810 - Is it really that bad?

[Szech]

Found out the motherboard in my mother's comp won't support the AMD K6-2's. So now I'm planning on just building a whole new computer for her. Since the 810 has integrated video (and usually audio), it would help keep the cost down. I know that this is usually the major gripe of the 810 chipset (no AGP), but are there any other problems? or is it otherwise okay? Because my mom isn't much of a Quaker, more of a Freeceller.

[RobRich]

If the system is mostly used for desktop computing, then she will tell little difference in the long run. The i810 is a very good motherboard for what it's intended, a budget PC. It does have enough power to play most games at low resolutions, but don't expect new 3d games at anything above 640*480*16.

The built in sound is fine for someine wanting to listen to Realplayer, or even kick back with some mp3's. Some boards also come with a built 56k modem, but it will be a Winmodem. Fine for surfing the net and reading email, but definitely not a gamer's choice.

The biggest downfall is that if one component fails, you will have to replace the whole motherboard im most cases. The all-in-one concept is decent, as long as you understand just what someone is actually using it for. Considering that most budget Compaq and HP systems use the i810, it has proven itself to be a viable budget solution.

[This message has been edited by RobRich (edited 04-29-2000).]

[neo_otyugh]

we use a lot of the 810 boards here at work with celeron processors. they are not bad, and not good...they do the job and most of the time they are as reliable as the emachines we have here also.

[Szech]

You mean 810 supports OpenGL??? That's a shocker. I'm actually kinda edgey about using 810 now, because if there's any lesson life has taught me over and over and over again, is that $#!+ happens, and it only needs to happen in one component to really bite. Thanks for the info though.

[oblivion]

Yes it isa.........from a performance standpoint that is...................you would be worlds better off with a 133a or bx based MB.......and you would save $$$$$ also................to me at least i810=***.


It is a good mobo for a economy/budget PC................if you do not care bout anything except email and surfing...........and maybe some office 2000/97................................but for a OCer/tweaker...........it is poop.