Motherboard of choice...

[CP]

Hi all,

I am budget user and would like to upgrade my old P3 system to P4 by changing new mobo, cpu and mem. I am targeting at P4 2.4GHz 800FSB, and thinking of getting a good cheap mobo. The machine will be used for general app such as office and internet. No gaming at all. Prefer on-board sound or probably video. Any good suggestion for good mobo that cost $50-$80 price range? Or what are the good cheap alternative config?

Thanks
CP

 

[Vette73]

If looking for bang for your buck then pass on the P4 setup. Go for a AthlonXP. The AthlonXP is better for office and general use. P4 is good for encoding and 2nd in gaming and the Athlon64(754) is best at gaming and 2nd at encoding.

here is a GREAT bang for your buck.


Board (NO-Video) Chaintech SKT600. Uses the KT600/8237 chipset. Has 6ch sound, ethernet, SATA, 8X Agp, etc... Only cost $56 shipped newegg.com

Board (WITH-Video) Biostar M7VIZ Uses the KM400/8237 chipset. Has UniChrome Video, 6ch sound, ethernet, SATA, etc.... Only cost $59 shipped

Add a slab of 256mg OR 512mg PC3200 ram (your choice)

MOBILE AthlonXP 2400+ Up the FSB from 266 to 333 and add a little voltage and you should get 2.25 Ghz EASY. Might be able to get it higher depending on Heatsink and settings. $78 shipped

Will be cheaper and do everything you want for a lot less.

 

[lsman]

pricewatch.com has the P4 2.4 @$150,
paying $23 more and you can go with a Athlon 64 2800 $173 that should beat/match P4 3.2/ 3.X

But i will agree that Athlon XP will do the job for you (office/internet and no gaming)with much in your pocket.

 

[CP]

Thanks for your great input Marlin and Isman...

 

[ParatoOptimal]

I've read on AT that the XP-M OC'd rocks for gaming.

 

[11427]

I'd also suggest going to an AMD and nForce2 setup,..... personally I like the MSI K7N2G for your application. Has onboard sound and on board gForce4 video,... the wife has been running hers for about a year now,... stable and no problems.

 

[ParatoOptimal]

Do you have any llinks for the MSI?
What does it cost?


Is the Athlon 64 2800 a better deal than the XP-M 2600+?

Thanks