Soltek 86SP3-L dead, what to replace it with?

[seismik]

It's been awhile (like 2 years!) since I did my homework on motherboards... I've got a P4 2.66GHz 533 FSB proc, 2x512 sticks of Corsair PC3200 RAM, an Audigy soundcard and an All-In-Wonder 9700 Pro graphics card. Oh, and a malfunctioning Soltek motherboard I need to replace. What can ya'll recommend for a replacement? My wishlist would be for something that is:

1. economical (which should be easy seeing as the features are need out of it are two years old)
2. supports an 800 FSB, even though my current proc is only 533 I'll drop in a new one at some point
3. integrated nic
4. 8x AGP, though is it possible to get one with an option for PCI Express? just a future upgrade consideration
5. USB 2.0

Thanks,

seis

 

[Macro2]

Another Soltek

 

[seismik]

I was fishing for some specific models to consider...

 

[ChineseDemocracyGNR]

There's only one chipset that supports PCI-E and AGP natively, the VIA PT880 Pro, and it's not available yet.

Why is your Soltek malfunctioning? If it's a problem with capacitors you can get them to send you a set of new ones for free, just ask lydia@soltek.com.tw.
If you're going to buy a new one, I'd recommend the ABIT VT7 and IS7-E, and the ASUS P4S800D-X and P4P800 SE.

 

[seismik]

Thanks! I have no idea what is wrong with the Soltek, but when I try to boot up every morning I get freezing during the boot process. First it'll freeze after checking the memory, then I'll reset and it'll make it a little further, maybe to harddrive detection, then I'll try again and it'll freeze booting up XP... takes 5-6 attempts to finally get it fully up, and once it is up it's rock solid.

I've isolated it down to the motherboard by testing my RAM with MemTestx86, run a different video card, pulled my soundcard, checked my harddrives... seems to be something to do with the motherboard specifically but I can't tell what! Very frusterating.

I've gone over the board itself quite carefully and can't see any physical problems, all the capacitors look just fine. I'll check out those boards you recommend...

seis

 

[Macro2]

Have you run a couple of virus scans on it?

 

[seismik]

Yeah, it's virus free -- what makes it so confusing is that as I mentioned, once it does finally boot up ok it is totally fine. Prime95 runs with no errors, games, video, everything is all good... just getting it to that point takes numerous attempts.

 

[Macro2]

Have you reinstalled the OS?

Also what PS?

 

[seismik]

PS meaning power supply? Yeah, it should be ok -- it's the rig in my sig, so an Antec Truepower 380w.

I'd consider re-installing the OS, but I get freezing WAY before the harddrive is even cycled up. Basically right after the RAM test it could freeze at any time. If it were an OS problem I'd always make it through all the CMOS/POST startup screens.

 

[Macro2]

Well, ylou could try other RAM. I see you tested it and it was OK but I'd give different RAM a shot Try one stick first.

 

[seismik]

After isolating every part I could I just bought a new motherboard and swapped it in. System fixed completely and running better than ever. I ended up getting a Gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 Pro-G for about $100 CDN. Sweet board so far, and for the price I'm really happy with it.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in some advice!

seis