Ah, but the EPoX 8RDA or 8RDA+ is a budget board. An Nforce2 board with fantastic onboard sound and a NIC. You can spend $60 on a K7S5A or other, but the performance boost and future upgradeability is well worth the $25 right now. How much did u spend for the original K7S5A when u got it?? $80?? The EPoX is a steal!
1) My dad got his K7S5A a show before it was *the* board to buy...for $65, and his 1600+ for $150

. I have yet to match that feat...my mobos are always more than my procs.
The 8RDA is not a budget board. Well-priced, yes, but hardly low budget. A low budget board would be like the SiS 730 micro one with all onboard for $60. I'd advise against such a thing, usually, but if you're on a tight budget with low needs...
I would, however, agree that an extra $26 is worth it, as is the extra $48 for the 8RDA+.