Need help deciding on new mobo

[AstroTaylor]

Hi everyone, I am pretty new to custom computers still and would like to pick the brains of those of you out there with more knowledge then me. I am planning to build my own computer here soon and would like help deciding on a new mobo. I would like to have an AMD based system, on board RAID, DDR PC2700, would prefer either Abit or ASUS mobo and I want to be able to use my current video card, Gainward GeForce4 4200ti. A buddy of mine just build a system using an ASUS mobo and now can't use his GF4 4600ti because his mobo runs 1.5v agp and his card doesn't support it (he may just not have it configured right, he won't let me touch it to help out), I don't want the same problem with my new computer. If anyone has a good suggestion for a mobo please let me know.

Thanks

I am the noob that asks questions constantly, but only so that I can learn and one day be your boss!

 

[Pako]

An ASUS A7N8X MOBO would be a nice start, further more you need to activate the dual memory controller by sticking 2 dimms in it I sugest to go with a brand and 2 times PC2700.
This way you will still have some cash for the CPU may I suggest one with a 333Mhz FSB the XP 2600+.
Oh one last thing get a real good PSU for stability and on this ASUS MODO there is no RAID controller, I think one from Promise would suit you fine.

Greetz

 

[AstroTaylor]

I would prefer on board raid, since I am positive I can make my raid array bootable then. I have never really heard if a raid controller card is still able to be booted to or not. My main concern is that I can use my GF4 4200ti on the board I get. Thanks for responding though, I'll look into that board. Any other suggestions?

I am the noob that asks questions constantly, but only so that I can learn and one day be your boss!

 

[Crashman]

Actually a RAID card is treated as a SCSI card in BIOS and I haven't seen any recend BIOS that didn't have the boot from SCSI option. Additionally, if you decide to put the thing on ANOTHER board, you don't loose your entire array as you would with onboard RAID.

<font color=blue>You're posting in a forum with class. It may be third class, but it's still class!</font color=blue>

 

[phr0ze]

I strongly recommend a raid card as well. I use the promise raid card and it boots fine. My mobo has onboard raid too but I don't use it because it has limited flexibility (Most onboard controllers are stripped a little). Plus on your next mobo upgrade you wont ever be limited to finding ones that have raid support.

---------------------------------------
phr0Ze

 

[AstroTaylor]

Ok, you guys raised a good point about the RAID card, I will look into that now for sure, but the only mobo that I have seen suggested has at least 2 threads on here about it not working with someones system, or that its not working with their video card. I want to keep my GF4 4200ti that is in my current system. Any mobos that you guys can suggest that you know work with the GF4s and support PC2700 DDR?

I am the noob that asks questions constantly, but only so that I can learn and one day be your boss!

 

[AstroTaylor]

Well I looked into the A7N8X mobo, but I have also seen a lot of threads on this forum about it not working for this guy, or failing on that guy, is the mobo any good or not? Does the A7N8X work with a GF4 4200ti? Does the APG voltage match the GF4? Anyone out there have this mobo with this card that knows it works?

I am the noob that asks questions constantly, but only so that I can learn and one day be your boss!

 

[dhlucke]

Remember, people come here to post problems and get help.

Yes, this board is good. I installed one over the holidays and it was cake. Different videocard though, but that should not be a problem.

<font color=red>
<A HREF="http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/" target="_new">Forum Assassin</A></font color=red>

 

[dhlucke]

Wusy, you realize that the only thing the deluxe offers over the standard is the digital onboard sound, dual lan (instead of one), firewire, and the single channel sata raid right?

What did this guy say that warrants the extra $40? Is the sound that much better?

<font color=red>
<A HREF="http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/" target="_new">Forum Assassin</A></font color=red>

 

[upec]

A7N8X Deluxe is a great board.