Low end Socket A

[DDad]

Looking at my spare parts inventory, and I've almost got enough parts to build a low end system (case w 300w PS, 256 Sdram, 950 Duron, 20 gb HD). Any suggestions on what MB you would use for it? Prefer Integrated- helps keep the cost down, but must use Sdram

 

[AndyHui]

If you want to keep costs down and use SDRAM, there is no other real choice except the ECS K7S5A.

 

[DDad]

Well, for what I have in mind that should do a OK job. Figure by the time I'm done I'll have a total of $150 in it- would make my mom a good birthday present.....

 

[kursplat]

don't know if your near a fry's (can use fry's outpost) but they have that MB w\a 2000xp chip for $99 right now . board goes for about $60 by itself.
have fun

edit: i picked one up last week (K7S5A) and it's perfectly stable. not so much as hickup

 

[kmmatney]

I would suggest the BIOSTAR M7VKQ AMD MICRO ATX VIA KL133 686B 266MHZ FSB PC 133, $51 from NewEgg.

I've built several systems with this board, to upgrade computers who need an ISA slot. My company makes X-ray machines and we have a lot of computers out there with expensive ISA motion controller cards. I've run Athlon 2200 XP's on this board with no problems. We stress test all of our computers, and this board has passed where more more expensive boards have failed.

 

[tcsenter]

If you want to keep costs down and use SDRAM, there is no other real choice except the ECS K7S5A

Oh I don't know about that. Take your pick, all support Athlon XP+, SDR + DDR, have an external AGP slot, a few have USB2.0, and are reasonably priced within several dollars of each other. I have highlighted my personal fav picks:

ASRock K7VT2 Distributed in U.S.A. by Amptron - Also see ASRock Website

BIOSTAR M7VIG (also carried by Amptron)

BIOSTAR M7VIG Pro (also carried by Amptron) <---

ECS K7S5A

ECS K7S5A Pro <---

ECS K7AMA

ECS K7VMM

ECS K7VMM+

ECS K7VTA2 (no product link available from ECS)

Matsonic MS8137C (A.K.A ECS K7VTA2)

Shuttle AK32A

 

[Iron Woode]

MSI Turbo 2.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I would go with the K7VMM+ listed above, it offers upgradeability via the AGP slot, DDR slots, and ability to take faster CPUs, plus has everything integrated including a more than adequate on-board video (S3 Savage8) for anything but gamers and it's only 61$ shipped@Newegg.

 

[Peter]

Be warned, integrated Savage8 really stinks when it comes to the most basic of 3D work. Consider SiS chipsets, e.g. on K7SEM and K7SOM+ (no AGP slot on the latter though).

 

[human2k]

I would avoid BIOSTAR, I had some boards die on me for no reason, just like some old pc-chips/amtron soket 7 die on me too.

 

[Vette73]

Look for a KM266 WITH a 8235 southbridge. Savage 8 is not that great of a 3D machine but will be fast and stable for most other stuff.

 

[tcsenter]

The Savage 8 runs lower end 3D titles just fine. Even if you play some real older 'high end' games like I do, such as Tomb Raider II, the Savage 8 is adequate. Anything more demanding than that and it really begins to choke. Its DVD decode isn't as nice as ATI, but its adequate. If you're looking to power a 17" or larger monitor at resolutions higher than 800x600, you may want to seriously consider a discrete video solution, anyway.

If you're looking for 3D gaming, I suspect you wouldn't be considering integrated video to begin with.

 

[antmanbee]

I just built a couple of systems with the PCChips M841LMR and have been pleased so far.
This board is based on the SiS 740 Chipset which is on a par with the 735 but with built in Video.
The board also has Sdram and DDr. It also has on board everythig and ships with an AMR modem.
I ordered through Pricewatch a few weeks ago and got them for $50 each with a discount code listed on Pricewatch.
From what I have read the video is comparable to a GF2MX if used with the DDR memory which is not bad for a $50 integrated board. The down side for some is that there is no AGP slot, but for many it is not necessary. link to vendor

 

[kgraeme]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Look for a KM266 WITH a 8235 southbridge. Savage 8 is not that great of a 3D machine but will be fast and stable for most other stuff.

It's for a mom. I don't think 3D is going to be a factor.

 

[touchmyichi]

AT frys they sell these pretty nice msi kt 266a boards for 50 bucks. I got it for my uncle and played w/ it and its pretty nice. Oc's nice and pretty stable. I'd then get a 50 dollar processor, some low end axp. Then I'd chuck in some ddr.

 

[Blain]

I'd suggest finding some flavor Iwill KK266, KT133A based motherboard.

KK266 - C-Media 4.1 channel audio.
KK266+ - C-Media 6 channel audio.
KK266-R - C-Media 4.1 channel audio and RAID 0, 1, 0+1.
KK266+ R - C-Media 6 channel audio and RAID 0, 1, 0+1.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: Blain
I'd suggest finding some flavor Iwill KK266, KT133A based motherboard.

KK266 - C-Media 4.1 channel audio.
KK266+ - C-Media 6 channel audio.
KK266-R - C-Media 4.1 channel audio and RAID 0, 1, 0+1.
KK266+ R - C-Media 6 channel audio and RAID 0, 1, 0+1.

Don't bother. The IwillKK266 is basically a dead end board. No BIOS updates since 2001. No real XP support. Just check out the forums on AMDMB

If you must get a KT133a based MB then get the MSI Turbo 2. It supports XP2600+ and is extremely stable and quite fast.

 

[Blain]

With a BIOS flash, my KK266+ R ran a Palamino XP just fine.
Besides, with a 950 Duron you won't have to worry about XP support.

 

[Iron Woode]

Originally posted by: Blain
With a BIOS flash, my KK266+ R ran a Palamino XP just fine.
Besides, with a 950 Duron you won't have to worry about XP support.

I only mentioned the KK266 not the +. Those boards are actually different from the plain KK266. I am just warning against getting the plain KK266 because of its flaws. The Plus is way better, but the MSI Turbo 2 is the best all around KT133a board.

 

[Boogak]

Can't beat the M7VIG Pro for $60 at newegg. Integrated video, lan, and sound, and supports SDRAM. Just replaced my K7S5A w/ one.