Need New MB & CPU

[wmcguire93]

My pc locked up yesterday and now it will not reboot.

My current system is an Epox 8KHA+ motherboard with an AMD Athlon 1700+ processor.

I believe it might only be the processor. When I powered the computer back up I did smell an ?electric charge? type odor. The motherboard itself looks to be operational. It has an LCD display and the post code reads ?FF?, which is the code it gives during the boot-up process. However, it does not try to go any further.

I am looking for a quick replacement. When I built this system three years ago I had plenty of time to shop and do research on what exactly I wanted. Unfortunately, I have pressing need of a computer at my home and do not have the time to research new motherboards thoroughly.

I need suggestions for a good MB/CPU combo. I currently have 512MB of PC2100. It would be good if the MB supported this.



Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Ike0069]

Welcome.
First, the highest AMD processor that runs at 266 FSB, is XP 2400+. Any socket A MB will work if you are looking for a cheap fast solution.

What is your budget, how long do you plan to use it and for what applications?

 

[Aspenth]

Well, I certainly can reommend a processor which is the AMD 64 3500 90nm, which is a great processor with excellent overclocking potential, as for mobos, from my experience any abit board is good.

 

[Bonesdad]

What do you use the PC for? Gaming? or lighter stuff? What is your budget? Any room in budget or desire to upgrade other components?

You can pick up a decent NForce2 motherboard for $50 and a Sempron CPU for around $70. There are some real inexpensive combos out there too. I saw a Biostar mobo with a Sempron 2200+ for $90 at newegg.

 

[wmcguire93]

I would like to keep the price about $300. I would rather upgrade as much as possible for that price. Most likely it will be quite some time before I can upgrade again.

Is there a big difference in the socket types? I.e. socket 754 vs. 939.


Edit: I am into gaming, but I do not need the top of the line right now. Just something that will run decently.

 

[SrGuapo]

Epox "9NDA3+" and an Athlon 64 3000+ winchester. That will run you about $280. The 3000+ is an excellent OCer (it will top out around the same as a 3500+). I assume you only have PC2100 RAM though, which means you will have to run a big divider...