815EP, VIA or Serverworks?

G

Guest

Guest
Which chipset should I go for?
I'm trying to build a very specialized workstation. It must perform well and reliably. I don't really care about any extras, just a clean, efficient, solid performing system. So, which chipset is best for an Intel P3? BTW, dual processors COULD be useful considering the computer overhead, but it's not a deciding factor, I can work with it either way.

Thanks!
Charles
 

Crashman

Polypheme
Former Staff
The best performing chipset of coarse is still the BX, but finding one that supports dual processors and 133 and coppermines on the same board is difficult. The 815E/815EP is the best of the new stuff, but only supports up to 512MB ram, which you probably won't exceed anyway. The 840 is a good solution for memory-intensive programs, but you have to use RD ram (which is getting prety cheap right now), which results in faster memory tranfers but increased latency.
The best motherboard for features right now with the 815E is the CUSL2. But you'll have to wait a while for a major manufacturer to release a similar dual board.
I have been informed that the newer versions of the Asus P2B-DS can go to 133 FSB, but I only find up to 112 on their website. It uses slots, so you would need either slot processors or converter cards. The good news is that 100MHz versions of the PIII are available up to 1GHz now. 2 800's at 896 might be nice for the price.

Suicide is painless...........
 

Arrow

Splendid
Dec 31, 2007
4,123
0
22,780
I would recommend a board based on the Intel 815EP chipset, possibly the Asus CUSL2 series.

Rob
Please visit <b><A HREF="http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048" target="_new">http://www.ncix.com/shop/index.cfm?affiliateid=319048</A></b>