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Help me select a motherboard
I'm planning to build my self a mid-range computer in the next couple of months. I'm not a serious gamer, but I do like to play something every now and again. This box will be used a lot for grad school papers/presentations/research/etc. so stability is the key point here. I figure this will also be a box to dual boot and learn some Linux from.
I plan on using an (as of yet undetirmined speed) AMD processor. I don't need/want integrated video or audio, but on-board 10/100 would be fine until I feel like playing with gigabit ethernet. I expect that I need the usual 4-5 pci slots and however many USB I can get. I would really prefer the board to have SATA controlers. Firewire is a big plus as well. I'm not absolutely certain that I will do much overclocking, but again, the option would be nice to have. I picked AMD because the price/performance seems to be better than Intel. I am also leaning toward Asus or Abit boards because of their reputations. I am not set on any of this, however, so feel free to make suggestions from other sources. If your recommendation would hinge on a specific processor selection, please just assume one and let me know why you would pick that. Thanks. |
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I'm gonne be buying this soon. This should cover everything you'll need.
pic: http://images10.newegg.com/productim...128-199-05.JPG specs: Supported CPU: Socket A AMD AthlonXP/Athlon/Duron Processors Chipset: NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra 400 + MCP FSB: 400/333/266/200MHz RAM: 4x DIMM support Dual Channel DDR400/333/266 Max 3GB IDE: 4x UltraDMA 66/100/133 up to 8 Devices Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI(PCI 2.2) Ports: 2xPS2,2xCOM,1xLPT,1xLAN,6xUSB2.0(Rear 4),3xIEEE1394,Audio Ports Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC650 6-Channel Codec Onboard LAN: Realtek 8110S GbE Onboard SATA/RAID: Silicon Image sil3112A, 2x SATA/GiagRAID controller Onboard 1394: T.I. IEEE1394 Controller |
I'll just simply speak for a mobo that I and 3 of my friends also CURRENTLY use.
I've never had such a superiour board, basic use its perfect. Overclocking, even better. Wide range of capabilities, you got it. I use the onboard sound with a Logitech Z5300 5.1 THX Surround sound system, and it is PERFECT. Dont let the old on-board sound motherboards steer you away from this. There are very few sound cards that surpass what this comes with. I'd vouch this motherboard for anyone. Link Here - ABIT NF7-S http://images10.newegg.com/productim...127-166-09.JPG Code:
ABIT nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU, Model "NF7-S V2" -RETAIL |
if you dont do games, then get a mac.
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The two aformentioned motherboards are also known as the two best Athlon XP overclocking boards on the market. As for processors, I recommend the Athlon XP Barton 2500+ at 1.8 GHz. It's VERY easily overclocked and is incredibly cheap for the performance it delivers. -Lasereth |
I just bought this one: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...131-478&depa=1
Its pretty nice. The setup is killer sweet once you get it going. I think that this is the best AMD mobo. :D This is basically what it looks like: (not deluxe or e, this is the plain vanilla version -- what you get is much better) http://www.ocworkbench.com/2002/asus...573%20copy.jpg |
I use Abit motherboards..... The IC7-G Max 2 or 3 would be my choice
http://www.keptech.net/images/news/max_large01.jpg |
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To the rest of you, you've given me some great options to look at. That motherboard search option on newegg was cool too. Now I'm off to compare features/prices. |
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-Lasereth |
I may as well add, that with my Abit NF7-S I do have a AMD 2500+ Barton :)
Best mobo + Best CPU = Best Damn Deal for Under 200$ PERIOD. |
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-Lasereth |
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-Lasereth |
Asus A7n8x del, there is a pic of it above
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The Asus A7n8x is a pain in the FUCKEN ASS. It gives new meaning to the word BITCH!
Take it from a pro don't spend a lot on the MB, things to look for on a MB.... DDR400 ram. 8x APG and it can handle the size processor you want. The biggest screwup you can do is to by the new AMD. They have to scramble to come out with the new chips because Apple has the G5 out. So you are going to get a half breed. Half old and half new. The MB and ram are not going to take full advantage of this Processors speed. |
After some research and price checking, it looks like I'll get this:
Abit NF7-S Athlon XP 2500 Barton The other components that I've picked out so far include: Gainward GeForce 4 Ti4200 WD 120GB Serial ATA 7200 RPM HD 1GB PC3200 RAM (probably Crucial) In consideration: Plextor 708A (DVD +/- RW) if I can justify needing a DVD burner M-Audio Revolution 7.1 if I don't like the on-board audio The hardest part of building a computer is definately picking out the components... but it's so much fun too...:D I'm still looking at cases, monitors, and the small stuff. To you guys that have the NF7-S: does it have a headphone jack on it? I have some nice headphones that I would like to use with it. This would also save me from buying really nice speakers for a while, until a few more paychecks come in. |
Sound good to me.... but i think(as other posts suggest) that the Ti4200 has had its day, get a Radeon 9600 pro or XT instead...
It has DX9 so for the little gaming you do, you will be future proofing yourself |
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A very, very good alternative would be the Radeon 9500 Pro if you can find it. It has 8 pipelines in its design that makes it basically DirectX 9 compatible. If you want other videocard options, give us a price range for the videocard! In gaming, the videocard is much more important than the processor. You need to make sure it is up to par with the rest of your system. The RAM looks good, but make sure it's dual 512 MB sticks instead of a single 1 GB stick. -Lasereth |
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I had looked at a whole bunch of video cards. I decided to go with nVidia because of the better linux support. I found that particular card for $115 at newegg. I could spend a little more on something better, but every dollar I save can go toward a better monitor. I guess that I'm just about ready to start down that path. All my research has lead to only more confusion. I'm looking for a 17" LCD with 24-bit color and a 16ms response. I was also wondering about people's experience with dead/stuck pixels. Is having a bad pixel or two the norm? That might be enough to push me back to a CRT for now. |
So far I'm diggin your picks for the rig. I've got a Gainward Ti-4600 and it has not failed me yet on any game released besides the Doom3 leaked tech-demo.
The 4200 is not much difference at all, and will keep ya happy for a little while, even tho I'd go and get the next best Dx9 Compatible card so you dont have to really upgrade for a good 2 years. Otherwise the 4200 will be completely gone in a year (Hardcore Gaming Wise). And if you have the money, Corsair XMS Low Latency ram is my pick. :) |
here is a god site to lok for info on mother boards http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NTA5
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Abit boards are my personal favorites but I am starting to admire aopen.
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MSI Nforce2 Ultra Mobo is very comparable to the Abit board--very stable, overclockable, 400 mhz fsb, 6 channel surround... not as many bells and whistles (don't know about SATA, etc), but it is much cheaper. 75 bucks on newegg, and I think i've seen it for around 65 shipped. A great budget alternative to the awesome abit nf7-s, and a five star rating by most review sites (including the biased neweggs site).
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i'd go to www.asustek.com and check what they currently have, asus has a reputation of not breaking down, and they're fast. Don't get anything besides an n-force 2 chipset
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