviews are great and the prices are lower.

Hope this helps!