Need Suggestions On Motherboards

[Daax]

Hello,
I'm currently in the process of designing my new computer, and I've come across some questions. I found a very informative site that lists several components that are supposed to be the best bang for the buck. However, the site is slightly old and the author said that all of his choices are made with a "six month rule of acquisition" in mind. The motherboard that he recommends is the EPoX EP-8RDA+ (www.dealsonic.com). What I need to know is if this will best fit plans and if it will be upgradable for the next 2-3 years.

The specifications of what I want to do is as follows:
AMD-Athlon 3.0 gHz
2 GB Ram
CD-RW
DVD-ROM
120 GB Harddisk
GeForce Video Card (not sure which one yet)
SoundBlaster Sound Card (not sure which one yet)
Multiple USB ports
Firewire
Networking capabilities (i.e. DSL, cable modem, etc.)

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Daax

[pentachris]

This article (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=18870) that I recently read suggests the Biostar M7NCD Pro. The MSI K7N2 Delta2-LSR (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-475&depa=0) also gets good reviews, and comes with SATA.

Looking at the line of Epox boards you mentioned (http://www.newegg.com/app/searchProductResult.asp?Submit=Go&Range=1&DEPA=0&bop=and&description=epox+ep%2D8rda&InnerManu=1318), I'd think one of those two would be a better deal.

Note that none of the above boards have firewire.

[Jhorner1]

I have used the M7NCD pro, and also the Shuttle AN35N recently. Both are very good performers for the price ($50 and $53 at Newegg), just no frills (SATA, RAID or firewire). Setups were very easy.