nForce for a cheap, reliable system?

[ctucker]

Is it safe to use the nForce chipset now as a cheap system? I get the impression that the nForce has had it's share of problems.. have they basically been fixed? I'm just looking for a cheap system for my sister.. the A7N266-VM for $69 at mwave looks like a good idea. I'd rather get an ATX board instead of micro ATX, but this'll work fine if you guys give me a "go".

 

[RPMK104]

I built a PC for my dad with a 1600+ XP and the A7N266 mobo. Runs flawlessly! Just remember to get all the updated drivers! Good luck!

 

[mechBgon]

I now have 19 nForce 220D systems using the Asus A7N266-VM at work. Don't cheese out on RAM quality (Crucial PC2100 baby ) or the power supply (make it an Antec SL300, Sparkle Power FSP300 or Enermax 300 or 365) and you've got a nice all-around system for schoolwork and lighter 3D gaming (Half-Life, etc), with superb full-blown SoundStorm 5.1 audio, onboard LAN... hard to beat for the money. It will not score very high on 3DMark2001, around 1500-2000, so if she gets into heavy 3D gaming then you'll want to plug in an AGP card.

 

[ctucker]

One more question: Will a microATX board fit in an ATX case?

Thanks

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

yeah
there are usually holes for standoffs in an atx case for all size cases

 

[bgeh]

the nforce is a stable system
and a microatx board will fit a atx case
hope this helps

 

[ctucker]

Thanks for the help everyone!

I've sent off my order to newegg for an xp1600+, 256mb crucial DDR, maxtor 40gb 7200rpm, sparkle 300w power supply, and the asus board totalling about $300 (I'm salvaging her old case, floppy and CD-RW). That abit bh6 with a celeron 300a@450 sure has treated me well, but its time is up

Not a bad price for a system for a 15 year old who mainly just IMs and downloads MP3s.

 

[eyeguy]

Excellent MB. I have it running 3 weeks no reboots. Athlon xp 1800 retail 40degrees C. If gateway used it they would trash Dell.....
I've paid more than $75 for a video card that is not as fast or a soundblaster that is not as good - it is like everything is FREE. Death to Intel.