Ready to buy...almost

[PsillyDude]

AMD OR INTEL; the age old dispute:


The case is on order: Antec 635 w/antec 350W ps.
The crucial memory is here: 256MB DDR266 (if I have to go rambus, at least it's not big$$$)

from old PC:
HD from old PC (Maxtor 7200 30GB)
SB Live x-gamer
ATI All-in-Wonder Radeon


The missing piece of the puzzle; what MB to go with; not to mention CPU. (I'm still afraid of AMD issues; heat,MB probs.,etc.)

If AMD (XP1800) (first choice) either Epox (EP-8KHA+) or Shuttle (AK31A) (seems the best bet for K266a boards now), but I'm not ruling out an AMD based (761) board.

If Intel (P-4 1.8) (close second choice since prices have come down to reality): Anyone have any insight into the ECS SiS645 P4S5A: saw this on newegg for 88.00. I'd like to be able to use my DDR memory if I decide to go the Intel route, and this seems to be the only SiS645 available right now (not to mention it supports DDR333).


Stability and compatibility are my MAIN concerns. I don't mind giving up a little CPU performance in place of stability and reliability.

OK, AMD fans flame away, but I'm still not convinced AMD rigs are as stable and compatable w/misc. hardware as Intel. Tell me otherwise.

Peace, and thanks for the feedback.

 

[AMDPwred]

I have both systems (P4 at work, T-Bird at home) and I would say this. If you have the money to blow, get the P4. If your on a budget, get the AMD. As for AMD mobos, I have the Shuttle and love it. Great board for a great price!

 

[PsillyDude]

AMDPwrd:

What MB do you use with your P-4?

 

[Transistor]

If you are really concerned about stability and compatibility, then go with the 845 or 850 motherboard by Intel. An Intel processor on an Intel motherboard with an Intel chipset is probably the most stable and compatible you can get.

Otherwise go with the AMD processor and the EPoX EP-8KHA+ motherboard. That's the one I would choose.

 

[AMDPwred]

<< What MB do you use with your P-4? >>



At work I have a Dell, so I have no clue. All I know is it's plenty fast and very quiet.

 

[ikar0s]

If you decide to go AMD, go with the Shuttle AK31A or the Epox 8KHA+, and pair either one with an Athlon XP 1600/1700.

If you decide to go Intel, go with the aforementioned ECS P4S5A and a P4 1.7GHz Socket 478. The ECS board is a great performer, and is solid too. You might want to stick with 256MB PC2100 for now, so you can buy 512MB of PC2700 when it comes out (to take full advantage of the motherboard), or you can always buy some Corsair PC2400 and run the RAM over spec (the Corsair modules should hit 166MHz w/ no issues).

 

[PsillyDude]

I hear you Transistor.

What Intel based MB would you buy? I really wouldn't consider an 845 chipset because of the SDR memory. How about the SiS 645? I saw some reviews, and it about matches the performance or the intel 850 chipset. (supports DDR333).


Peace

 

[PsillyDude]

ikar0s,


Thanks for the feedback. That was my intention exactly. I figure I can use the DDR266 now, and upgrade in the future, maybe with a faster CPU, and add DDR333 (or whatever comes next).

Peace