The age old question-which motherboard?

[Greyd]

I'm building a new computer and would like some advice on which motherboard would be the best. I've been out of the computer hardware game for awhile-the last one I built was a P III 500. I will most likely be using a AMD XP 1800 or 1900. I'm not really interested in onboard goodies such as RAID or NIC, OC'ing or anything like that. I just want a good board anywhere up to $120. I'm trying to go for somewhat high end, but trying to stay relatively modest pricewise. 😛 I have also been reading stuff about heating issues and AMD motherboards,etc. and need advice on that too. One MB I considered was the Soyo dragon +, but it came with so much I wasn't sure I wanted to get all that. I guess several options would be good. I'm still not too up to date on issues like memory,etc and all the things that might come into consideration so any help would be much appreciated. So pretty much I'm asking for advice on building a decent new computer 😀 Thanks a bunch.

 

[o1die]

For a strict budget, the new ECS K7S6A ($69 newegg) will work fine using ddram. The older version, the K7S5a, works with either sdram or ddram. I use the shuttle ak31 version 3.1 ($80 newegg) and it works fine, with modest overclocking potential up to about 145 fsb. They have a new board coming out in a few days, the ak35gtr, that has raid, 5.1 6 channel sound, and ata 133 support for about $129. Be sure to upgrade your power supply. I found a codegen 350 watt (amd approved) for only $24 plus shipping at 800pc. Ddram prices are high now. I would start out with 256k, which is plenty for most people. You can get more later if prices go down.