Please tell me which mobo to buy

[Topshelf]

I need to buy a new motherboard for my bro-in-laws system. I need the MOST STABLE board out there. I don't want any more phone calls. He's running an AMD XP1600, V5 5500, 256MB Crucial PC2100. I'd like something with good performance obviously, but proven stabililty is the main concern. I've been out of the loop for awhile now, so I don't know the best way to go. Onboard sound/Lan would be nice, but not neccessary. Was looking at the Epox 8KHA+, but I'm open to any better suggestions.

Thanks

 

[Buz2b]

Unfortunately you haven't gotten many (none to this point) suggestions. Most likely because this is such an "opinion based" question and answer, but I'll stick my 2 cents worth in anyway. The EpoX you menioned should be fine. I am not a big fan of EpoX but there are many, many devoted users of that brand. I am an ASUS user and have always been a proponent of their boards. They always seem to build good quality, stable platforms. Any current flavor of ASUS should give you the stability you are looking for. Good choices would be the A7N266 & A7N266-E (N-Force 420 series)or the A7V333 (which would give him more future expandability w/DDR333). Mind you these will be a bit "pricey", but you didn't mention a limit on cost.
Another option would be what I am using currently; the A7M266. Now, I know I might be hammered for saying that but it is a rock solid, stable platform. Yes, it is almost ancient compared to the current offerings but it was one of the best boards of it's "generation", runs DDR- PC2100 RAM, runs AMD XP CPU's (with correct BIOS), has AGP 4X, etc,etc. The best part is that they can now be had for well under $100. I saw them at Fry's in N. Cal for only $69!! I have been running mine 24/7 for just over a year (I paid $158 for mine then) without so much as a hiccup. What more do you need? Well anyway, I just thought I would mention that as a "third alternative". Good luck in your search.

 

[Peter]

Stability is not a function of the mainboard alone. You need proper CPU cooling and an adequate power supply unit as well.

On the mainboard front, matured product like the ECS K7S5A would be a safe bet, bringing LAN and sound as well. Sure, faster boards have come out by now, but you wanted to play safe, didn't you?

regards, Peter

 

[KouklatheCat]

I bought an Epox 8kha+ with a lot of skepticism. I thought it was a cheap board and I would get cheap performance. I love my 8kha+, it rocks.

 

[crapito]

I second the Epox 8KHA+ recommendation as it's the best socketA motherboard I've ever owned. cheap, fast, and easy to modify. I've build 2 systems with ECS K5S7A motherboards and these are really cheap and easy to setup as there are almost no BIOS options to play around with. for myself, I'd rather have the 8KHA+ board, but building a computer for another, I prefer the ECS, simply due to its simplicity.

 

[Tom]

Don't get me wrong, I have a Voodoo5 5500 myself and it works very well, but going into the future as new software comes out it is going to be hard to have a trouble free system using a Voodoo5 5500 I would think.
If your brother-in-law doesn't plan to use newer software then it's probably not an issue.

 

[Topshelf]

Thanks guys. I think I'll stick with the Epox then. I've looked at that ECS, but I think the Epox will be the better choice. I can only pray that this fixes everything now.

And I know the V5 is outdated, but it's so hard to get rid of video card that really never had any problems. Hell, I still got mine running perfectly in my system. One of these days we'll swap that out, but for now he's fine.

Thanks again.
Top

 

[Topshelf]

Actually, what wouls be the better choice? THe Epox or this Gigabyte GA-7VRXP?

 

[KouklatheCat]

I can not speak about the Gigabyte but I sure do love my Epox.

 

[t4t3r]

8kha+ rocks. i bought mine in november of last year, and i have had zero problems with it. the shuttle ak31a is an older 266a board, but it is only like $70. it has comparable performance to the epox. soyo makes a good k7v dragon+, but it is a little more expensive than these. all three would be good choices, so all you have to do is pick the one your budget will allow. hope this helps!




t4t3r