Socket423 is the original Pentium 4 socket; Intel doesn't encourage use of that socket format anymore. Socket478 is the new P4 socket that Intel plans to continue supporting. When Intel releases the Northwood, it will (probably) only be available for Socket 478.
If you want a P4 system with top performance and maximum upgradeability, use a Socket478 i850-based motherboard. Asus and Abit both make such motherboards.
Kelledin
"/join #hackerz. See the Web. DoS interesting people."
The Abit TH7-II is the best i850 Socket 478 motherboard out right now.
Other notables are the P4X266 chipset from Via and the 645 chipset from SiS. Neither are currently in mass-production by a major motherboard manufacturer.
<font color=green>I post so you don't have to!
9/11 - RIP</font color=green>
You are about to answer a thread that has been inactive for more than 6 months. If you still wish to proceed, please ensure that your posting is original and does not duplicate or overlap any prior responses to this thread.