RaDiAn

I'm currently reviewing different motherboards out there.
I would like to build a P4 system, for gaming mostly. I'm looking at 2.8P4 -3.2P4 HT somewhere around there....... & A bang for my buck!

So far I'm favoring ASUS P4C800-E deluxe... dual frontside bus 800mhz. I've built one in the past and enjoy ASUS features.


My question is what do other people think ,dislike , or like about this motherboard? Or what other would they recommend? Street price $185 retail

[URL=http://usa.asus.com/products/mb/socket478/p4c800-e_d/overview.HTM ]

Also CPU performance wise how far apart for the money is it worth to pay the price for the preformace. I haven't seen a comparision reports between cpu for % differences in speed.

One more question I haven't found much info on is the AGP voltage differencesX4,X8. I currently have a ATI 9000 128DDR and would like to use it, but I'm not sure what voltage this one would be.

I have done some homework, maybe someone could point me in a same directio or a better direction!


Thanks!

junglistic

Look for some very processor intense games comin up, (doom3, HL2, etc..).

But for the games today, from my honest opinion, I dont think the 3.2ghz will be neccessary. Obvisously, faster is better, but if cost is an issue, look at the price/perf ratio.

Im not a huge pc gamer, but I almost always buy the processor that is basically the cheapest $/mhz.

I think a 2.4 will last ya and keep up with all the games now and tomorrow.

Ratman

I have two AMD-based boxes (one Win2k, one Linux) on Asus MB's. In the past I have used Soyo, Gigabyte, Acer and others. I have never had fewer problems at any level than with the Asus. My Linux is running on a A7V266-E, the Win2k on a A7N8X-Deluxe. Both are wonderful.

Since I run AMD, can't tell you about the Intel CPU's. As far as the Vid Card voltage, the bios should autodetect, or be easily set to 8- or 4AGP.

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tritium

Most of the folks around here tend to prefer the AMD chipsets ...

No matter how annoyed I might get at their obfuscated advertising policies, I have to credit them with being faster -- and hotter, but that's a seperate issue.

As far as price and speed go, you can't beat an AMD.

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Lasereth

When it comes to Pentium 4 motherboards, all I've heard about in the past year or so is the Abit IC7 and its variations (IC7-Max 2, Max 3). I'd consider one of those. The first two (IC7, IC7-MAX 2) are under the price you're considering, and the MAX 3 is right at $190. I'd take a look at it compared to the one that you're thinking about!

I'll be another to vote for a 2.4 GHz Hyper-Threading 800 MHz FSB Pentium 4. It's as much as you'll need for any game in the next two years, I guarantee it. The videocard is what ya need to pay special attention to when it comes to games, and that Radeon 9000 will definitely need to be upgraded. The P4 will be bottlenecked incredibly bad if you keep that Radeon 9000. I'd get a 2.4 GHz C Core Pentium 4 and use the extra money to buy a better videocard.

If you want to keep the Radeon 9000 for now, it will work fine in any motherboard you get. Even 8X AGP motherboards accept older AGP videocards and vice versa. A newer videocard in an older motherboard will simply be clocked down.

If I wanted to buy a P4 gaming machine, right now I'd go for a 2.4 GHz 800 MHz FSB HT Pentium 4 with an Abit IC7-MAX2 or MAX3. I'd take the saved money on the processor and buy a Radeon 9800 Pro or GeForce FX 5900 Ultra.

Good luck on your building!

(PS: If you have any inclination to go AMD, just say so...you can save a ton of money going that route and get the same performance)

-Lasereth

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ChrisJericho

I have an ASUS P4P800 Deluxe and haven't had any problems with it.

Like Lasereth said, I would definitely upgrade your videocard and get a cheaper processor. The 2.4C's overclock very well... but you really won't need to overclock it for a very long time. With the money you save I recommend getting a 9800 pro.

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Destrox

Even if your going with p4, and not amd. :P

Abit has been a favorite of mine for features, quality, and stability.

Asus is nice, and I've also had good luck with gigabyte. But abit all the way.

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stinkynutz

I have a Soyo Dragon Ultra and a P4 plugged into it. had it for over a year and love it.

Kllr Wolf

for the very few P$ i have built I would actually recommend the intel boards. They seem to have the fastest boot times and the most stable I have used for the P$'s. Of course I only have built them when someone already had the parts. I would recommend going with a not quite top of the line processor and definatly upgrade the video card.

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Ashton

RaDiAn

Thank you all for your time and comments. I will take it all in and make a choice. Back to shopping for awhile....... Thanks!!