Need help deciding on some good mobos

[Motero]

I'm looking at putting together a system for my brother. Not sure on Intel or Amd yet. I'm looking for a board that will not have video and is under $100. I'm looking at 2.4 ghz - 2.6 ghz p4 or a 2500xp - 2800xp price wise.

The motherboards I had in mind a while ago was the Epox 8K9A for Amd and either the Intel D845PESVL or Asus P4PE all of which have sound. But, as long as I can disable that in the bios, it's ok. Any help or suggestions/changes would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Motero]

^

 

[azkiwi]

Sheesh! Where are all the EPox fans? The 8RDA Nforce has only 300+ posts in this forum... seems to be great board and its under a C note.

 

[Motero]

I heard and read all about that board, but I can't afford the extra money for that and the onboard video thing bugs me. I know I can disable that, but isn't there a cheaper alternative without video?

 

[Krk3561]

Get a 2.4B P4 ($163 @ Googlegear) and an Abit BH7 ($87 @ Googlegear), kick-a$$ combo esp. if get a C1 stepping P4 (very likely) cause it overclocks awesome: i.e. 3GHz on default voltage!

 

[BarryAZ]

I have had decent encounters with the Biostar KT400 motherboard (M7VIT) It should support the AMD Barton chips -- you might go with the M7VIT Pro which adds a 10/100 NIC -- Newegg has this for under $70 delivered.

My guess is that the XP2500 would be an easy overclock target as well -- it runs cooler than the XP2600 for one thing.

 

[Motero]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Anyone else?

 

[MARMADUKE]

8RDA+ shipping with C1 stepping @ newegg right now $96 FREE SHIPPING!

 

[Motero]

So you think even if I will never use the onboard video, this is still a great board?

 

[lycurgus]

MSI K7N2-L

 

[Motero]

^

 

[Motero]

anyone? help please?