Mobo requirements from a different angle

[serial_softie]

I am looking for a new motherboard/CPU/RAM to upgrade an existing system and I have not found anywhere that compares products in a meaningful way. All sources I have found focus on technical aspects that are not relevant when you just want stuff to do a specific job. For example, the beginner's guide to motherboard selection on this site says: "Certainly the support for a desired CPU is key" but this just isn't true. Surely you should look for kit that will provide the connectivity and performance you need, regardless of the CPU?

In my case, the board I need to replace is an ATX board with 6 PCI slots, 2 LAN ports, 2 serial ports, a parallel port, ATA-100 disks, and on-board video. I really don't care what processor or chipset I end up with, and I only need simple graphics. I do need to retain the specialist PCI cards from the existing system and the upgrade will be much easier if I can re-use the existing hard disks. Any suggestions how to systematically search for a board? Or recommendations for a board?

 

[1Tanker]

I am looking for a new motherboard/CPU/RAM to upgrade an existing system and I have not found anywhere that compares products in a meaningful way. All sources I have found focus on technical aspects that are not relevant when you just want stuff to do a specific job. For example, the beginner's guide to motherboard selection on this site says: "Certainly the support for a desired CPU is key" but this just isn't true. Surely you should look for kit that will provide the connectivity and performance you need, regardless of the CPU?

In my case, the board I need to replace is an ATX board with 6 PCI slots, 2 LAN ports, 2 serial ports, a parallel port, ATA-100 disks, and on-board video. I really don't care what processor or chipset I end up with, and I only need simple graphics. I do need to retain the specialist PCI cards from the existing system and the upgrade will be much easier if I can re-use the existing hard disks. Any suggestions how to systematically search for a board? Or recommendations for a board?

You mean that if you find a board meeting all your requirements, but it is a s370 Celeron 1.2GHz/SDRAM-PC100/SiS chipset...that's okay? :?

 

[flyer335]

heil there SS,

I'd suggest making out a matrix/spreadsheet with your requirements on one axis and then the mobos you find on the other. I research what is available by perusing reviews and tech articles and then search on the items I fiind interesting. Go to NewEgg, Shopping.com, PriceWatch or the like and use their search utility to find the mobos that fit your requirements.

As far as current boards that have (2) P-ATA headers, I know of only the few nForce 680i and 650i SLI boards and the Intel 965/975 boards that still retain P-ATA headers. Surely the older i945 boards do. Though the nVidia 680i and Intel boards add a JMicron controller to facilitate (1) P-ATA channel (2) devices, where as the 650i chipset includes the MC51 (southbridge) which has two native P-ATA channels (4 devices). Search on JMicron+P-ATA and you'll probably get results filled with posts asking assistance or advice about problems.

Outside of a workstation/server board, I doubt you'll find a new mobo with (6) PCI 1.1 slots today. Three is about the max. I went through all this last summer/fall and feel for you. I had a bit of kit I wanted to hang on to as well, so in after my analysis, and staying within my budget, The MSI P6N SLI Platinum was and still is the best choice (IMO, regardless of budget).

Good luck in your search.

TonyB.

 

[serial_softie]

Yes.

 

[serial_softie]

The approach of making out a matrix of possible kit is a good one, but I can't find anything to put in it! I have found two boards that I could use, but only if I give up some part of my requirements. Of course I don't need a spreadsheet to compare 2 boards.
I was hoping to find a ready-made matrix to compare boards, similar to those in many magazine reviews, but more comprehensive. Trolling through spec sheets to make up my own matrix has taken me weeks already, without really finding what I want.

 

[serial_softie]

You mean that if you find a board meeting all your requirements, but it is a s370 Celeron 1.2GHz/SDRAM-PC100/SiS chipset...that's okay?

Yes

 

[BUFF]

I think that you may find it virtually impossible to find a recent board that meets your specs exactly so you may have to compromise.
Probably the first to go would be the integrated gfx as there aren't too many ATX mobos with integrated gfx. having an AGP/PCI-E slot may mean only having space for 5 PCI slots though.

I suspect that you are going to end up buying old surplus or s/h from somewhere like eBay.

 

[serial_softie]

Just to add a note about the outcome to this, in case anyone else is facing a similar problem.

I found a useful tool for searching for motherboards without having to specify the processor, at
http://www.interloper.com/mbsearch.php
I have no connection with this site, I just found their search tool a great help.

I ended up buying an Intel D845PESV board. No longer manufactured but I was able to get a new one. It didn't quite match my exact requirements, but was close enough.

Thanks to all who replied.