Need Cheap Skt939 Mobo Recommendations

[thebotshop]

USB's crapping out on my current 5yr old mobo, time to upgrade. Since in a rush, don't have as much cash as I'd like to invest. Looking to spend around $375 for mobo, cpu, 512mb and new ps (not sure if I need ps). My current ps is an AMD recommended uneec 300W.

Right now, and I'm not sure if much difference as they use the same chipset, I'm looking at Asus A8V and Abit AV8. Not too concerned with overclocking, but would probably play with it at some point. If I do, I won't be trying to push the limits. Open to other suggestions in same price range. Seeing both boards for under $115 at http://www.zipzoomfly.com

You can see all the parts I'm looking at here: https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/WishList.jsp and typing info@thebotshop.com in the email box.
Not a wish list...more of a have to list...easiest way I could find to show parts I'm checking out.

[bluegreenshxt]

What graphics card do you have right now?

I prefer the Abit AV8 over the ASUS because the Abit is a better board. $112 at newegg.

Memory, I wouldn't spend so much on it. A generic stick would cost a LOT less for the same performance. Newegg has V-DATA 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM for $34.75. V-Data basically A-Data, so this is decent memory.

CPU I would get the 3200+ because it's a little faster at stock and allows you to overclock higher even though your memory may not be up to it because it has a higher multiplier. $190

ENERMAX Noisetaker Series 370W Power Supply,"EG375P-VE-SFMA" - $39.99. Vantec does not make great powersupplies. This Enermax will be better than it even though it's rated at less watts.

[gokusimpson]

Save some money on mobo: http://www.buyxg.com/store/item.asp?key=MB-147-101

[stlouis1]

if you currently have an agp videocard i wuold go with the msi k8n neo2 platinum motherboard. some branded value ram, like ocz or something, i dont trust names i've never heard of. i would however go with the athlon 64 3200 as well, but i would get an antec power supply

[Juan]

I will tell you from experience the A8V Deluxe sucks!!! Asus has not updated the VIA SATA Rom unlike all of the other manufacturers, their Tech support is lacking, and I think Asus jumps on new technology to quickly making it hard for us builders to make a nice stable system for a customer because they work the bugs out over time unlike alot of manufacturers that try and get as many bugs out before shipping. I would say go with the Abit board if you are not overclocking, or go with th MSI Neo 2 Plat board if you are.

[stlouis1]

ya, the msi board overclocks nice, i hit 2.5ghz on that thing with a 3200 with no problem at all, it was easier than overclocking a mobile

[thebotshop]

Thanks all for your two cents. Of course, worth much more. :)

As for video card, I'll be using my old Matrox G450 Dual Head.

Only asking the following as the mobo/cpu recommendations will cost about an extra $90. Soo....

Seems all would go for the MSI Neo2 over the Abit. So guess I need to save the extra cash for that.

But why are all recommending the 3200 over the 3000? Is there that much of a difference between performance of the two? Can't find any good comparisons for skt939 online.

Also, would I need to buy an OEM chip for overclocking or can it be done with retail? Keep seeing how the chips are locked from overclocking.
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20262

Any other tips, thoughts or places to check pricing are also more than appreciated.

[gokusimpson]

The 3200 is a winchester core so it's cooler. It can overclock well past 3500 speeds. The OEM chip is the same as retail chip. It just doesn't come with a fan and 3 year warranty. They usually have a 1 year warranty.

[BAM!]

epox is cheap and performs well

[stlouis1]

ya, epox, theres one i didn think of, i almost got it, but the color wouldnt have fit in too well for my system:p cant have that