chipset differences

[ChrisK2972]

I have an itch to upgrade my motherboard. I am using a MSI K7T Pro using the Via Apollo KT266 chipset. This board has been absolutely flawless. However, it lacks some of th newer features like USB 2.0, IEEE1394 and support for faster RAM.

I don't think I need a nforce chipset. I am using PC2100 and an XP2100+ cpu and doubt I will upgrade it anytime soon. By time I do, there will be better options on the market.

So, if I go the a KT400 or 333, am I going to notice a major performance difference? If so, what board (fully loaded, IDE RAID included, IEEE1394, USB 2.0, SATA, ect)? Would I be better off with just getting a PCI USB + IEEE 1394 add-on card?

[Telexen]

If you're considering going KT400...why not go Nforce2? they're supposed to support the same things (though the RAM support for 400mhz RAM on the KT400 isn't the whole truth)

[ChrisK2972]

I am thinking price more than anything. But, would I see a great performance difference from where I am right now?

[beppodmime]

Well, the nForce2 boards are offered in a variety of different configurations. For 85 dollars at newegg, you can get yourself an Epox 8RDA+ that features 8X AGP, Dual channel memory support up to PC3200, IEEE1394, USB 2.0, 6 ch audio, onboard ethernet, and support for ATA 133 drives. Not a bad bargain. If you hunt around, you should be able to find other boards that have similiar features for a good price.

In answer to your question on performance, sure, you'd see some improvement. However, the main benefit will be room to upgrade in the future. The socket A platform is going to be around for quite awhile, even with A64's hitting the market. The nForce2 boards give users upgrade room for the future, and that's one of their main strengths. Also, if you want to get a USB 2.0+IEEE1394 card, you're going to have to spend anywhere from 40-70 dollars, depending on the brand and where you buy it from.

I guess my advice would be to look at nForce2 prices. The 8RDA+ at newegg is a good deal for what you need, compared to some of the KT333 or KT400 boards still on the market. But that's all just IMO.

[ChrisK2972]

thanks for the advice beppodmime. It really is just an itch. I could wait I suppose. I do not have any USB 2.0 or IEEE 1394 perephals at the moment and don't know what I would get if I did. My scanner and printer and mouse work fine on USB 1.1

Well, it gives me more to think about

[beppodmime]

Not a problem. The waiting can be the hardest part, I suppose. Of course, this coming from the guy who wants to buy a new Gigabyte nForce2 ultra 400 mobo to replace his Epox 8RGA+....

But anywho, I would just say wait until you get something that requires a USB 2.0 or IEEE1394 connection, and then just buy the appropriate add-on card for 20 bucks. Or save for a little while and buy a new system when you feel absolutely ready to take the plunge.

[elroy]

If you can live without the raid, look at the Biostar M7ncd at newegg for $80. But you're not going to see a noticeable performance improvement unless you upgrade your cpu and ram.

[thegladiatorgy]

I'd go for the Soltek Nforce 2 or the Abit.