Need MB with DDR SDRAM support but not sure to go with AMD760 or wait for VIAKT266A

[pdm]

Hi...

I'm about to build myself a new PC, and these are the parts I have lined up.

Athlon 1.4ghz (266FSB) CPU
2x256mb DDR SDRAM (266mhz)
Asus V7100 geforce 2 mx 400 Video Card (TV-Out)
SBlive Value Sound Card
Pioneer 106s DVD/CD-ROM
WD 40gb 7200rpm HDD

And all the rest is unneccesary to mention (Unless you want to me to)

Now....I don't know what kind of motherboard to get.

I would very much like to go with either Asus or Abit, as I have had very good experience with both of these brands in the the past, but as for what chipset I want.....I am quite stuck.

Now, as far as I know, there are the following chipsets out there.

AMD760
VIAKT266 (which has problems, but will soon be replaced by the KT266A)

I don't think I will buy anything with the everyday KT266 chipset, so my question is this....

Do I buy a motherboard now with the AMD760 chipset, or wait for something with the KT266A to pop up?

What boards are out there at the moment utilizing the AMD760 chipset?

How long do people think it will be before MB's with the KT266A start being produced?

Also, just wanted to say that I am not strictly after Abit / Asus, but they would be my preferred choices.

If there are any other questions on my plans that people may want to ask to better help me....please ask :)
Also, if anyone has any suggestions as to possible changes in my setup....please suggest, i'm quite open to suggestions.

Cheers, and thankyou.

Pat.

[Darknyt]

Hey .........ABIT KG7/KG7-RAID (AMD 760 chipset) or the ABIT KR7 (VIA KT266A chipset). I am getting the KG7 lite. I have heard good things about it. As for ABIT's KR7...i believe that some are currently testing it now. I dont know when its going to come out though......whatever you do, stay away from the ECS K7S5A or the K7S5A2. They are both underachievers. Let see if I can find you a link...... BRB

Oh yeah, I have only used ABIT mobo's myself(although my hardware didnt like the KT7E) ECS was my first "other" mobo....I regret the day I bought it.

[jkittlesen]

I'm waiting for the KT266A or nForce it won't be long!

[NDD]

I'd go for mobo with KT266A chipset, something like Abit KR7. Newly revised KT266A is an absolute champion when it's about performance, and should be stable too, at least as AMD760. As for possible config with other peripherals, I advice you to read Paul's Unofficial ABIT KT7 Motherboard FAQ (http://www.viahardware.com/faq/kt7/kt7faq.htm), it's about Abit KT7, but applies to all Abit mobos when it's about compatibility with Asus videocards (as your planned V7100). My friend with KG7 has the same boot-up issue mentioned in the FAQ.
As for availability, mobos with new KT266A should be out in a few weeks, as the new chipset is absolutely pin-compatible with the previous KT266.

Best Regards ...

[pdm]

Thanks for the advice pplz....

I think I will go with the KG7-RAID, as I really can't wait untill the KT266A boards come out (been waiting a few months anyway, and need to use old comp as server)
From what I hear, the AMD760 boards are rock solid, and that's pretty much what I'm after, and the price is not too much of an issue, with AMD's cpu's being SO **** CHEAP! :)

Still open to other suggestions, but I think the KG7-RAID is good, as I was half planning to set up a RAID system down the track anyway.

Cheers,

Pat.

[pdm]

Originally posted by ND
My friend with KG7 has the same boot-up issue mentioned in the FAQ.

Best Regards ...

Hmmm,

I found a few bootup issues on that site, which one is he having :)

Cheers,

Pat.

EDIT - Just had a look around for a few reviews, and will deffinately be buying this board.

Pat.

[NDD]

When he was powering his comp, he was getting one long-two short beeps, indicated that is no videocard in :)
I had the same problem with my Abit KT7A and Asus V7700 Deluxe GeForce2 GTS.
Had to press "Reset" just after I heard the beeps, then comp was booting fine.

Best Regards ...

[pdm]

Thanks for the tips boys...

I bought the KG7...normal version.

I have had no problems with it whatsoever....just plug in, bootup, install win2k, and everything is running PERFECTLY.
I mean this computer is now running sooooo well, soo stable, and sooooooooo fast :)

I'll just list all the parts for anyone who might be interested,

Abit KG7
AMD Athlon 1.4ghz (not palomino)
2x256MB PC-2100 DDR SDRAM
WD 40gb 7200rpm HDD
AOpen HX-08 300W case (I LOVE THIS CASE!!!)
Pioneer 105s DVD-ROM
Sony 4x CD-RW (soon to be replaced)
Asus V7100 Geforce2 MX 400 (TV-Out)
SBLive! Value
Hollywood+ DVD decoder
Realtek 8029AS NIC

mmm....nice :)

Cheers,

Pat.

[NDD]

If you happy - I'm happy too :)
And no problems with Asus GF2MX ?!

Best Regards ...

[pdm]

Nope no problems with anything!!!

Seriously, all I did was plug every card into the board, turn it on....boot from the win2k pro CD, install win2k, install the detonator XP drivers, and that's it.
No liveware, so anything else whatsoever.....and it's kicking ****!

I'm unbelievably happy.

Thanks Abit!

Pat