Motherboard for Athlon XP 3000

[BWM]

Ok, I am in the process of getting parts together to build my mega system. I have decided on the processor, the XP 3000 but there are a few motherboards that I like but can't single out just one. What i want is SATA, on board Firewire, USB 2.0, 5-6PCI Slots, 8X AGP, ect. These are what i was thinking of:

ASUS A7N8X DELUXE nFORCE2 8X AGP/SATA/LAN/DDR

MSI K7N2G-ILSR Socket A nForce2/DDR/8XAGP/A&V&L/SATA/1394

Gigabyte GA-7VAXP Ultra RAID133/SATA/1394

Abit NF7-S nForce2


Any thoughts or more boards that I should consider please let me know.

Now included in this system will be DDR400 1Gig, ATI 9000 Pro 128 DDR card, and a Seagate 80 or 120 SATA hard drive, and maybe if i can get a good price on one Creative Audigy Platium sound card.

Thanks!
Bruce

[uethello]

You're missing the 8RDA from Epox, one of the most popular. Although my pick is the A7N8X. If you go with the Barton, DDR400 is a good idea, any of the 133 fsb chips won't make good use of it. PC2700 with a cl2 would work, unless you plan on overclocking.

Why go with the ATI 9000, with all the good gear? Is this a gaming computer?

[poopeyhed2]

If you go for the ASUS board, go to ecost.com it's cheaper than newegg.com by a couple of bucks

[Darknyt]

I am using the Abit NF7-S v1.2 as I write this response. I havent had one problem with it yet.One thing you might have left out is that this Abit board does have support for surround sound built it. Most unusual and well recieved is the SPD/IF out connector built onto it. It's all in what you are using it for. A gamer might want the ASUS board. Me...I choose Abit for maximum stability under any situation (gamming, office, etc). Also make sure that whatever board you choose has holes around the socket for liquid cooling. Good luck.

PS bought my Abit NF7-S v1.2 from www.excaliburpc.com
I'm running Windows 2K SP3

[BWM]

Thanks for the replys. As for the ATI card, I just bought it and really like the performace, I have it running on an AMD 1600+ system right now with a crappy biostar board. I just like the card. What would you all recomend for a card?

[BWM]

Anyone have any comments on the Gigabyte board? I am really impressed with their lower end ones.

Bruce

[sevenal]

Good to see you in this great forum!
MadDawg lol
Let me know when you put this thing together.

Oh and he's not a gamer.
But I am!

[rourkchris]

Just about to finish a build with the Gigabyte GA-7VAXP. Very nice and complete. Mine is the one without SATA though. If you've ever been even a little bit confused about hooking up the PWR switch, Resett switch, HDD LED, etc, then this is the mobo you need. Color coded and a very complete and detailed manual. Even includes a 6x4" sticker showing jumper settings for the inside of your case panel. Very nice board with easy setup and instalation. Colored attractively as well. 6 USB 2.0, 3 Firewire, Onboard LAN, 8x AGP, 333FSB, DDR400 capable,& RAID. I've used the VIA KT 400 chipset in other boards without problems. I'd highly reccomend a Gigabyte board. I'm also a big fan of ABIT, ASUS, and EPOX boards as those are the few I've had experience with.

[BWM]

Ok, after a lot of thought i think i have decided on the Gigabyte motherboard. Now, one thing that is sitting in the back on my mind is the others with the Nvida chipset. I have herd nothing but great things about it and would hate to sell my self short. Is the Nivida all that good? Or will the gigabyte board hold its own?

Thanks
Bruce

[Toddly]

I am researching a new motherboard myself and the NForce2 boards seem to be a favorite at the moment. There have been discussions about some BIOS issues that you may want to check out in the Motherboard Forum. I am leaning towards that ABIT NS7 as all my prior ABIT boards have been great. Check Tom's Hardware Guide for some recent reviews on motherboards.