Replacement MB?

[robroy55]

Looking to replace my old MB but keep as many of my existing PCI cards and other functions as possible and flexible upgrade possibilities.
Would like a MB with PCIe & AGP, IDE (Pata) & Sata, 2+ expansion PCI ports, on board Lan, Audio & Video capabilities.
I have found only one Chipset that has all the above, SIS 761GX/96SL and one MB that uses that chipset, PC Chips A31G.
Any problems/cons for that MB?
Any other chipset/MB that has the above capabilities?
I want to keep the cost down so I don't need multiple processors or expensive Ram memory.

I must also get a larger power supply, is a minimum of 450 watts large enough to allow expansions of Procesor, HD, Audio and Video?
Do I need special connectors like for PCIe peripherals?

Thanks

[BipolarBill]

You didn't specify AMD or Intel.

Yes - PCIe cards often require special power connectors and SATA does as well. It's best to buy a PSU that has at least 2 SATA and two PCIe device connectors. I would recommend 450-600W.

Asrock makes the "Dual" series and some of those have both AGP and PCIe ports.

[robroy55]

Hi Bill, thanks for the reply. Either AMD or Intel. I assume AMD would be lower cost?
I also found chipsets VIA PT800 Pro/8237R have both AGP 8X and PCIe X16 and both Sata and Pata capability.
The MB using them is a ASRock 775Dual-880Pro with AXT form. It has onboard Audio and Lan and supports both DDR2-667 and DDR-400 but no onboard video.
Any cons about the MB or chipset?

Thanks

PS I am replacing an old PII pc I've had since '95.

[BipolarBill]

There are always cons when seeking hybrid components to span different technology eras. Anything you get will be light-years beyond what you have now. All that matters is if it works. Asrock's Dual series does indeed work. If you want the best of the best, you should dump AGP and move on. You are going to replacing so many parts (CPU, RAM, MB, PSU), that it makes no real sense to let a crusty AGP card hold you back. As a matter of fact, a PII MB has AGP 1.0, which won't work in any newer motherboard anyway.

The compromises made in Asrock DUAL MBs are not earth-shaking. You won't notice them. If you really want to bridge the generations, go for it with no fear. If you're only trying to hold onto an ancient AGP 1.0 card, it's not worth it.

[robroy55]

Thanks Bill,
>> a PII MB has AGP 1.0 <<
It's a 1.5 volt AGP 1X or 2X slot.
Does this mean a MB with AGP 8X/4X can't run this video board?

[BipolarBill]

That's right. The 1.5V AGP card is "keyed" differently than 3.3V cards and won't even plug in.

[Rabbitrunner51]

Good advice... Esp. the last post. My reasoning was like that... meaning i wanted to still get some use out of my current card, and still be able to upgrade and use PCIE graphics,which i have since done. Both are handled very well with the ASRock series dual platform.
What is nice.. is the boards are cheap in price but not features and performance. Basicly, what i have is just rock solid, always boots well, and is just a very nice board for those needs.

Personally, if it were me, i'd go with the ULI chipset(s) board. Much better chipset i think. No problems at all with either AGP or PCIE. both work well.

On a side note, i'm desperately trying to find $400.00 for my upgrade platform ( new AM2 mobo,CPU and Memory ), and yes i am sticking with AMD,as it will literally scream... and handle al future needs. Good luck! LOL ;)

[photolady]

AGP 1x/2x are 3.3v not 1.5v, that's 4x/8x. However, in either case, a 8x card won't fit in a 3.3v slot.

[pandaz3]

They are temporarily out of stock but http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157097 is a great board. A cheap but good http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103023
a cheap http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835128007
and a reasonablehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125059 for the money. ahttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104037 s important (Do not even try your old one it doesn't have the Moxie and you will need a 24 pin connector

[robroy55]

Thanks all. After a long search I finally bought the following:
Abit NF-M2S MB + Athlon 64 3200+cpu+ 1GB DDR2 667 Ram (2 512's) + 485W power supply + testing for $180 incl shipping. Installed it in my old ATX box, loaded XP Home SP2 and it runs well.
I can now add new SATA & old PATA devices and PCIe video cards although the GeForce6100 in the Abit MB works fine.

[pandaz4]

I have a 939 board with a GeForce 6150 onboard video and it does work well if you are not a serious gamer. I was pleasantly surprised as I was sure I would need a "Bigger Card". It is on a web monitoring machine and serves that purpose well. I have tried a few games and at my skill level (Very Low) I had no problems.

[Rabbitrunner51]

One has to remember tht the 939 chipset was the best of the best form AMD, not all that long ago, before Intel finally got thier act together and then released thier monster Dual Core Dual boards.

Never had any board with onlboard video. it just wouldn't surfice for me. For alot of users or just the average person who isn't into heavy gaming or the ones that require so much out of a good card and system, then thats perfectly alright.

I think some of us fail to ealize that the industry just seems to dictate to us gamers, at least more in thier advertising and what comes out, but for many they just don't need all of that. Business, email, and or just plain sufing and everyday use, that is why they make boards and systems for everybody. I imagine, since i don't know about those things, that some boardsd might have onboard video and also capabilites to add a good grraphics card to boot if desired.

Yes.., Pandaz, this good ole board has served me well, but now i am in the process of ordering a whole new system. AM2 board,DDR2,and a screamer CPU,plus a new PSU. ( guess i'm going to try a good ABIT board for a change lol )

[Train]

Now to check out the top gamer machine, look at the bragging rights at http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/machv.asp

$20,236.82

Of coarse the budget box is now slow poke either. $2,543.11

So run on down the Eugene and pick up something. ;)

[BipolarBill]

Holy guacamole! That's just the BASE bragging rights machine! Look at the things that are left to be selected in the list!

If only I had George Lucas' budget... :(

[BipolarBill]

Oh - I just noted how they offer a "free" T-shirt as part of the package. How generous.

[RockNRoll]

*gasp* Do you think if I put wheels on it, and make an autopilot program, it might drive me to work? :x

[Rabbitrunner51]

Haha ! That funny Bill. yeah.. a free 'T shirt' wow... for spending over twenty grand one would think they would throw in an extra HD or software packages, or something to justify spending you rlife away.. What a world....

Nice pickup there Train..

[Rabbitrunner51]

RR, haahahaahahahha! "it just might"