🚀 go-pugleaf

On 2008-03-29 13:45:12 -0500, Sqwertz <swertz@cluemail.compost> said:

> It's been a while since I've needed to upgrade and am a  little out
> of date on deciphering the terminology in some of the ads I see.
> 
> Are there any RECENT articles/tutorials on choosing motherboards?
> 
> I'm not looking for a gaming system, not the latest and greatest of
> anything.  I'm usuaully 2 years behind the most recent technology.
> Something with decent onboard graphics and the usual built-in
> periphs + SATA.  Would like to stay under $300 for mobo+CPU+memory.
> I mainly need to run WAMP, Dreamweaver, Eclipse, and some video
> conversion apps,  I don't need to play the newest and greatest FPS
> games

ExtremeTech has very good built-it guides.

<http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1697,1825693,00.asp>


Personally, I think $300 for mobo+CPU+memory will not yield a 
sufficiently powerful machine, but I'll try to help. As a rule, you 
should buy the least expensive Intel Core architecture CPU that seats 
your needs, and then find a name-brand motherboard which is compatible 
with it, such as Asus or MSI. You should know that I'm not an Intel 
partisan, as I have two AMD CPUs in my home, but Intel's CPU's are 
simply unmatched in price/performance today. The least expensive Intel 
Core CPU, using Newegg.com, is the Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Allendale 
2.2GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor, for $114.99

<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115031>

This uses an LGA 775 socket, so a good low-cost mobo to pair this with 
is: MSI P6NGM-L LGA 775 NVIDIA GeForce7050 / nForce610i Micro ATX Intel 
Motherboard

<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130130>

This mobo has an acceptable nVidia GeForce 7050 GPU onboard, so it's 
pretty affordable.

Top it off with 4GB of Kingston value memory for $79.99
<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134193>

Your total MB + CPU + RAM + GPU cost, before shipping, is $244.97.

> 
> I have questions like:
> 
> How to you know the actual CPU speed these days with the dual and
> quad cores?  Is the advertised speed for each core?

The clock speed is no longer a reasonable indicator of CPU performance. 
The FSB + architecture are now much more important. On the other hand, 
any Core 2 Duo CPU made today is fast enough for your workload.

> 
> CPU Socket profiles and chipsets.
> 
> Do most mobos come with IDE and SATA?  If one comes with SATA, will
> it usually have an IDE interface also?

Typically IDE interfaces are still included.

> 
> Can I run most of the mobos with onboard graphics using my beloved
> Antec case with a 300w power supply? (with 1 high-speed DVD/CD
> writer/2 hard drives, 3 USB periphs)

It is likely you'll have to buy a new power supply if your previous CPU 
was not at least a Pentium 4. If it was, then it should have the 
necessary ATX12V power output. Also, you may need to get an adapter to 
convert a 12-pin connector to a 24-pin connector. Really, I think you 
should just get a new power supply, because this is a part that tends 
to wear out, and you don't want it to take your electronics out with 
it. I always replace the power supply when replacing the motherboard. 
CoolMax is a reasonable brand, and they offer a 500W supply for $29.99

<http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159066>

That brings your total to $274.96, before shipping.


> 
> Are there any recent articles on how to shop for a mobo anyone can
> point me to?  Something writte in the last year. And where is the
> best place to buy  variety of mobos?   Last time I was at Fry's they
> mostly had the most current, top of the line stuff which is
> different than I remember.
> 
> -sw