mobo decisions

[Bud]

I am looking at getting a mobo while I get my asus a7n8x deluxe gets fixed and then use it for another folding box. I dont wanna spend alot (like $60) but need to do 400fsb and sata, I was looking at the MSI nForce2 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU, Model K7N2-V from newegg $60. Anyone used this board or have a clue if its good. Or maybe suggestions for something in my price range. Thanks guys :respect:

[muddocktor]

No experience with the board and also no reviews at newegg on it either. How about the Albatron KX18D Pro for $62 or the Shuttle AN35-N Ultra for $67.99? Both of those seem to have decent overclocking features and have plenty of reviews that seem to think highly of them.

[Bud]

I look at those 2 just trying to get a decent board just threw that one out cause i saw it on newegg and thought msi was good. I was also looking at the biostar M7NCD.

[Geeky1]

I wouldn't touch shuttle's desktop boards if you paid me. MSI's boards are pretty good. I'd get the MSI.

[muddocktor]

Unlike you Geeky, I would definitely try Shuttle's desktop boards. I donated an AK31 KT266A board to the SMx project over a year ago after running it for a while and it's still kicking serious arse. I've had several of their old socket7 boards and they all held up pretty well; just seen 2 failures. They aren't bad at all for cheap boards. I'd buy a Shuttle before I'd buy an Epox.

The Albatron also looks good and I know that they've included a lot of overclocking options on their stuff in the past(since they've been in business). They are a new company trying to get market share.

[WuGgaRoO]

i have a shuttle board... and there is nothing wrong with it

[Geeky1]

Shuttle's SFF PCs are great, but their desktop boards are only OK.

I've never had an Epox, and the only person I know with one is happy with it (so far), but I stick to brands I know are good-
ASUS
ABIT
ECS
MSI
Albatron
Sapphire
Intel
Supermicro
Tyan
Biostar (on occasion)
ASRock
etc.

Just don't get me started on FIC. I hate FIC boards. I will not buy a FIC motherboard, graphics card, barebones system, or anything else they produce, on principle alone if nothing else.

[WuGgaRoO]

i have the shuttle a35n ultra board, the only complaints i have is that the ram voltage doesnt go high enough, so if ur planning on getting geil ram, or cheap ram, dont bother with the a35n, u wont get enough performance out of it. Its either u buy good ram and that mobo or another mobo (preferably abit) and crappy ram

[WuGgaRoO]

i retract my statememnt... the a35n board is crud...any board that shorts out when i install ram in it is worthless lol