Need recommendation for basic motherboard

[fibes]

A build for a friend. Needs to be very basic and most important stable. Might do some mild overclocking of the processor, but that's about it. CPU to be used either XP2000 to XP2600(haven't decided as of yet). System to be used for light gaming, word processing and the internet. Here are my choices the I have knocked it down to:

Asus

Gigabyte

It a budget machine, so I would like to keep the costs down. I don't really want to spend more than $60.00

Thanks!

Edit: see below

 

[mechBgon]

If you don't mind my saying so, you seem to ask this question about once every 3-4 weeks, or one very similar. Maybe your memory's a little spotty

Anyway, my nominee is still the Shuttle AN35N Ultra

 

[fibes]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
If you don't mind my saying so, you seem to ask this question about once every 3-4 weeks, or one very similar. Maybe your memory's a little spotty

Anyway, my nominee is still the Shuttle AN35N Ultra

Your absolutely correct (about asking this question once every 3-4 weeks. My memory might be spotty at times, but that's ususally the case when my wife asks me to do some "honey-do's" ). I'm seriously considering your choice of the Shuttle, but I just like getting everyone's opinion and leaving my options open. I guess you can say I'm indecisive too...

By the way, I like your photo guide for 1st-time PC builders. That's a great tool.

 

[mechBgon]

"Spotty" was a cheetah joke

Anyway, I like having voltage adjustability for the RAM in this day and age, where PC3200 sometimes needs a little extra voltage for stability, and I know the Shuttle has that. An ATX12V connector is also a desirable feature these days. It may be good to download and read the owner's manuals for the boards you're looking at. In fact... lessee here...

*rummages in mobo-manual collection*

Ok: A7V8X-X has no ATX12V hookup... and... no memory voltage adjustments either (according to the manual)

and the Gigabyte I unfortunately don't have the manual for On 56k dial-up, it's no small chore fetching them, so if you're less bandwidth-challenged than I am, you might check into that. edit: I can see from Newegg's photos that the Gigabyte does have an ATX12V fitting up at the top-rear corner at least.

 

[mechBgon]

I got the Gigabyte's manual and it doesn't appear to have memory-voltage adjustments either. If you pick a board that has no memory-voltage adjustments, then you might be smart to stick with PC2700, which is probably going to like the default 2.5 volts just fine.

 

[w00t]

asus's middle name is stable
they are both good company's in my opinon cant go wrong with asus though. still for some reason Dfi is my favorite i think its because it always has what i want everything a gamer would want and how it looks and the nice UV slot colors. they take pride it what they build and i like that.

also, my friend has the asus board witha 2500, fx5200, 512mb of ram he likes it pm me if u want his aim you can talk to him about it and stuff

 

[ChineseDemocracyGNR]

The ASUS A7V8X-X is not a good board.

For under $60 you can get a KT880 board from ASUS, ASRock, MSI or Soltek. I haven't heard anything about that Gigabyte motherboard, but the ASRock K7Upgrade-880 has great value. It has memory voltage adjustments, though they're a little limited.

 

[osage]

Anyway, my nominee is still the Shuttle AN35N Ultra

what mechBgon said.

 

[CraigRT]

I'd suggest looking for a Soltek SL-75FRN2-L, should be able to find one for around that price if you look!

 

[fibes]

I purchased the Shuttle AN35N Ultra. Thanks!

 

[leigh6]

The power of 18,000 posts.

 

[fibes]

I just put together my friends system. Everything seems to be working great. I have my Thoroughbred CPU oc'd from 1.67 to 1.93Mhz(2600+ speeds). I've had Prime95 torture test (blend) running for about 5 hours now, and no erors so far. I'm running the stock AMD heatsink with 1-120mm intake and 2-80mm exhaust in an AMS gMONO case. Current idle temps are 48c/1.6V CPU voltage @ 12.5 x 154, according to SiSoftware Sandra.

My question is should I push the CPU more or do you think I am at my CPU limit?

At this point, I guess my only concern is the CPU temps. If it creeps above 50c at idle, I personally think that's too high.

P.S. The budget can only manage the stock heatsink and fan, so no aftermarket heatsinks will be purchased.

Thanks!:beer:

 

[freshspace]

Originally posted by: fibes
I purchased the Shuttle AN35N Ultra. Thanks!

Yeah, well..., listening to mechBgon is a good thing. That's a fine choice, although I'm running Soltek SL-75FRN2-L and I love this board.

I wouldn't OC anymore if heat is the issue, althogh I can overclock my 2100+ Thoroubred B core to 2.4gig (12x 200) at 1.825 Vcore, and heat is not an issue. THAT is because I have an aftermarket Thermalright copper heatsink with a 92mm Sanyo Denki fan. You can get ALX800 (Al+Cu) for about $7. I thought I saw it at one of those cooling places, coolergarage or svc. You will be happier (and cooler) with a better heatsink and a larger fan.