Help me select a motherboard - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

digby · 01-06-2004, 01:45 PM

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.

The_Dude · 01-06-2004, 01:50 PM

http://www.newegg.com/app/manufactor...alog=22&DEPA=1

newegg has a search for you!

sixate · 01-06-2004, 01:58 PM

I'm gonne be buying this soon. This should cover everything you'll need.

pic:

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

Destrox · 01-06-2004, 02:26 PM

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

Code:

ABIT nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU, Model "NF7-S V2" -RETAIL

Specifications: 
Supported CPU: AMD K7 Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP Processors 
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra 400+MCP-T 
FSB: 266/333/400MHz 
RAM: 3x DIMM for Max 3GB DDR333/266/200,2x DIMM for Max 2GB DDR400 
IDE: 2x UltraDMA 33/66/100/133 up to 4 Devices 
Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI 
Ports: 2xPS2,2xCOM,1xLPT,SPDIF Out,6xUSB2.0(Rear 2),2xIEEE1394a header,Audio Ports
Onboard Audio: SoundStorm APU(Dolby 5.1) + 6-Channel AC97 CODEC 
Onboard LAN: 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet 
Onboard SATA/RAID: 2x Serial ATA,RAID 0 
Onboard 1394: 2 Ports by Cable(See pics) 
Form Factor:ATX

MexicanOnABike · 01-06-2004, 04:56 PM

if you dont do games, then get a mac.

Lasereth · 01-06-2004, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Destrox
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

Code:

ABIT nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU, Model "NF7-S V2" -RETAIL Specifications: Supported CPU: AMD K7 Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP Processors Chipset: NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra 400+MCP-T FSB: 266/333/400MHz RAM: 3x DIMM for Max 3GB DDR333/266/200,2x DIMM for Max 2GB DDR400 IDE: 2x UltraDMA 33/66/100/133 up to 4 Devices Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI Ports: 2xPS2,2xCOM,1xLPT,SPDIF Out,6xUSB2.0(Rear 2),2xIEEE1394a header,Audio Ports Onboard Audio: SoundStorm APU(Dolby 5.1) + 6-Channel AC97 CODEC Onboard LAN: 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Onboard SATA/RAID: 2x Serial ATA,RAID 0 Onboard 1394: 2 Ports by Cable(See pics) Form Factor:ATX

The Abit NF7-S 2.0 motherboard is the best Athlon XP motherboard on the market. It won't be surpassed when it comes to Athlon XP motherboards. digby, do yourself a favor and buy this motherboard.

Trust me, Destrox is right -- it is the best. The only other motherboard I'd consider getting is the Asus A7N8X, but I actually like the NF7-S 2.0 better. You have to hear the on-board Soundstorm to believe how good it is.

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

tritium · 01-06-2004, 10:35 PM

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.

This is basically what it looks like: (not deluxe or e, this is the plain vanilla version -- what you get is much better)

Ashton · 01-06-2004, 11:52 PM

I use Abit motherboards..... The IC7-G Max 2 or 3 would be my choice

digby · 01-07-2004, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mexicanonabike
if you dont do games, then get a mac.

I'd like to have a mac, but the G5 is a little out of my budget, and if I were to get a mac, I would (of course) want to get a G5. Some day I will have one dedicated to my ProTools rig, but that day is not yet.

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.

Lasereth · 01-07-2004, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashton
I use Abit motherboards..... The IC7-G Max 2 or 3 would be my choice

Those are great boards, but they're for Pentium 4 processors.

-Lasereth

Destrox · 01-07-2004, 08:02 AM

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.

Lasereth · 01-07-2004, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Destrox
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.

Yep. That Barton will overclock to 2.2 GHz with the NF7-S and decent RAM with a regular CPU-heatsink fan. Can't be beat.

-Lasereth

Ashton · 01-07-2004, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lasereth
Those are great boards, but they're for Pentium 4 processors.

-Lasereth

Yes, my newest machine is a 3.0 P4

Lasereth · 01-07-2004, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ashton
Yes, my newest machine is a 3.0 P4

The thread starter wants an AMD processor though. If he wanted a P4, I'd definitely suggest the IC7 as well!

-Lasereth

Caphreak · 01-07-2004, 08:35 PM

Asus A7n8x del, there is a pic of it above

ballze · 01-07-2004, 09:03 PM

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.

digby · 01-08-2004, 11:27 AM

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...

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.

Sabu · 01-08-2004, 12:13 PM

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

Lasereth · 01-08-2004, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by digby
To you guys that have the NF7-S: does it have a headphone jack on it?

Yep!

