Got some advice on buying a mobo?

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Doggone it, the mobo to my personal computer died. It belonged to a Micron P2 400 MMX Slot 1. I have left over a couple PC100 SDRAM sticks (256 MB total), my TNT2 video card and Diamond S100 sound card, and a 56K v.90 ISA modem that just smokes (well, it did).

What I found for a replacement that looks good to me is the Tyan Trinity 400 S1854 mobo. It supports 66/100/133 FSB, up to 1.5 GB RAM w/PC133 or 768 MB w/PC100, and will take either a Slot 1 or Slot 370 processor--good potential, it seems, for upgrading. Also, an ISA slot is optional, and so is onboard sound, the latter of which I obviously don't need.

I use the computer mostly for word processing, bookkeeping, surfing (research), and some games (but not the ultra sophisticated, 3D upon 3D type, if you know what I mean--I don't have time for them!). One very heavy consideration at this point is money--I can't afford much, and the S1854 has a current street price of around $90.

So, what do you think, friends? Got something you believe may be better, or does this sound good?
Butch

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts"

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[Mulga]

I am not familiar with US prices as I am an Aussie but the mobo sounds like all you need and the system will be fine for what you specify. If you have any thoughts at all that you may want to investigate such areas as audio or video editing, cd burning, gaming, CAD or basically anything making heavy use of multimedia, well then now would be the time to consider a complete upgrade (ie new system) Your setup is not suited to theses areas and could not be upgraded successfully or economically to make it so. All things are possible except skiing through a revolving door.

 

[hotfusion]

Topscribe, for what it's worth, your choice sounds good for your requirements.
As you suggested, you aren't going to need stunning graphics capability, and the processors available to you are more than adequate for your needs.
As long as your 'requirements' don't change too much, you'll have no problem.
One thing to remember regarding upgrading, if your current O/S and software does everything you want it to now, it still will in 10 years time.......... My suggestions are what I would try myself. If incorrect, I welcome corrections to my rather limited knowledge. Andy.

 

[topscribe]

Thanks, Andy and Mulga, for the time you took for me here. Your advice is well taken. No, I don't see my requirements changing. I play a little Hidden and Dangerous, and Return to Wolfenstein (maybe once a month?), which ran fine on the 400 MHz, but that's about all. (Oh yes, I do have a golf game!) I just don't have time for anything else! I work on computers and write articles, so, if it will run WordPerfect and Internet Explorer, I'm doing great. In fact, the 233 MMX I'm banging this out on right now is doing a fantastic job--but I do know I should have more than that. (Dang it!--I put this machine together to sell it, not to use it!)

Well, so much for my aimless rambling. Make it a good day!



Butch

"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts"

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