Need recommendations for Ultra Stable Socket A MoBo

[2336]

Folks,
I'm looking to build my daughter a socket A T-Bird rig and would like to get your recommendations on the most cost effective, reliable and ULTRA STABLE socket A motherboard. Overclocking will not be a priority, but some overclocking ability would be nice - Dad's got to be able to play with it too, right?! Also, I've heard that there are some video cards that have conflicts with or don't run well with the T-Birds, any comments there would be welcome as well. Thanks in advance!


RGR

 

[Pyro]

i would guess the MSI k7T turbo would be the most stable/cost effective. Plus it virtually jumperless.

I think all major video cards get along with VIA chipsets, but traditionally ATI hasnt been gettign along that well..

 

[2336]

Thanks Pyro, I was looking at the K7T Pro 2A but my pockets aren't that deep. Your recommendation of the K7T Turbo sounds good to me - I'm kinda partial to MSI MoBos, although I love my P3V4X too. As far as the video card recommendation goes, I just snagged a V5 5500 for a decent price and figured she might like that. Anyone else have any recommendations? I'd love to hear from you! Thanks again Pyro.


RGR

 

[goggleax]

I'm a little confused, aren't the K7T Turbo's more $ than the K7T Pro 2A's or am I confused?

Either way, I have a brand new Pro2A that I am trying to sell for $115 shipped. I have two buyt only "need" one. Just tested this not DOA.

PM me if you have any interest. Just saw the topic and thought I'd offer...

 

[Pyro]

no prob

and yeah, the Turbos will probably be $10-15 more, but you get SO much more. No only more performance, but also awesome stability, more than previous ones....

 

[Uthiroid]

But what about stability with USB devices, as well as ACPI support? I have built 3 systems for friends with kt133 sets and duron/tbirds, and it seems each had its own usb/acpi headache- not to mention phantom reboots. Does anybody have a motherboard that does what it's supposed to do, in addition to be able to multiplier adjustment?

 

[Informant X]

Are you looking for KT133A or KT133 chipset mobo? If your looking for KT133A which i would definitly get over KT133 here is what you should get for stablity.
1. MSI KT7 TURBO-R
2. ASUS A7V133
3.The rest

I think most everyone would agree with this list...especially the first two.

 

[CraigRT]

A7V133!!! my next mobo!!!!

 

[LXi]

MSI K7T Turbo and Asus A7V133 are the most stable Socket A motherboards.

 

[2336]

Thanks for the input folks!

 

[CichliSuite]

Why is everyone so Abit/MSI?

Epox!!!!!

Cheaper and just as good. From a price standpoint, it kicks ASS.

 

[Uthiroid]

I agree that Epox is good and economical- but have you had any problems with weird reboots from cold boots? i heard there were some problems across the line with those boards, and the 8kta+ i just built did it too- even before overclocking. what gives?

 

[PassatVR6]

I have the EPOX EP-KTA3 (KT133A) board w/ Tbird 850 o/c to 970mhz and I have had no probs with it at all. Last night i set Sisoft Sandra CPU BUrn in wizard to loop continuously all night and when i woke up it was still going without a hitch. The board is a really good deal.

-Matt