Quote:

Originally posted by Sabu
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

The TI4200 still plays todays games as good if not better than the 9600 series. The only videocards I'd consider replacing it with are the GeForce FX 5700 Ultra and the Radeon 9600 XT. It would be risky to get a simple 9600 Pro or 5600 Ultra...in some games their performances are simply sub-par to the TI4200.

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

digby · 01-08-2004, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lasereth
The RAM looks good, but make sure it's dual 512 MB sticks instead of a single 1 GB stick.

-Lasereth

That was a question I was about to ask. It made sense to me that having twice as many contact pins would allow more I/O, but I wanted to ask first. (Thanks for anticipating my next question

)

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.

Destrox · 01-08-2004, 02:57 PM

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.

krd913 · 01-10-2004, 06:13 PM

here is a god site to lok for info on mother boards http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NTA5

zer010gic · 01-12-2004, 07:03 AM

Abit boards are my personal favorites but I am starting to admire aopen.

cheesemoney · 01-19-2004, 03:32 AM

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).

mystix · 01-19-2004, 05:13 AM

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

01-06-2004, 01:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
digby Crazy Location: Ahh, the lovely South	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. __________________ mmmm.... pudding

01-06-2004, 01:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
The_Dude The GrandDaddy of them all! Location: Austin, TX	http://www.newegg.com/app/manufactor...alog=22&DEPA=1 newegg has a search for you! __________________ "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Darrel K Royal

01-06-2004, 02:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
Destrox Metal and Rock 4 Life Location: Phoenix	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 Code: ABIT nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU, Model "NF7-S V2" -RETAIL Specifications: Supported CPU: AMD K7 Duron/Athlon/Athlon XP Processors Chipset: NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra 400+MCP-T FSB: 266/333/400MHz RAM: 3x DIMM for Max 3GB DDR333/266/200,2x DIMM for Max 2GB DDR400 IDE: 2x UltraDMA 33/66/100/133 up to 4 Devices Slots: 1x AGP 8X/4X, 5x PCI Ports: 2xPS2,2xCOM,1xLPT,SPDIF Out,6xUSB2.0(Rear 2),2xIEEE1394a header,Audio Ports Onboard Audio: SoundStorm APU(Dolby 5.1) + 6-Channel AC97 CODEC Onboard LAN: 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet Onboard SATA/RAID: 2x Serial ATA,RAID 0 Onboard 1394: 2 Ports by Cable(See pics) Form Factor:ATX __________________ You bore me.... next.

01-06-2004, 04:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
MexicanOnABike Location: up north	if you dont do games, then get a mac. __________________ - Movie Reviews - Ratings-

01-06-2004, 10:35 PM	#7 (permalink)
tritium Professor of Drinkology	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. This is basically what it looks like: (not deluxe or e, this is the plain vanilla version -- what you get is much better) __________________ Blah. Last edited by tritium; 01-06-2004 at 11:04 PM..

01-06-2004, 01:58 PM	#3 (permalink)
sixate Registered User Location: Somewhere in Ohio	I'm gonne be buying this soon. This should cover everything you'll need. pic: 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

01-06-2004, 11:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
Ashton PORNHOUND Location: California	I use Abit motherboards..... The IC7-G Max 2 or 3 would be my choice

01-07-2004, 08:02 AM	#11 (permalink)
Destrox Metal and Rock 4 Life Location: Phoenix	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. __________________ You bore me.... next.

01-07-2004, 08:35 PM	#15 (permalink)
Caphreak Insane Location: Ames, IA	Asus A7n8x del, there is a pic of it above

01-07-2004, 09:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
ballze Crazy	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.

01-08-2004, 11:27 AM	#17 (permalink)
digby Crazy Location: Ahh, the lovely South	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... 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. __________________ mmmm.... pudding

01-08-2004, 12:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
Sabu Upright Location: England	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 __________________ Beer improves framerate.....

01-08-2004, 02:57 PM	#21 (permalink)
Destrox Metal and Rock 4 Life Location: Phoenix	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. __________________ You bore me.... next.

01-10-2004, 06:13 PM	#22 (permalink)
krd913 Crazy	here is a god site to lok for info on mother boards http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NTA5

01-12-2004, 07:03 AM	#23 (permalink)
zer010gic Over caffeinated Location: One Step Closer to the Edge	Abit boards are my personal favorites but I am starting to admire aopen. __________________ Zer010giC

01-19-2004, 03:32 AM	#24 (permalink)
cheesemoney Loser Location: Paradise	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).

01-19-2004, 05:13 AM	#25 (permalink)
mystix Tilted	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