Need recommendations for a STABLE mobo for my xp1700+

[RU482]

Actually, it's for my lab at work. Currently have 4 machines built up with XP1700+, 512 Crucial PC2100, maxtor 80G ATA133 drives, ECS sis315 video cards, liteon CDburners and ECS K7S5A mobos.

I'm kicking my self for trying to save an extra few bucks and going with the ECS mobo, because now I am having stability issues with one of the machines. The machine runs and application which is fairly CPU intensive (~50%+ load all the time). I've got good cooling, so I don't think that's an issue. I've got good memory, so I'm ruling that out. The weakest link is the mobo, IMO.


Any recommendations on a replacement for this one>?

 

[DT4K]

I had some minor but irritating problems with my K7S5A, so I sent it back and got an Epox 8KHA+. It ran perfectly stable and fast for 3 months until I broke it with a screwdriver trying to install a new HSF. I now have an Abit KR7A-Raid that I got for $64 at Directron.com(great deal). I've used it for about 3 or 4 months and I like it even more than the Epox (mostly due to better placement of the CPU socket and power connector). It is rock stable.

I would strongly recommend either of those boards. They were the Gold and Silver winners in Anandtech's KT266A board roundup in the spring. Only real difference is my Abit has raid, but you probably don't need that. Also the Epox has onboard audio and the Abit doesn't. People say the sound quality of the onboard sucks, but it was fine for me.

I haven't paid much attention to mobos since spring, so I can't comment on the newer ones. You might look at the KT333 or KT400 boards. But the performance difference is probably minimal, especially if you want to keep your PC2100. And you can probably find some good deals on those two boards. I've had great customer service at Newegg.com and Directron.com

 

[rayma2]

I have a Epox 8KHA+. with a xp 1600+. It has run great for me with no problems. I have a gf2, crucial ram and a WD and IBM harddrives on it.

 

[dajo]

I have two MSI KT3 Ultra boards and I really like them. They have been rock solid.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

MSI K7T266 Pro-2 w/1600+ for me..This has been the absolute most stable reliable board I have EVER owned. So good in fact, that I am now afraid to upgrade this combo for fear of not being able to reproduce this kind of reliability again.:Q , But I know I will eventually

 

[LordSnailz]

weird, I was just about to post the exact same thread requesting for some suggestion on a stable mobo. since my ECS is acting up on me.

Can you guys include the approximate prices and what is the highest cpu/ram speed each mobo. would support?

Thanks for the help!

 

[DT4K]

Well, I originally paid $104 for my 8KHA+ in like February or March. When I broke it around August, I was going to replace it with and identical board. But the best price I found then was $92 and I found the Abit KR7A-Raid for $64 at Directron.com for retail box. That was just too good of a deal to pass up. Those two boards were my top two choices when I built my system in February. The reason I initially got the Epox was because it was a little cheaper and had on-board sound so I didn't have to buy a sound card. When I replaced it, I got the Abit and a Soundblaster Live 5.1 for the same price as the Epox.

Haven't looked lately, so just check around. Newegg.com is my favorite vendor. They have an excellent return policy and have always been reliable and fast. I have only ordered from Directron once, but they seemed to be fine.