Help! Need MOBO and CASE, Quick!!

[jjsole]

I need to buy good motherboard and case tomorrow, and would LOVE to hear some rec's! Here's generally what I'm looking for:

MOBO:
For single fast p3 133 mhz (won't be overclocking)
1 hd, IDE, ultra 66 +
Sdram, w/atleast 3 slots
4+pci slots, w/4x AGP video slot
(I would love integrated audio and network, but not required)
Can spend up to $150.

CASE:
*A case large enough to keep a highly active processor cool, but as small as possible. I won't be running intensive video (at all), and my only peripherals will probably a cdburner, scanner, and printer. The more convenient the better, and want a case thats decent quality where the edges are safe. Can spend up to $125.

I don't mind saving some money, but since its a company tax writoff, I don't mind paying for quality either (within reason).

Thanks!!

[Brangwen]

I would recommend an Abit board: Look at www.Abit.com (http://www.Abit.com) I think is the link to get info as to specific needs, then shop around. I have an Abit VA board with the Apollo chipset running a P3 600E. It has integrated audio, 4x AGP, 5 PCI, 3 ISA and 3 Dimm slotts, ATA/66 support, plus room for 4 USBs. Several of the Abit boards are held in high regard. Check the user reviews at Sysopt. For a case, check out some good ones at http://www.a-pro.com/.

Good luck!

Brangwen http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Brangwen (edited 07-23-2000).]

[jjsole]

Thanks, Brangwen. Abit is what its going to be. I don't know anything about the Apollo chipset, but am happy to try something new (well, I really don't know much about the intel chipsets either, so scratch that). It looks like people have alot of success with with some of the Abits posted in Reviews. I've delayed long enough and now its pinchtime. Never put off til tomorrow what you can do today!

I'm still nervous about the case and can't decide if a minitower will be cool/big enough. The computers I have are mids and one full, which was the first one I put together myself. The full is overkill though, and heavy as a cement block.

[Paul Hubrich]

It may be too late, but I would suggest a mid tower case that will fit a full size ATX mobo. The mini towers tend to be set up for micro ATX form factor, and that will limit your mobo choices as well as the number of available slots.

As for a mobo - I have an Abit VH6 & I'm very happy with it. It meets all your criteria, including on-board sound (although the sound isn't real high quality). The VH6 is a socket 370 mobo, and is specifically designed to work with the FCPGA PIII and Celeron 2 processors up to 1 Ghz.

[jjsole]

Thanks Grunt and Paul. And no, its not to late. I was spending the time I could today determining (with pricewatch.com) exactly what I was going to buy and from who. It started to get really confusing because no one had everything (for the right price) and slowed me down a lot, so I haven't gotten it ordered yet. Not to mention, the more I surf, the more I change my mind, and it becomes a vicious circle... (been there, done that?). The case suggestion is very helpful to know. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

[grunt]

I have yet to find any real problems these cases, except they need a case fan http://www.computergate.com/cgi-bin/prodinfo?sn=3350102607115545&cd=HTMH100AA2

IF you want true quality then take a look at www.enlightcorp.com (http://www.enlightcorp.com/)

[This message has been edited by grunt (edited 07-24-2000).]