Socket7/Super 7 suggestions please

[Ygor]

Hiya! I have a Pentium 166, non mmx I would like to use in a secondary machine. Budget is a factor, but I'd also like to be able to upgrade thru AMD later.

I'd consider an all-in-one board for this or at least on board sound. I have greeting-card graphics and online searching in mind for this machine, not gaming. I have simms I'd like to use in this too, so I'm afraid my options may be even more limited. Some that looked good in reviews seem to no longer be available, at least thru pricewatch.

Thanks for any current options anyone knows of!

[Susan]

The only decent boards I can think of off the top of my head that are AT and have SIMM's are the FIC 503+ and the SOYO 5EHM. But they don't have onboard sound.

Have you looked through www.houstontechnology.com (http://www.houstontechnology.com) which are PCCHIPS boards?

[Ygor]

Thanks Susan!
The Soyo 5ehm is a consideration as well as the 5ema, but we are not ruling out atx. The current high prices for ram are the main reason we want to stay with the simms we have for now. I've been looking for boards that take both simms & dimms.
I'd consider an all-in-one or onboard sound board, not necessarily looking for one.
Just wondering if I am trying to start too late to find a good selection...


[This message has been edited by Ygor (edited 09-23-99).]

[mschuch]

Hello -

If you are going to use the system as a secondary machine, I'd check PcChips motherboards. They include motherboards made through Alton, Amptron, Eurone, Etc. Typically they include on-board sound, and some have 4mb and 8mb video. These boards, however, are not great for gaming, but are stable if you are using them for desktop programs and the internet. I have an Alton M571 that I use as a third, which has on-board sound and 4mb on-board video. It takes up to an AMD 366mhz CPU. It doesn't have a 100mhz fsb, though. It costs about $50, and take, I believe, 256mb ram in 4 simm slots. It also take SD-Ram memory as well. I have 128mb in there now, and have had no problems.
You might consider checking the Auction sites, as well. With so many people upgrading now to the new AMD Athlon, I'm sure people are selling what they consider outdated motherboards at fairly inexpensive prices.
Best of Luck in your search.

[Ed_S]

Saw you're already looking at Soyo 5EHM, but thought I'd chime in to support it. (Susan, you knew I'd show up! /forum/smile.gif) Mine's done well for me though two cpu's, a 233MMX o/c'd to 285 and currently a K6/2-400 @ 450.
Good voltage & FSB options, simm and dimm slots, AT or ATX.
A bit picky about how drivers are loaded, but great after they're right.
Lousy written manual, good CD and online info.

Definately would recommend it.

[Ygor]

So far that is the main contender. The 5ema looks good too, but all the reviews seem to be on the 5ema+, despite Soyo's own links so I am wondering if it's still out there?
Thanks for all the help!

[mudoggy]

Check out some of the EPoX boards.. the MVP3G-M gets real high marks, especially for overclocking, but it won't take simms. Look at this one instead:EP-51MVP3E-M

http://www.epox.com/products/mboard/51mvp3em_1.html

It will take your simms, and dimm later when the mem craziness stops (or at least slows).
It will hold up to a k6-3 500mhz I believe they said. It is also on AMD's recommended boards list on their site.
No doubt, the soyo's are good too. I guess you can shop for price..

About on-board anything: I have found them to be more of a pain in the ***** than they are worth. If it's not your power machine, just buy some older cards or used cards to drop in them... you'll probably be happy you did. Have fun! /forum/biggrin.gif
-----
I have a Shuttle HOT-591p, and while the price was right, if I had to do it over again, I'd grab an EPoX board for any a-7 chip I had.. live and learn! /forum/smile.gif

[Susan]

Ygor -

The 5EMA was at Multiwave last week, but it's not there now. /forum/frown.gif

I'll keep my eye's open for it.

[Ygor]

Thanks mudoggy, but according to pricewatch that was replaced with EP-MVP3G-1MB which uses dimms...
I wish the only other comparison service I've found was as easy to use as pricewatch! {just in case someone does still have it for sale online)

[Ygor]

I found another option... the AOpen ax59pro. The curious thing is that one site has an "Edition 2" posted, but no info, and nothing at AOpen's site yet. Anyone heard anything?