Suggestions on a P3 Mainboard wanted...

[Zim Hosein]

Here's the story, I'm looking to upgrade my current rig and would like any input/opinions on what the best P3 mainboard is out there right now. I know that AMD is the better price/performance value, but in my past experience, Intel based systems are more reliable. I'm looking towards the P3 because I don't have to replace my PS, and also because every P3 system I've built in the past has pretty much been, put together, boot, load OS.
I've heard that certain NIC cards don't work so well w/ certain Athlon boards, so I'm all for reliability over sheer speed. If you look at my sig, you will see what I currently have. If you know of an AMD solution that's compatible, let me know. BTW, my PS is a 300w AMD-approved unit. Any help/input would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

 

[jfunk]

Well, if you wanna try going AMD and stability is your concern over speed, try an AMD761 board. They are rock solid, just not quite as fast as the alternate chipsets.

As for your NIC, I ran a system with the same card on a VIA KT133A board and my brother is currently running that NIC on a SIS735 based board without problems. Cannot say on alternate chipsets.


If I were you, I would seriously consider the AMD route or just going for the new power supply. I mean, if your gonna be going through the trouble and spending the money on a new board/chip/ram, it just seems a shame to be limiting yourself to a P3. You can get a decent P4 compatible case/PS for around $60. That will prolly be a small amount compared to the total you will be spending.


j

 

[Zim Hosein]

jfunk, w/ so may AMD761 boards out there, could you suggest a "rock solid" one? I'm only ogin to have to spend money on a CPU & Mainboard, because RAM isn't a problem, I have quite a bit of different types lying around in anti-static bags. Also, I like my current case, so I don't want to get rid of it. Thanks for your input and time.

 

[Athlon4all]

Asus TUSL2-C for P3 Tualatin.

<< jfunk, w/ so may AMD761 boards out there, could you suggest a "rock solid" one? I'm only ogin to have to spend money on a CPU & Mainboard, because RAM isn't a problem, I have quite a bit of different types lying around in anti-static bags. Also, I like my current case, so I don't want to get rid of it. Thanks for your input and time. >>

Truthfully, I would rather get a KT266A board rather than a 760 because 760 uses the notorious VIA 686B south bridge and it should be avoided. AMD 760 was a great chipset otherwise. The best AMD 760 board is Abit KG7 but personally, I'd rather get a KT266A or nForce.

 

[CraigRT]

Asus TUSL2-C
that is the computer I am on right now with a PIII 1000. runs like a charm.

 

[Radiohead]

I'm looking towards the P3 because I don't have to replace my PS, and also because every P3 system I've built in the past has pretty much been, put together, boot, load OS.

Have you taken into consideration about future upgrades? If you plan to upgrade your system again and want to stick with Intel, a P4 will require you to buy a new mobo again.

 

[flawedexistence]

If this was me, I'd get the ASUS TUSL2-C. It will accomodate the FCPGA and FCPGA-2 procs.

 

[SpaceRanger]

You might want to consider spending the extra bucks now for a good P4 Mobo and Case to support it. Again, like Radiohead was saying, if you plan to upgrade again in the future, you'll be one step ahead with a P4 rig. If your budget doesn't accomodate the P4 solution, then get the ASUS TUSL2-C. Here's a review of it so you can decide for yourself. i815 B-Step Tualatin Motherboard Roundup - July 2001

 

[RPB]

ASUS TUSL2-C PIII 1GB and XP Pro =very stable rig for me.

 

[mike2fix]

CUSL2-C,CUSL2,TUSL2, all great boards.

 

[DaveSimmons]

<< CUSL2-C,CUSL2,TUSL2, all great boards. >>

Another vote for these, I've been using the CUSL-C as my main machine for about a year, 0 problems. TUSL-C + Celeron 1.1a / 1.2a or P3-1GHz would be a nice combo.