Which chipset to get? - Just need something solid

[ahearnb]

Hi,

A month or so ago, I asked about what motherboard to get, etc. I was given the Epox 8K9A2+, Epox 8K5A2, and the Gigabyte GA-7VAXP as suggestions. What I would like to know now is: Would the newer chipsets benefit me? I am not going to overclock at all, so don't take that into consideration. I'm also not going to use RAID and I do plan to play a few games, and have a Gainward Geforce 2 Ti/450 for a video card. I also have a soundcard and LAN card, so I don't need anything integrated unless that's just the way to go. I just want a machine that works. I'm not looking to spend much over $100 on the mobo, if that.

I mean, from what I've read, why shouldn't I just get a board that's got the VIA KT266A chip? I know it's a little outdated, but for my purposes, is there something wrong with it?

Thanks for any help.

Brad

 

[Vette73]

As of right now I would go with a cheap nForce2 board. I think leadtek and Epox have some that are just a hair over $100.

The board will have ethernet, great sound, and support future CPU's.

 

[paperfist]

That depends, are you planning on upgrading anything else in the future? The KT266A chipset will prob be fine for you and it's a good chipset, but all the nice features of the nForce2 boards are hard to turn down at the prices they are selling at and as a side benefit you get future upgrade ability. I don't know what K266A boards are selling for or even if you can buy them still but I can't imagine they are going to be that much cheaper then the nForce2 boards.

 

[CraigRT]

KT266A works fantastic... but for future expandabilitiy... is not the way to go, as mine at home (older revision) will only take a Palomino CPU... max 2100+ and it won't even take a TBred 1700+
so you may want to get at LEAST a KT333, and at best, an NForce2. you can get the EPoX NForce2 mobo (8RDA+) for less than most of the others, and will take all current CPU's as well as other future ones.. the board is definitely fast, and is the right way to go when building a new AMD based rig thesedays... IMHO.
you may not be able to get one for less than $100 is the only problem.
in which case, I would go for a KT333 or KT400.... but if you can get NForce2 in your price range, do it!

 

[ahearnb]

Thanks for the replies!

I guess the nForce 2 is the route to go.....Yield, I can get the 8RDA for $105 shipped according to pricewatch. What is the difference between the "+" models and the non +? From what I can see, it's just integrated LAN. If the quality is the same, I think I will go with the non + model because I already have a LAN card.

EDIT: I see I can get the Leadtek K7NCR18D for $95 from newegg.com. Reading the review on this site, it seems about the same as the Epox board...maybe I will go with that (?) What is the difference between this board and the K7NCR18D-PRO?

Brad

 

[SpideyCU]

It's the LAN, the 5.1 Soundstorm vs. generic 2-channel, and integrated Firewire (along with the extra USB bracket, I believe) that makes an 8RDA board a "plus". The price difference between the two is minimal, the biggest factor IMO is whether or not you'd want/need the better sound.

 

[Superman9534]

I'd go with a KT333 board if I were you. You have no need for an nForce2 UNLESS your buying a new 333mhz bus based Athlon, but anything under a 2800+ will work with a KT333, and they can be had for $75 (Soyo Dragon Lite). I just ordered a Chaintech KT333 with onboard LAN and Sound to replace my K7S5A.

 

[uncleel]

Originally posted by: ahearnb
Thanks for the replies!
I guess the nForce 2 is the route to go.....

From all the reviews I've read, yes!

I won't buy another via board for some time 'cause I'm still :disgust: 'ed w/ the compatibility problems ie: SB Live when a budget ECS w/ the SiS chipset works fine.

Phhtttttttt!!!!!!