Nforce2 Mobo Choice - EPOX 8RDA3I?

[Froid64]

I am building an inexpensive computer for my kids. I already have an Athlon XP 2600+ processor, a stick of Kingston PC4000 512MB HyperX memory(will get 2nd stick later for dual channel), an ATI Radeon 9200 128MB Video, a 100GB HD, etc...

I am working on finding a great value on a motherboard. I have always had good luck with the Nforce chipset motherboards. I have built 4 or 5 systems with the Epox 8RDA.. series of motherboards. I can get a new 8RDA3I for just under $60 (delivered) from Newegg. I don't want to invest a ton of money in this motherboard. Anybody know of a better choice for the $$? I see some cheaper Biostar & Chaintech motherboards on the market. I don't have any experience with them.

I appreciate everyone's opinion on this motherboard choice. Thanks!

 

[skeedo]

Epox is nice but I have seen more reliable boards, if it's just for your kids and you aren't overclocking you might want to go with Asus, I rate them #1 in stability. ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe is a superb board and it's 60 bux as well.

 

[Froid64]

I have built many systems with ASUS boards. Most recently, I have used the P4P-800 & P4C-800 mobo's for P4 builds. I certainly would purchase the ASUS A7N8X-E Deluxe for $60. Unfortunately, I am finding this board to be in the $85-90 range. Do you have a link where I can get this board for $60?

Thanks for you response.

 

[Froid64]

Any thoughts on the Shuttle AN35N-Ultra? It appears to be low on features (no SATA) and low on price. However, I have read some good reviews on this board. I had a bad experience with a Shuttle board and so I am somewhat skeptical.

Anybody got any options on the Epox 8RDA3I, the Shuttle AN35N-Ultra, or other inexpensive dual channel Nforce2 boards?

 

[skeedo]

Search for A7n8X-E on pricewatch...it's looking like just the bare board is 80 bux, they always screw you like that by making the upgrade to the retail box extra.

 

[arswihart]

the a7n8x-e is no better than any epox mobo, period. Asus has never made a board that appealed to me more than some other company, they are mass market type boards, irritating inconveniences are often revealed in their boards, but not before many people have bought them and decided to become asus fanboys