Help! Advice re: MOB & CPU's

[videoguy79]

I was wondering if people could give me thier opinions on which mainboard and CPU combination would be a happy meduim between price and functionality.
You see, I'm a graduate student whose parents purchased a Compaq Presario 7594 for me in 2000. I begged and pleaded with them to PLEASE just let me assemble my own computer, to suit my own needs (video, mp3, etc). Of course they did not listen, and I ended up with a craputer. The problem I am having is that a Celeron II at 566 Mhz (66Mhz bus)sucks major arse for doing just about anything except e-mail. I cannot overclock it, because my BIOS won't let me, the motherboard is jumperless, and the PLL isn't even a choice in softFSB, CoolFSB, or CPUFSB! Compaq won't even tell me if my MOB will support a better processor or higher bus speed!*&**
So, can somebody please recommend a cost-effective MOB and CPU? I am a pretty poor PhD student, so I am looking to spend maybe 200 bucks tops; the less, the better. I have to admit, I think I am going to go AMD this time, so if somebody could tell me which processor is good for doing mpeg-2 conversion and capturing I would be very happy. Also, I need a micro-ATX form-factor MOB.

Current Specs (lowers head in shame)
-Intel Celeron II 566Mhz (actually 564.2 )
-20GB 5400RPM generic HDD (ata66 )
-192MB SDRAM (100Mhz)
-Philips PCRW804 CD-RW
-Cyberdrive 16x48 DVD-ROM
- USB video capture device
-D-Link 10/100 base-T LAN
-"on board" sound and video (yes, it sucks)

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!

[valzuniga]

Hi! I recently upgraded my computer to an AMD XP 1700, and am very happy with it. I got an ECS k7s5a mobo with the Sis chipset. The bundle also came with a coolermaster heatsink & fan (AMD Approved) for only $192 u.s. here is the retailer:
http://www.tufshop.com/store/ecs_amd.html
This isnt the newest mobo on the lot for the AMD XP processor, but it does beat alot of the older models in the benchmark tests.
http://www6.tomshardware.com/mainboard/01q3/010924/
So i found it to be a good value. The only problem with all this is that I had to buy a new case for my computer (300w) power supply. And i had to buy some ddr ram.
The only bad things i found out about this mobo is that it isnt a good choice for overclockers. I would recommend this solution to you if you are strapped for cash, like i am!!

[videoguy79]

Thanks for the advice. One question though--how noticable is the difference between DDRAM and SDRAM? DDR seems rather pricey right now, so I am aiming to buy a mainboard with dual DDR/SDRAM slots and cannabalize my old SDRAM from my current computer until I can afford DDRAM. How "worth it" is the switch from SDRAM to DDR?

[spiderman2k1]

I got the ECS k7s5a combo its a good board the only problem is that the Dazzle 2 does not work on it. When I was useing SDram and now DDR I did not see a big different's. And I was only Using PC100. I now use MSI K7T266 PRo board it goes for $149.00 I have the one with raid controll you can get the non pro version it's 20 less. I do think the DDR ia a little fast but it all comes down to what your running. When I encode SVCD its best to use WIndows2000 its must fast then WIn98 there's no DOS in the back ground. My encoding I think I might have saved 10 or 15 minutes with DDR. When a two hour movie took 3 1/2 with DDR 3 and 20 minutes. with you Are a ALL in WOnder person and want to make SVCD then capture in MPEG1 then encode. Again with you want Dazzle 2 down the rode get MSI K7T266

[valzuniga]

Hi! It's me again!!
As you can see a person has posted about the msi mobo. I heard bad things about the 266 chipset. I heard better things about the sis, believe me i've done my research. Not having too much money but wanting to upgrade forces you to do your homework. Now if youre talking about the 266a chipset, i hear better things about that chipset than my sis chipset mobo. The mobo that i bought and mentioned earlier COMES with sdram as well as ddr-ram slots, so yes you can migrate safely and cheaply. The only reason i chose ddr is becasue someone offered to buy it for me in exchange for some old parts. !!
Another good thing about the sis chipset is that it has passive cooling, and doesnt get as scorching hot as the via competitor.

[zzyzzx]

Just avoid WD HD's and Motherboards with VIA chipsets and you should be OK.

[sdispun]

ECS k7s5a with T-bird 1700 XP is a price performance. This combo can do encode speed in less than 2 to 1, means if the movie is 2 hours long, this box can do in WAY less than 4 hrs.

http://www.newegg.com is a good place to start. If other mobo in mind, make sure the chipset is either VIA KT133/KT266 or Sis735/Sis745.

Memory: Micron (With above combo, nothing will go wrong)
Hard drive: IBM 40 or 60GB @ 7200rpm is the best seek time for US$89/109
OS: Windows2000 (Nothing else but)

[spiderman2k1]

I have a western ditital hard dirve and the MSI K7T266 for two month and have not hard one problem. Not saying people have not had a problem just tell you I have not had one problem

[spiderman2k1]

Just to note yes I have the VIA chipset "266A" again If i was you and only want to encode get the ECS board iwht you want the Dazzle 2 get MSI