Seeking advice on Asus Mobos

[Capman]

Hello,

I am thinking about building a new system from scratch and trying to
decide which motherboard, CPU etc to use. So far I have been
considering the Asus A7N8X series and the Asus P4P800 series. I am
confused with all the different models and why I want one over
another. I wouldn't mind paying a little extra to get features such as
onboard firewire, dual lan, raid etc. If the extra bells and whistles
don't cost an arm and a leg, I'll pay now just to have them available.
As far as CPU power, I wouldn't mind something a little less than top
speed to save a few bucks. Please suggest the CPU that offers the best
bang for the buck before the next notch up isn't worth the difference.
I currently run an AMD Athlon 1400 MHz but I am not adverse to Intel
Pentium 4 if there is a good reason to switch when I build the new PC.
Please feel free to make any suggestions you care to offer regarding
components. I already bought an Antec SLK2600AMB Super Mini Tower case
with a 300 watt power supply.

TIA

 

[Ed]

Hello,

I am thinking about building a new system from scratch and trying to
decide which motherboard, CPU etc to use. So far I have been
considering the Asus A7N8X series and the Asus P4P800 series. I am
confused with all the different models and why I want one over
another. I wouldn't mind paying a little extra to get features such as
onboard firewire, dual lan, raid etc. If the extra bells and whistles
don't cost an arm and a leg, I'll pay now just to have them available.
As far as CPU power, I wouldn't mind something a little less than top
speed to save a few bucks. Please suggest the CPU that offers the best
bang for the buck before the next notch up isn't worth the difference.
I currently run an AMD Athlon 1400 MHz but I am not adverse to Intel
Pentium 4 if there is a good reason to switch when I build the new PC.
Please feel free to make any suggestions you care to offer regarding
components. I already bought an Antec SLK2600AMB Super Mini Tower case
with a 300 watt power supply.

TIA

The A7N8X and an unlocked Barton (like the Mobile XP-M 2500+,2600+)
would be one way to go and they over clock really well, lot of bang for
$ there. I've had a A7N8X and Barton for just over a year, it's one of
the best (if not THE best) PCs I've ever built.

If I was to upgrade today I'd probably go for an AMD64 2800+ or 3000+, I
built 3 AMD64 with MSI boards for freinds, cool n quite and fast.

I'd prefer a Antec 380W over that 300W, but the 300 may be enough for
your build. It's always a good to have just a little more power then
you'll need.
http://takaman.jp/psu_calc.html?english
http://firingsquad.gamers.com/guides/power_supply/

x86 desktop processor report
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=15937

Ed

 

[Capman]

The A7N8X and an unlocked Barton (like the Mobile XP-M 2500+,2600+)
would be one way to go and they over clock really well, lot of bang for
$ there. I've had a A7N8X and Barton for just over a year, it's one of
the best (if not THE best) PCs I've ever built.

If I was to upgrade today I'd probably go for an AMD64 2800+ or 3000+, I
built 3 AMD64 with MSI boards for freinds, cool n quite and fast.

I'd prefer a Antec 380W over that 300W, but the 300 may be enough for
your build. It's always a good to have just a little more power then
you'll need.
http://takaman.jp/psu_calc.html?english
http://firingsquad.gamers.com/guides/power_supply/

x86 desktop processor report
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=15937

Ed

The Antec SLK2600AMB Super Mini Tower came with a Antec 300W power
supply is the only reason I was considering a 300 W one.

I hadn't really thought of using an AMD64 2800+ or 3000+ but that's
another choice if it's not too expensive. What MSI motherboard did you
choose?

Thanks