What's the best Super Socket 7 board? (No, this is not a joke)

[CrimsonWolf]

I'm looking for an extremely cheap upgrade for my old P-200MMX system (not used for gaming)so I'm going to go the K6-2 500 route. My current socket 7 board has the ancient i430FX chipset and doesn't support voltages under 2.8v so I need a new board. What, in your opinion, is the best SS7 board? I'm looking mostly for stability and it needs to be ATX. Thanks.

 

[classy]

There are a few good ones. I like these two in this order
1.Epox G5
2.Asus P5a

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Thanks classy, I'll keep those in mind. Any other opinions?

 

[OS]

If you have PC100 SDRAM in your system, and you are considering replacing both the cpu and the mobo, why not get something more recent like a k7-ish system?

 

[Priit]

Aopen AX59Pro is very good SS7 mobo (you can use your old EDO SIMMS with K6-2/500, mobo supports up to 1 Gb of RAM, 1Mb L2 cache). Asus P5A is decent product, too.

 

[Peter]

If you're going to have to buy a new CPU and new RAM, then there's no point in sticking with socket-7.

Duron 600 or 650 is only a few bucks more than a K6-2/500. Total extra cost of going with a Duron solution is only around $30, which would definitely bring a lot more speed, and some degree of upgradability which the K6-2 system wouldn't have.

Good K6-2 system (in Deutsche Mark, just for comparison):

190 - DFI K6XV3+/66-2 (most advanced SS7 board)
160 - K6-2/500
30 - decent fan/heatsink
30 - very basic sound card
410 DM total.

Good Duron system:

260 - DFI AK74SC mainboard (no-nonsense mainboard, sound integrated)
180 - Duron 650
40 - decent fan/heatsink
480 DM total.

All other components (RAM, case, etc.) would be the same cost. So if you can scrape those $30 together somewhere, then make the jump.

Regards, Peter

 

[Moving Target]

Epox MVP3G2/5 is the best SS7 IMO.

But I agree with Peter, if you have to buy a CPU anyway, don't waste your money on a K6 anything.

Get a Duron or Cel2 system for slightly more money and MUCH MUCH more performance!

 

[CrimsonWolf]

Good point Peter, I did not think the price difference would be that small. I think I'll take your advice and go for a Duron. Hell, I might just get a +700MHz Duron to replace my P3 600e in my primary system (sadly it won't overclock past 720Mhz even with the voltage upped and a Golden Orb). Thanks for the advice.

 

[Dan]

Crimson Wolf: I agree with Peter. About 6 weeks ago I was faced with the same decision. I ran the numbers and opted for a Duron/KT7 set-up. Now the wife is happily using WordPerfect for DOS on a K6-III/450 system.