Which motherboard and processor????

ithaca00

Hello everyone. I'm a newbie to the world of computer building and modding and, in the process of building a computer, my head has begun to spin with all the new information that I need to know. Right now, the main thing that is confusing me is What's the right "mobo"/CPU combo for me?

I've got a few components so far for my computer .

Antec full tower case ( I don't know what model, see pic below)
Maxtor 160GB hdd
some generic floppy drive

I will be using this new comp for mainly internet, videos, DVDs, tv, music, limited gaming, etc. using XP as my OS. I don't really have a preference between AMD and Intel for processors, just whatever's "better" for me and my wallet. Right now I'm planning on getting a cheap video card to get me by until school when I get an all-in-wonder card but I still don't know what motherboard to get.

What I need (want) in a motherboard/CPU combo:

$100-$250US (I want the most bang-for-the-buck)
STABILITY!!! I don't forsee OC'ing this anytime soon but I don't want another computer that constantly crashes
decent speed without having to OC
on board LAN
on board sound (surround would be nice but that can always be upgraded later)
at least six USB 2.0 ports, 2up front
(at least one firewire port, for up front)
8x AGP

well, that's all that I can think of right now but if anyone has any suggestions for additional features I may want or need I'm all ears :)

So if anyone can help me choose an appropriate board and processor. Any help is greatly appreciated

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ithaca00 · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2003 9:24 pm Post subject:

Does no one have any suggestions for me?

Should this be in the General Hardware section?

Please help me out!!

DMW · SirTweaksabit Joined: 16 May 2002 Posts: 457

there is a lot to consider....prices and performance might weigh in favor of intel at this time.

there are just so many considerations to account for...

for the price range you mentioned....the NForce2 has all the features you are looking for, with a 2500Barton (AMD) Cpu, you might do very well....but others will have their say too.
The MSI brand has a nice "mutimedia" freindly NForce2 package to offer.
I personally have the Asus A7N8X DX2.0