For
AMD Athlon users:
1. AMD's 750 - Pro: Supports Ultra 66; compatible with AMD's
Thunderbird processor. Con: No AGP 4X; only maximum memory
of 768MB.
2. VIA's KX133 - Pro: Ultra 66 and AGP 4X support; maximum
memory of 2GB. Con: Does not work with new "Thunderbird" processor.
3. VIA's KT133 - Pro: Supports PC133, Ultra 66 and AGP 4X.
Con: None at this time.
A more reasonable amount of choices. In
the future, look for:
1. AMD's 760 - Pro: AGP 4X and DDR support; 8GB max RAM.
2.
AMD's 760MP - Pro: Dual Processor, AGP 4X and DDR support; 8GB max RAM.
3.
SiS' SiS730S - Pro: AGP 4X, 1.5GB RAM and Ultra 100 support;
low cost. Con: Only PC133 support, integrated audio and video.
4.
VIA's K7-DDR - Pro: Ultra 100, AGP 4X and DDR support.
Conclusion
When you buy a complete system, you rarely have the opportunity
to specify which chipset they are going to use. However, for
those who build their own machines...it's a jungle out there.
Remember that the motherboard is the hardest component to
upgrade/replace.
Even though we don't have the ability to predict the future,
try and make sure that whatever motherboard you decide on,
it will not be obsolete in six months. If you are in the market
for a motherboard now, it might benefit you to wait a little
while longer. Iwill is releasing a DDR-based motherboard later
this month. Crucial is already selling DDR memory on their
website. The industry is about to take another evolutionary
step and the safest place may be on the sidelines for a bit
longer.
As
always, feedback on this or any Digital Silence article is
appreciated.
