Need MBoard and CPU recommendations

[Jesseche]

Hello all,
I am a bit new to computer building and was looking for a recommendation.

I am looking for a motherboard/cpu combo.

My last computer had a FIC VA-503+ w/AMD k6-2/333 (4) 32MB SIMMS (128mb in all)
(called a local computer store for a recommendation and this is what he recommended)
Problem is that it always crashes.

I would like something jumperless maybe. (I want to make sure that I am not to blame for incorrect settings)

Looking for something in either Pentium lll 500mhz or higher or equivlent (NO Cyrix or Duron)
Decently priced.

I am not at all interested in overclocking.
I mainly use to work out of my Home office and surfing the web.
No really much of a gamer either.

I have been buying some parts as I come across a sale.
I would like to use these parts for my new rebuild.

I have...
(1) 128mb PC-133 (at todays prices, I'll probable add anther 128mb)

(1) TDK 12/10/32 W/BURN PROOF

(1) 10/100 ethernet card (for connection to my cable internet

(1) Linksys and SMC router (I want to connect mine and daughters system to my cable internet service)

(1) Labtec LCS-2414 3-piece speaker system

(1) Quantum Fireball 1ct 10 (might buy a larger and faster drive)

Please tell me what you would recommend.

Thank you,

Jesse

 

[AndyHui]

May I ask why not a Duron?

You won't be able to buy a P3-500 new now. The slowest speed is probably a Celeron 600 or so. As for motherboard, you would probably be best off with an i815E based board, such as the ASUS CUSL2-C, or the MSI 815E.

 

[ukDave]

i agree. i think a Duron wold be ideal. They are mch better than celerons and are dirt cheap too. There is no point going for a PIII500 because they are just so expensive, and hard to get hold of. I would get the following:

Abit KT7 with a 700 or 800 Duron. This would be cheap and would give excellent performance for the price.

If this ain't acceptable then go for a Quad PIII 1Ghz, 32GB RAM, 2TB of Hard disk space and a 42" plasma screen TV. Maybe slightly more expensive however.

 

[rkoenn]

I build systems for end users and I agree with the others here, the Duron is probably the best deal for what you need. Since you aren't playing games or such, it is much better than a celeron and cheaper for the same speed. I am building most of my Duron systems with 800 MHz CPUs, probably the best price/performance ratio now. Use a motherboard based on the Via KT133 chipset which you should be able to get for under $100. Try MSI, Chaintech, DFI, etc. for a decent board. Then add a Radeon 32MB SDR or GE Force MX card for less than $100. If these are too expensive, I have had good luck with the PC Chips 810 LM board which uses an integrated SIS chipset and includes sound, ether, video, and modem on the board. Not a machine for a gamer but plenty fast enough for office work. Good luck.

 

[birddog]

I'd go with a PIII 700 or 750 (they cost about the same now -- check pricewatch.com) on a Abit VH6-II. This Combo should cost you around $200. The VH6-II (or origional VH6 if you can find one) has on-board sound (which will be good enough since you don't game) that can be disabled if you wish. Put in a basic 8-16MB video card for $40 & your all set to go. The VH6-II & the PIII 700 is a real good overclocking combo if you ever want to try it in the future. I just built a system for my sister & brother-in-law on this board (using my old PIII 550) with a voodoo 3 that I picked up for $25 in the forsale/for trade forum.