Advice on AMD system for an Intel User

[dr_roberts49]

I'm going to build a computer for my youngest daughter to replace her old Pentium II. Aside from using it for her homework and the internet, she needs something that will play her favorite games, that currently reside on my computer and her brother's computer. She's older now, and needs some computing power. She loves playing the SIMS.

I'm thinking of an AMD XP2500+. Can any one suggest a good mobo and chipset for this processor? I'm trying to keep this combo under $175 (processor & mobo). I have a 40GB hard drive for her. I'll also upgrade her video card and get her 512MG of memory. I'm hoping the onboard sound will be good enough.

I've built several Intel based systems, but never an AMD. Any input would be appreciated. A good heatsink/fan combo would also be needed.

Thanking all in advance,

Robert

[extreme_gamer]

i have the shuttle an35-(n) ultra motherboard, it looks good, works well, and no problems yet, it has onboard sound, ethernet, usb2.0, and supports three sticks of ram, a pair can be a set of dual channel. it's about $50 and the processor about $80? then you come in well below, at $130

that motherboard is for almost all general activities and is easily upgraded - five PCI slots, and one AGP i would recommend!

~~::EdIt::~~ ehhh well i could be wrong in price on the motherboard, when i bought it, the price was about $70 i believe and figured the price would go down, apparently it hasnt, here's a link to it:

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProduc...150-045&depa=0

so about $150

[VERT]

Abit NF7 is an excellent mobo and I would imagine you should be able to get it pretty cheap now days as it's been out for a wee while now.

[John Prophet]

Anything by Biostar would be very easy to build...not for overclocking but the benefit is that the bios is simpler to set up etc.

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something like this http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...138-234&depa=0

handles up to 400mhz fsb...dual channel ram etc..6ch audio built in gf4mx...which you would probably replace....

either that or maybe the next step up board...or even the M7VIZ which is maybe $10 less but only goes up to 333fsb


JP

[teengeek88]

Asus A7N8X is great

[Chiguy]

I got the Asus A7N8X Deuluxe. Great board.

[John Prophet]

Ive never built one, but I see the A7N8X in wayyyy too many help threads, lol.

I think it is like the k7s5a..if u get a good one your ok..otherwsie..arrgghhh

some of the reviewers at newegg had bought 4 or 5 of them....two guys said they had 4 out of 5 being good, or 3 out of 4, lol.

[Graham C]

I will stand by my A7N8X Delx.

400 FSB
1Gb+ memory capacity
SATA
Raid
and the usual goodies.

[zen]

Another vote for the A7n8x.
Dont let the help posts scare ya. Its an awesome board.
Not exactly cheap though.

[thronka]

i recommend epox 8rda3i for price and features on what you get. all you need is ram, video and processor and there ya go!