Overwhelmed by MB choices - P3 1GHz Recommendation, anyone?

[johnalexander]

Hi all -

I am planning to upgrade my PC, and would like to take advantage of many existing components (primarily hard drives, AGP graphics, and 168-pin DIMMs). So, looks like the P4 is out (memory incompatible).

But, it's been a while since I've done this, and WOW! I'm overwhelmed at the plethora of MB choices... I would like to build a Pentium III-based system, 1GHz or better, and my gut tells me the Intel chipset (815?) is the better choice, but I could be wrong (comments?). I would like to stick with the ATX form factor and will get an "Intel-certified" case, if need be. I am willing to spend money for quality, but only within reason. If it's too much I might as well not build my own, you know?

Any recommendations on this? The Gigabyte GA-60X caught my eye, but there are certainly several others.

I searched the MB articles on ANANDTECH, and there are NONE that review any of the Intel 815 chipset boards, otherwise I would not have posted here. Thanks in advance!

 

[hammerhed]

AsusTek CUSL2 (or one of its descendants) would be my suggestion. It may not be the best performer, but its a great board.

 

[AndyHui]

Go with the ASUS TUSL2-C. It's just becoming available now.

 

[zephyrprime]

But the tualatin (sp?) is out now so you may want to take a look at it. I believe it uses the 845 chipset?

 

[AndyHui]

No...the Tualatin uses the modified i815....B-stepping, AKA i815EG/B.

The i845 is the SDR/DDR Brookdale chipset for the Pentium 4.

 

[Athlon4all]

Well he just did a round up of 815EP B-Stepping today. I'd go with CUSL2-C for sure, it's da best.

 

[Jennifer66]

Abit vh62 or vh6t.
They are very good and only around $80.00
I run mine at 163mhz 4x agp, 4way interleave.
No 512mb limit, agp works in 4x over 140mhz, no cold boot problems and the bios is not soldered to the board.