best m/b with onboard sound & video ?

[GPo]

My kids are bugging me for a second computer. My wife & I can't get any computer time. We want to try & put a second system together. We have some parts from recent upgrades. Already have 300a CPU, 36x CDR,
250 W p/s, 2.0 gb HD, ram, keyboard, mouse
o/s & such.
Question, if I want a desent motherboard with sound and video on board, whatwould my choices be ?
Thanks
GPo

[fshanda]

GPo what is a 300a cpu. If you could let me know what processor you have I could be of more assistance. You should be able to build a nice little system with what you have.

Fshanda

[Nixona]

If it's an Intel Celeron 300a, you'd be looking at a motherboard by PCChips. There are several to choose from, some even have both the Slot 1 and Socket 370 connectors in case you would ever want to upgrade the processor. The M770LMRT has onboard sound, video, NIC, and Modem. Cheap board too, should be under $100. You can check the company out at http://www.pcchips.com

[GPo]

Thanks people, and fshanda my cpu is the cel 300a slot 1. Will clock to 450 too.
GPo

[fshanda]

Yea, PCChips board is probably the best way to go for a good cheap all in one board. I use one at work with built in sound, video and ethernet card. I have never had any problems with it.

Fshanda

[Underclocked]

I would have to differ in the PCChips recommendation. There is no way in creation I would EVER recommend one of their motherboards. Granted this is based upon limited personal experience, but I've read of myriads of problems encountered by other users. There is an Abit board at overstock.com that is microatx, slot one, supports from celery to PIII, has Intel 810E graphics, onboard sound, supports ata66 and is selling for about the same coin as most of the PCchips boards that I see. That board would not only satisfy your need now but allow some significant flexibility for future upgrades. <A HREF="http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=8666&fp=T"" TARGET=_blank>http://www.overstock.com/cgi-bin/d2.cgi?PAGE=PROFRAME&PROD_ID=8666&fp=T"</A> shown in the right side panel.

[This message has been edited by Underclocked (edited 04-01-2001).]

[Peter M]

PC-Chips's M756LMRT is about the only halfway current mainboard that still has slot-1 CPU option. (It has socket-370 too, for later upgrade.) The new 756LMRT+ has an upgraded sound chip for 6-channel 3D sound, but the non + version is OK too. Both are MicroATX form factor.

Chipset is SiS 630E, LAN/graphics are integrated into it. Sound/modem is C-Media 8738 (8738-6CH on the +).

Regards, Peter

[cheapster]

Another option would be a board from Tekram.com. They have some Intel 810 boards for as low as $34.95 that support the celeron PPGA processors. check them out. I have heard that they are decent, and much better than the PC Chips boards. check it out here: http://store.tekramusa.com/shop/product.asp?dept%5Fid=2&sku=227
good luck, Chuck

[sns]

Appears to be more of the combo boards getting around. MSI (Microstar?) have a MS-6337 with an intel 815E chipset which has the sound & vid on board. Doubt if it would be as cheap as the SIS boards but it gives you more manuf to choose from.

[GPo]

You folks are a great source of info.
Thanks again, new problem, see P3B-F post
GPo