Reliable first time project mobo

[Patenter]

I'm going to set my son (age 13) up with some funding (about $400-600) to build a computer using some of my extra stuff (e.g., video card, audio card, HDs, monitor, speaker, etc.). He's never built a computer and I would like it to go as smoothly as possible. I would also like for the resulting computer to be "new" enough to last a couple of years. Any motherboard suggestions would be kindly received -- thanks!

 

[2336]

My vote goes for an MSI 6309. Socket 370 and it will handle the FC-PGA PIIIs and newer Celerons. The only jumper on the board is for resetting the CMOS. This was the MoBo I used for my very first build and I couldn't have been happier. The newer versions of the 6309 can also handle the newer Tualatin PIIIs I believe, so it should last for a good 3-5 years. Also, rock-solid reliability and stability. Later on when he's ready for it the 6309 also allows for some limited overclocking. Hope that helps.

 

[ShinSa]

Try an Intel mobo as the mobo itself does not have mnay options which is good for people who are not overclocking or trying to avoid all those bios hassles.

Intel mobos are probably the most stable board out of all IMO

 

[o1die]

The following suggestions are available at newegg.com. Pentium 4 1.6a $133, epox 4sda mobo $86, micron pc2100 non-ecc ddram $86. Go into the bios when you first boot up and set the cpu fsb to 133 in the frequency/voltage control section, and chances are your system will run at 2133 megahurtz.

 

[Goose77]

most rock solid is ASUS boards... cant go wrong with those boards and the manual is great. And know ABIT has become good enough to suggest them...

give me a little more info on what type of computer you want to use (AMD/INTEL) and i can be more specific on the type of board to use form each of these companies.