New motherboard recommendation?

[jjlawren]

I've been looking to get a new MB for a while, and I've been planning on getting an A64 all the way. Now I'm not so sure, seeing how cheap the XP and Mobiles are. I don't need something deadly fast, just something that will play HL2 and the new games fairly comfortably (and yes, I'll be getting a new video card soon).

But what's important to me is the features. SATA, good onboard sound (with SPDIF out, don't worry), ethernet/drives removed from PCI bus if possible, etc. Also, a board that supports PowerNow! would be great, since I have this in my room running all the time, and saving on the heat/noise would be perfect. As far as I know, that's only on the A64, though.

One last thing, is that it has to be able to hold a big heatsink, probably something like the Zalman CNPS7000A-Cu. Like I said, I'd like to keep noise to a minimum. And no, I don't plan on overclocking much. Quiet is more important than bleeding edge, as long as it runs fast enough for what I need.

 

[CraigRT]

I personally say. simply wait for the K8T800 Pro boards (I think maybe even 1 or 2 are already out) or the NForce3 250 boards... and once they hit, make your decision then...

does anyone have a list of the K8T800 Pro boards or NF3 250 boards that are out already?

I could have sworn there were a couple... but I can't recall.

 

[Zap]

Only the newest VIA chipset boards will have SATA off PCI bus. Not sure where NIC is connected, but AFAIK only Intel CSA and that new Nforce3 250GB has the direct-to-chipset route. The AXP Mobiles can have multiplier changed in Windows through some 3rd party utility. The Zalman needs the mounting holes around the CPU. If not present on an AXP board, then you can use Thermalrigth heatsinks with a reasonable (or variable) fan.

In the end, not sure if there's one single platform that gives you everything you want. Closest one available RIGHT NOW would be a P4 platform. The CPU would be more like A64 price and no way to lower CPU speed from Windows, but you can get your CSA network, Southbridge SATA, digital outs, Zalman HSF support.

 

[jjlawren]

Originally posted by: CraigRT
I personally say. simply wait for the K8T800 Pro boards (I think maybe even 1 or 2 are already out) or the NForce3 250 boards... and once they hit, make your decision then...

does anyone have a list of the K8T800 Pro boards or NF3 250 boards that are out already?

I could have sworn there were a couple... but I can't recall.

A list of these would be great. Any idea when these will most likely hit stores?

Also, will Socket 939 actually make any performance improvements compared to the current Socket 754 design?