Need rec for Socket A MB --want a Ferrari, but only know how to ride a bike

[stingygrrl]

I have never built a PC, and want to do that in the next few months. I would like a stable system which will be my primary PC for a couple of years, & which will give me a chance to learn about the things you guys are talking about. I would like to OC but don't really know how- so perhaps I'll do some beginner's OC.
RAID is not even on the table right now.

Also, I was thinking that a good MB with a 133A chipset would get me thru the next upgrade cycle? Or should I just go for something that's already obsolete (VIA 133 not A)??
As far as CPU, I guess an Athlon 1 Ghtz 200FSB? Not sure. I want to get over 1 Ghz, one way or the other.
So basically, I don't want to buy a Ferrari to drive to the corner grocery store.

Thx

 

[stultus]

<< in the next few months >>



Times, they are a-changin'. It's bad to recommend parts to you now (even chipsets) if you aren't going to buy for the next few months. DDR ram may be the next greatest thing after various issues are ironed out. I recommend reading tech sites like Anand's to get an idea what's going on for the next couple months. That, and lurk in these forums ;-)

When the time comes for you to buy, you'll have a better idea what you want.

 

[KevinH]

Yeah stingy, I'm going to second Stultus. I know it seems like the &quot;next&quot; best thing is right around the corner, but we're really on the cusp of some changes. With DDR becoming more widely available, I'd suggest sitting tight for another month or two. Like the guy always says on overclockers.com, prudence is always the best approach to upgrading. This way, at least you'll have a system that will stick with you for a long time. Likewise, with the GF3 about to hit the stores as well, that's yet another reason to just hang tight .

K

 

[stingygrrl]

I guess I will sit tight. I know I prob can't afford DDR the first year or 2 until the price comes comes down like RAM has recently, and I suppose that waiting till those boards comes out will make the prices on current boards drop.

I also read on usenet news that re future compatibility, that Abit is better than Asus because the new AMD chips need lower voltages, like 1.1 and Asus doesn't go there. The article was over my head, but that's my summary of the conclusion they draw. Thanks, I'll lurk for a while here. I spend most of my time on the hot deals side.. Abit sounds great on paper, except the high RMA and problems rate.

 

[cipher00]

Right, so wait until it's time to part with your ca$h. Meanwhile, I believe that Monarch Computerwill assemble a mobo and chip for you to make sure it works. Should help cut down on RMAs, I guess. Might not be a bad idea for boards that have a quality rap?