Choosing a Motherboard

[Bonesdad]

I am trying to choose between 2 new motherboards for a system I going to purchase. I am choosing between IWILL KK266-R or Biostar's M7VKB (KT133 chipset). THe IWILL claims to have a 266 FSB. WHat would this do for me? What FSB does the Biostar use? Is this something that will enable greater upgrades in the future? Please, I don't really care if it gives me 2% improvement, but if it will noticeably improve operation, I want to know. Thanks.

[yawningdog]

Greetings Bonesdad, and welcome. If a socket A motherboard does not have a 266 FSB, then the only other option is a 200. That's not a huge difference in and of itself, but it does allow the use of DDR memory, which might. I haven't built one of these systems yet myself (it's brand new technology) but I'm sure someone will respond who has. It's a tough call because if the new 266 FSB is going to become the standard, then that's your best bet. If the 266FSB falls flat on its face (which I really doubt) then it will not have been the best bet. All things considered, I would go with the IWILL.

Submit some more info. Processor? Programs? Why are you only considering these two brands? What will be the machines primary function?

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Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler.

[Bonesdad]

Howdy

Sorry for the lack of info...I'm going now with the AMD Duron Processor (850 or 900) expect to upgrade to 1.2+ in a couple of years. I'm coming from a 333mhz K6II w/32 MB RAM, so I expect whiz-bang improvement. Only considering these two cuz the vendor is building and these are the boards he recommends. The main use of the computer is office work at home with a very healthy dash of gaming....thats what I want the upgradeability for ...

I am leaning toward the IWILL too...but i have time to hear more replys. Thanks for your reply...

Originally posted by yawningdog:
Greetings Bonesdad, and welcome. If a socket A motherboard does not have a 266 FSB, then the only other option is a 200. That's not a huge difference in and of itself, but it does allow the use of DDR memory, which might. I haven't built one of these systems yet myself (it's brand new technology) but I'm sure someone will respond who has. It's a tough call because if the new 266 FSB is going to become the standard, then that's your best bet. If the 266FSB falls flat on its face (which I really doubt) then it will not have been the best bet. All things considered, I would go with the IWILL.

Submit some more info. Processor? Programs? Why are you only considering these two brands? What will be the machines primary function?

[tjaymadison]

You can look for motherboard specs and/or reviews at:

Motherboard Home World (http://www.motherboards.org)

Tom's Hardware (http://www4.tomshardware.com)


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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[Bokus]

The current generation of DDR motherboards don't seem to be outperforming KT133 chipsets by much at all. When you consider the higher prices, plus the added expense of DDR memory, you don't get a whole lot of bang for your buck. I'm not sure about the Biostar, but most KT133 boards can go to a 1.2Ghz CPU or higher, so you should have a little room to upgrade there. I'd go with the Biostar and put the extra cash into a video card upgrade.
I'm a little surprised your vendor didn't mention something with the KT133A chipset. It outperforms KT133 and can utilize up to 1.5Ghz 266FSB CPU (but does not use DDR memory).

[Bonesdad]

The Biostar utilizes a KT133 chipset, where the IWILL uses the KT133A. The IWILL is priced about 30 dollars higher, i believe.

THere is a version of the IWILL board without RAID chip onboard. What is RAID and do I need it? It's absence would save me about 20 bucks. Thanks again all!!

Tom's hardware gave a big thumbs up to the IWILL board...didn't really say yeah or nay on the Biostar tho. Is this dude to be trusted???

I intend to buy a Hercules 3D Prophet 4500 video card (uses Kyro II chipset). Has 64 mb ram for $150. Tom also really liked this card...any comments???

[tjaymadison]

RAID = Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. Usually for 'mission critical'
situations or servers. Definitions at www.webopedia.com (http://www.webopedia.com)

Tom's is very highly regarded, but as always 'your results may vary'.
The tests are rigorous, but you will undoubtedly have a different
system configuration. Can't always extrapolate 100% accurately.



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"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[Bokus]

Originally posted by Bonesdad:
The Biostar utilizes a KT133 chipset, where the IWILL uses the KT133A. The IWILL is priced about 30 dollars higher, i believe.

THere is a version of the IWILL board without RAID chip onboard. What is RAID and do I need it? It's absence would save me about 20 bucks. Thanks again all!!

Tom's hardware gave a big thumbs up to the IWILL board...didn't really say yeah or nay on the Biostar tho. Is this dude to be trusted???

I intend to buy a Hercules 3D Prophet 4500 video card (uses Kyro II chipset). Has 64 mb ram for $150. Tom also really liked this card...any comments???

Sorry, all the talk about DDR memory had me thinking the IWILL was a VIA KT266 board. My vote is with the IWILL.
I've been taking a long hard look at that Kyro II card myself. It seems to be getting some pretty good reviews. Also, it can be had for $112 at:
http://www.newegg.com/index.asp