Should I buy a K7S5A or wait.

[Warthog]

The upgrade bug has me. I could buy a refurbished K7S5A for $35 plus a XP1600 for $55. That's a real cheap upgrade from my P3 700. However, I really like the 8k3A+ and the new NForce2. However, I think I will get a great performace gain for $90. (I plan on using my PC133 RAM for a while) What should I do?

Also, what's a cheap, but good HS/Fan to buy for the 1600 if I go that route.

 

[o1die]

If that's newegg, they have a coolermaster heatsink for only $7 plus $4 shipping that should work fine (good for up to xp1900). I have my doubts about a refurbished k7s5a, but for $35, it's probably worth a try. Just keep your old p3 mobo-cpu, just in case.

 

[Warthog]

I read the Newegg refurbished policy. Sounds kind of risky, may be worth the extra $18. Although I still have the NForce2 issue to think about. If they ever start producing them. However, I am sure they will be in the $100's when they first come out.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

TCWO has some good CPU and fan prices, check 'em out.

Apparantly Newegg pays return shipping on RMAs now? I'm not quite sure, but it might be worth it to go with the refurb if they'll cover the return shipping if it arrives borken. Of course then time is the only potential disadvantage of owning a refurb. You gotta ask yourself if the $18 is worth waiting a week or two (if it arrives broken that is).

I'd probably end up taking the risk and going with the refurb. $18 is $18 you know $53 is a damn good price for a new motherboard though.

 

[Buz2b]

I've gotten two refurbs from NewEgg so far and both have been fine. My recommendation would be to give it a try but make sure you have all the "basic" parts together so that you can test the MB ASAP when it arrives. Then, you'll know and have the time to do the RMA if needed. That's what I did but in both cases, they were fine. On the second one, I don't think the MB was even opened. The anti-static bag was still "factory" sealed. Yoohoo, my gain!

 

[Warthog]

Would the drivers for the SIS 735 chipset come on the Windows XP CD? That would be my biggest concern, if a refurbished MB came with no drivers. Other than that, I have cables.

 

[Buz2b]

Not sure about XP having the drivers needed but am pretty sure not all of them are included. I got them all from the OC Workbench ECS Forum. A good place for all your needs for that MB. The answers to your question(s) will be found there.