Which motherboard to get for new computer?

I'll buy a computer, or rather parts for it to build one. As for the motherboard, I want to know which one you think is the best that is for P4 (2Ghz and later, if there's any difference in the chipset that the motherboard uses for P4 processors over 2Ghz, name the latest chipset), I would like you to give suggestions for both RDRAM and DDR RAM since I haven't decided which to go with. And the motherboard must be from Abit or Aopen. If you think that another manufacturer have a much better board than the ones I can get from Abit and Aopen, you can recomend that too.

For RDRAM the best board IMO is the Abit TH7-IIRaid. It overclocks pretty well and has almost everything you could want. For DDR I would say the Epox 4SDA+ as many people on the forums are happy with this board.

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Originally posted by dudewth
For RDRAM the best board IMO is the Abit TH7-IIRaid. It overclocks pretty well and has almost everything you could want. For DDR I would say the Epox 4SDA+ as many people on the forums are happy with this board.

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Does the board from Abit need to be in a system that will use RAID? I can add that I won't build a system using RAID, sorry for not writing that in the first place.

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Originally posted by Triton


Does the board from Abit need to be in a system that will use RAID? I can add that I won't build a system using RAID, sorry for not writing that in the first place.

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No you don't have to use RAID. RAID capable motherboards means you get 2 more IDE channels so you can attach 4 devices and have them funcion in a RAID array. However that's only an option and you use it for normal devices. Its not mandatory to use RAID. ;)

Is ATA100 fastest on the market, or is ATA133 released yet?

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Originally posted by Triton
Is ATA100 fastest on the market, or is ATA133 released yet?

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ATA 133 Is around for a long time now... Like 2-3 month...:rolleyes:

SL-85DRS2 -- SiS 645-A2 Socket-478 ATX motherboard or a SL-85DRV3 -- VIA P4X266A Socket-478 ATX motherboard From http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/

They seem to overclock well for AMD with redstorm wouldnt see much differnce for the P4. here is there link to the boards

http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/18/46.htm?351 for SL-85DRS2 -- SiS 645-A2 Socket-478 ATX motherboard

http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/18/43.htm?351 SL-85DRS -- SiS 645 Socket-478 ATX motherboard

and http://www1.soltek.com.tw/English/product/85drv3.htm for specs on the SL-85DRV3 -- VIA P4X266A Socket-478 ATX motherboard here is the purachace link for that one http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/18/49.htm?351

I think if you want ata 133 support the SL-85DRV3 is your best bet its the only one out of the bunch that supports it and it goes for 119 on soltekusa. Its the only place I found this board here is some quick specs

https://www.sharkyforums.com/

œ VIA P4X266A + VT8233A chipset
œ FSB 400 MHz (with enhanced overclocking ability)
œ Supports DDR SDRAM
œ Supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66
œ BIOS FSB Setting
œ H/W Monitor
œ On-board AC'97 Audio
œ BIOS FSB & Vcore Setting
œ BIOS AGP & DIMM Voltage Setting
œ Supports four USB ports

SOLTEK!!!

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Originally posted by clh61
SOLTEK!!!

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<gives a thumbs up to fellow supporter> :P

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Originally posted by poohbear1971
SL-85DRS2 -- SiS 645-A2 Socket-478 ATX motherboard or a SL-85DRV3 -- VIA P4X266A Socket-478 ATX motherboard From http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/

They seem to overclock well for AMD with redstorm wouldnt see much differnce for the P4. here is there link to the boards

http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/18/46.htm?351 for SL-85DRS2 -- SiS 645-A2 Socket-478 ATX motherboard

http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/18/43.htm?351 SL-85DRS -- SiS 645 Socket-478 ATX motherboard

and http://www1.soltek.com.tw/English/product/85drv3.htm for specs on the SL-85DRV3 -- VIA P4X266A Socket-478 ATX motherboard here is the purachace link for that one http://soltekusa.safeshopper.com/18/49.htm?351

I think if you want ata 133 support the SL-85DRV3 is your best bet its the only one out of the bunch that supports it and it goes for 119 on soltekusa. Its the only place I found this board here is some quick specs

http://www1.soltek.com.tw/others/redlightning.jpg

œ VIA P4X266A + VT8233A chipset
œ FSB 400 MHz (with enhanced overclocking ability)
œ Supports DDR SDRAM
œ Supports Ultra ATA 133/100/66
œ BIOS FSB Setting
œ H/W Monitor
œ On-board AC'97 Audio
œ BIOS FSB & Vcore Setting
œ BIOS AGP & DIMM Voltage Setting
œ Supports four USB ports

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soyo p41 fire dragon..what more can you ask for

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Originally posted by jakeslim
soyo p41 fire dragon..what more can you ask for

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If I am seeing the board I think you mean it cost a heck of alot more then the soltek boards

Mabe I am wrong I see prices starting at 77 and dint think it was this board next one up was 144 bucks

Thanks for all your replies! :)

I've decided to go with RDRAM, and I'm looking into the Abit TH7-IIRaid. But I wonder one thing, since it has onboard sound, but I'll buy a separate soundcard, is that going to cause any problems or can I just turn to onboard sound function off?

And, is the RAID function the only difference betwen this board and the Abit TH7II? I haven't found any but I just wanted to be sure.

As it looks now, I'm chosing betwen one of the Abit TH7II boards and Asus' P4T. Which to chose, do you think?

If I had a choice its hard cuz they are booth good boards I think the abit might be a easyer overclock then the asus

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Originally posted by Triton
Thanks for all your replies! :)

I've decided to go with RDRAM, and I'm looking into the Abit TH7-IIRaid. But I wonder one thing, since it has onboard sound, but I'll buy a separate soundcard, is that going to cause any problems or can I just turn to onboard sound function off?

And, is the RAID function the only difference betwen this board and the Abit TH7II? I haven't found any but I just wanted to be sure.

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I'd take the Abit over the Asus, just because of all the options and I like it a bit better. They both go neck in neck on overclocking, whether that is your cup of tea or not.

You can disable the onboard sound, and you will want to; as it's not the greatest.

Yes the only difference between the two is the raid controller. However I would recommend buying the raid version incase you use it later down the road, or just use it as extra ATA100 controller (no actual raid)

Good Luck :)

My P4T-E runs like a champ and OC's really well so if you dont need the RAID then go with ASUS...if you want the extra IDE the ABIT is a solid choice.