Wanted: cheap, but solid N force2 MB

[RickH]

I need a cheap but solid Nforce 2 board for a kids machine. There are a million reviews of $120 boards with a million features, I just need a simple MB. Thanks. R

 

[mechBgon]

If you think GeForce4 MX video is going to be enough for the kid, get a Shuttle MN31N and you will have the onboard video to start with, plus an AGP 8X slot for upgrading. It has the fancy MCP-T southbridge with the nVidia audio processors. It's a microATX board but of course it fits full-ATX cases as well.

If you've got video lined up already, look at the FIC AU13 or Shuttle AN35N Ultra. I got the AN35N Ultra recently, seems nice although it only has the more-basic MCP southbridge.

 

[11427]

May want to concider and ECS N2U400 for about $60. Its a pretty simple but still has on board sound, and LAN. Also be aware there is not much there for an over clocker. I know ECS does not have the best rep, but the 2 reviews I saw for this board said it was a solid performer. I have also heard thier quality is improving.
FWIW

Mark

 

[RickH]

Thanks for the info. R

 

[jimbc]

Shuttle AN35N Ultra. My buddy puts an Athlon XP 2500, and OCs to 3200+ without any problem.
It has no other fancy (more money) stuff on it.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Have a Shuttle AN25N Ultra with my 2500xp and no problems. I haven't been able to get to 3200+ speeds yet, only 2ghz, but that could be my crappy pc 2100 memory or my no name 300watt powersupply .

 

[badaphooko]

my board (look at sig) has been solid for two months now...it went from 166 to 200 mhz before i even installed windows. You can pick it up for under $70.

 

[BlackMountainCow]

Shuttle AN35N-U. 2500+ to 3200+ without a hitch in one step!

 

[Heinrich]

The AN35N is apparently from many corners of the 'net the most stable & sound board you can buy (not necessarily the absolute fastest).

 

[pspada]

No, ^ the FIC AU13 is the "most stable & sound board you can buy". but the Shuttle's not bad either.

 

[RickH]

Thanks for the info guys.