Upgrade dilemma - Baby AT

[tcsenter]

Howdy folks,

I thought I would use the forums as a sounding board, maybe someone out there can help.

To make a long story short, I ordered a 1GHz Celeron, 128MB SDRAM, LAN card, and CDRW for my sister's computer, which was 'given' to her by work 6 months ago, and now they say it was only 'loaned' to her (they want it back to replace a computer that died). So, we have all these parts and no computer to put them in. Any way we go, we're gonna have to get a new motherboard.

Here are my requirements in a motherboard:

Tualatin ready (highly preferred, but not absolute)

Integrated Audio and Video

AGP slot for future upgrade

She is on a budget, so here are a couple possible options:

I have an extra B-AT case and 235w PS, which I would like to use instead of buying a new case. There aren't many B-AT motherboards out there that meet my requirements, but I have found one that has it all. Atrend has a Tualatin ready 815EP board with integrated video/audio + 4x AGP slot and is Baby AT! Check it out.

http://www.atrend.com.tw/english/product/mainboard/ATC7600ET.htm

Problem is, I have yet to find one in the United States. I think they've only been released in the European or Japanese market. Figures. Anyone know of any more Tualatin ready BAT boards with the works?

Or, I could go with a Baby-AT board without integrated video and buy an inexpensive AGP card.

Sometimes you find people on the forums who recently upgraded a bunch of AT computers and have already researched all options or they just happen to know of a product that I don't. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated!

 

[jfunk]

Dude, just get a cheap ATX case for $30.

If she can't afford that, she can't afford any of this other stuff either. It will save you tons of headaches and she won't be spending money on something that is basically worthless.



j

 

[Mark0999]

I agree... get a new case and go for an Asus TUSL2 motherboard.

 

[lsman]

what is the budget she has?
one cheap case here

 

[tcsenter]

<< If she can't afford that, she can't afford any of this other stuff either. It will save you tons of headaches and she won't be spending money on something that is basically worthless. >>

I don't want the potential problems of dirt-cheap ATX cases and power supplies. I don't use them, and I don't feel comfortable sticking my sister with one, either. I have a top-quality Enlight AT case and PS I am willing to give her ($70 new), and there's no sense in letting it rust.

Her budget was what we spent on parts to go into the other computer, so every dollar over what we've already spent is just adding insult to injury.

Though, I'm curious why a 1GHz AT system is "worthless" compared with an ATX system. Let's see: AT systems have USB, same SDRAM support, 1GHz+ processor support (some are Tualatin ready), AGP 2.0, ATA/100, same crappy integrated audio or video ATX boards have, etc.

Oh, AT systems don't power-off themselves. Wow, that makes them 'worthless'. I mean...we all build computers because we expect great returns on our investment in two or three years. lol!

 

[jfunk]

<< I don't want the potential problems of dirt-cheap ATX cases and power supplies. I don't use them, and I don't feel comfortable sticking my sister with one, either. I have a top-quality Enlight AT case and PS I am willing to give her ($70 new), and there's no sense in letting it rust.

Her budget was what we spent on parts to go into the other computer, so every dollar over what we've already spent is just adding insult to injury.

Though, I'm curious why a 1GHz AT system is "worthless" compared with an ATX system. Let's see: AT systems have USB, same SDRAM support, 1GHz+ processor support (some are Tualatin ready), AGP 2.0, ATA/100, same crappy integrated audio or video ATX boards have, etc.

Oh, AT systems don't power-off themselves. Wow, that makes them 'worthless'. I mean...we all build computers because we expect great returns on our investment in two or three years. lol! >>



Well, I don't think you have too many power supply worries on a Celery. Are you sure the PS in that Enlight is gonna be that great anyway? What are the ratings on it? I mean, yeah enlight makes good stuff, but PS' weren't the issue they are now when AT cases were the norm.

When tlaking about the budget, I am assuming that since she had to give the old machine back, you are still talking about needing things like HD, floppy, kb, mouse, whatever. $30 just ain't much to worry about compared to the cost of these other components, plus you're getting something that is actually upgradable.

I don't know about you, but I couldn't wait to stop working on AT cases. All those cables all over the place...especially if you're looking for onboard video and sound.

j