CPU+Mobo under $175 ?

[Grundbegriff]

What's a good, stable low-end motherboard/AMD combo with an ATX form factor for under $175?

[Coskesh]

I see that AMD XP 2800s are in the $100 range. Should be able to get a pretty good MB with that and remain under $175. I wouldn't know about Intel systems.. have only used AMD the last 6 years.

[Ranulf]

Hmm, depends on how fast a chip you want. I'd also go with a XP 2800 with an nforce2 board (those run 50-80 usually) or if possible on price, a 2800 AMD64 with a nforce3 250 board. You could also get a Sempron chip instead of a XP chip. That might be cheaper.

[naednek]

http://www.outpost.com/entry?site=op:mf ... ku=4247314

AMD Athlon 64 2800+ Retail Boxed Processor with Motherboard 169.99

[EvilHomer3k]

You can get an A64 and an nforce 250 or Via 800 chipset for that price. Unless you want to go cheaper, stay away from the XP's. There's nothing wrong with them but the 64's outperform them in just about every benchmark around.


Epox 8kda3i motherboard - $64.50 -
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 225&depa=1
A64 2800 Retail - $120
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 485&depa=1

This is a bit more than your target of $175 but it gives you some room to grow and it will outperform a non-overclocked Athlon XP. The S754 form factor will be supported by AMD for a little while yet through the sempron. This also gives you an nforce 3 250 chipset.

The board that comes with the bundle naednek suggested isn't a bad board. It got mixed reviews at Newegg and doesn't seem to support DDR 400 ram. You can get it and the retail 2800 at Newegg for $173+$2.99 shipping if you'd rather use them than Outpost.

[Grundbegriff]

This is a bit more than your target of $175 but it gives you some room to grow and it will outperform a non-overclocked Athlon XP. The S754 form factor will be supported by AMD for a little while yet through the sempron. This also gives you an nforce 3 250 chipset.

Thanks! Good selections.