Should I get an ASUS A7V266-E (VIA KT266A) or a Shuttle AK31 Revision 3.1 (VIA KT266A)?

[Zero In]

I'm planning to upgrade these components from my current computer.

- AMD Athlon XP 1600+ (1.40GHz)
- ASUS A7V266-E (VIA KT266)
- DDR266 (PC2100) CAS 2.5 - 512MB
- Maxtor 60GB D740X ATA/133 HD 7200RPM
- Sound Blaster Audigy DE
- Creative Inspire 5.1 5300

What do you think? I already have a DVD drive. Could you recommend a cost effective but fast and reliable CDRW Drive?

 

[Adul]

i think i would go with a KT266a based MB instead

KT266a is a much faster chipset then the 266
The usb problems have been ironed out
And over the chipset is very stable.

Shuttle, epox and MSI have some solid boards out on this chipset.

 

[DeusMeridius]

I second that. kt266a is the way to go. My shuttle rocks! Completely stable and extremely fast. Dont settle for the 266!

 

[Atlantean]

Plextor makes good cdrw drive. What about the video card? Gigabyte makes good mobo's as well. Maybe look at the ga-7dxr.

 

[Zero In]

Ok, which 266A board should I go for? Shuttle?

Oh, graphics card, me gettin a Radeon 8500

 

[FiveDoubleO]

ahem

As far as the VIA KT266, it was a rushed product in my opion.
If you want a VIA product go for the VIA KT226a, the revison of the 266, as stated.
I think the three current boards out on the KT266a might also be rushed products in their own.
KT266a Article & Boards
The above article should be read before purchasing a KT226a board at this time.

You might want to look into a bit more proven platform this time the AMD 761 chipset.
Your pick now ASUS sells this board, A7M266, based on this 761 chipset.
Twenty bucks cheaper in most cases and hardly any performance lost.
That twenty bucks could be two cases of beer and plenty worth it. =P

OR wait for other mobo makers to release a KT266a board.

If you go that route id just wait for the Nforce boards.

Just my humble opion and enjoy the new rig.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I just 10 mins ago ordered a shuttle 266a and a Lite-on 24-10-40 cdrw. From what I have read I don't think you can go wrong with those. Everbody keeps saying the Lite-On drive is just as good as the much more expensive plextor.

 

[Viper2000]

- ASUS A7V266-E (VIA KT266)

What am I missing i thought the the Asus A7V266-E used the the KT266A Chipset.

Was thinking about buying one myself but maybe not if its just the KT266.

 

[Zero In]

Sorry, my mistake. The ASUS A7V266-E HAS a KT266A chipset.

So, is the Asus mobo better than Shuttle's?

 

[Zero In]

How much is the Lite-On 24/10/40?

I also heard that there is a 32X/12X/40X version. So what abou that one?

 

[Zero In]

Oh yea, since the Maxtor 60GB D740X ATA/133 HD 7200RPM is an ATA/133 drive, would it automatically run at ATA/100 on current mobos?

 

[Jiggz]

Yes it's backward compatible to ATA 100/66/33.

 

[AMDPwred]

You could get two Shuttle AK31A ($80 each) for the price of one ASUS A7V266-E ($160). I just switched from an ASUS A7V133 to my Shuttle and quaility/performance/stability hasn't changed one bit. I'd say go with the Shuttle. Great board for an awesome price.

 

[The Sauce]

The Lite-on drive is $93 at newegg.

 

[Miramonti]

The Asus A7M is reliable but downside is that it can't be overclocked.

The liteon 24x is between $80 and $100 - visit the hotdeals board here for the best deals on it. It seems to be doing great for everyone, including me.

 

[DickBurns]

Asus a7v266-e is the best kt266a mobo imho. Great for overclocking and genersal quality and stability. The shuttle is a good deal for the money. Here is how it breaks down....I bought the asus for myself (should be arriving tommorow) and I am going to go with the shuttle for my dad, who is not as concerned with o/c and the other bells and wistles like raid and such.

Just my $.02

 

[steelnewfie]

I have the shuttle, and the Liteon 24X... They both rock, work flawlessly with XP.. Great stuff for great prices... Got my liteon from newegg for 65 refurb !!