VIA vs INTEL chipsets

[paulistano]

In building a PIII 866MHz (not for O/C'ing) what is the best chipset? I am leaning torwards the VIA Apollo Pro 133A, mostly because of its support of 1.5GB (133) SDRAM but for a first time VIA buyer I'm a bit iffy. The Intel 815E only supports up to 512 MB (133) SDRAM.

I consider RAM easier to upgrade than processors, so I figured a ram upgraded machine with 866MHz and 1.5GB RAM will perform as well as a 1.X GHz processor with 256 MB (at least until I need to upgrade to a P4 mobo and processor).

What do you guys think? Should I buy a mobo based on the VIA Apollo Pro 133A or the Intel 815E? I'd appreciate the incredible advice you guys give.

 

[RU482]

I bought my system back in April, so I don't know if things have changed since then. What I remember hearing was that the memory bandwidth was not as good with the VIA chipsets. What I would recommend you do is to pick out two motherboards, on of the VIA variety, one of the intel. Take a look a performance comparisons that Anandtech and other sites have done and make your decision based on that.

My $.02, I have had a great experience with my ASUS P3V4X (VIA 133A chipset) motherboard p3 550e combo (803Mhz no problem), and I would highly recommend it

 

[MWink]

I highly recommend VIA chipsets. I have had FAR less trouble with VIA systems than Intel systems. I have used more VIA than Intel. Even some of the "troublesome" VIA chipsets.