Need new MOBO for a broken system

[ericfree]

It appears that my MOBO is fried.

The system is almost 5 years old:

MOBO: AOpen AX4B PRO-533
RAM: 512MB of DDR-266 (PC-2100)
CPU: Pentium 4 @ 2.53Ghz
VIDEO CARD: Matrox (G55?) AGP slot

I'm not that familiar with MOBO's. Can someone recommend a decent MOBO that will hopefully get my system working again? I won't use it as my main computer, just an extra, so I'm not worried about it not being as fast as the more modern machines. Of course, the MOBO needs to handle the Pentium 4, my AGP Video Card, and the slower RAM.

[viche12345]

First of all, are you planning on using your current CPU and socket in the new motherboard?

[ericfree]

Yes for the CPU.

However, I'm not sure what you mean by socket. Doesn't the socket come on the MOBO?

I would like to use the CPU (and the CPU cooling fan) on the new MOBO.

[Alaron]

Grab one of these before they are gone: http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...65PCDL&cat=MBB
or
http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...ESO-WB&cat=MBB

[LeftyAce]

I assume this was a self-built computer and that you have a windows re-installation CD, correct? Because you'll need to do a repair-installation to get windows to work on a new motherboard. This won't work if you're using a dell or HP reinstall CD....just a heads-up.

"Socket" refers to the "slot" the processor plugs into, so if you're using the same processor, you'll need a motherboard with the same socket as the one you had....Alaron's suggestions will suit your needs.

[flanzig1]

I have used this board for a P4 system and has been working great: http://www.gearxs.com/gearxs/product...oducts_id=8020
Good 478 motherboards are getting very hard to find, if you find on, get it. I'm lucky that I have a local shop that has the AsRock in stock.

[ericfree]

Thanks for the MOBO suggestions. I will purchase one of them shortly.

After I've got everything hooked up, do I have to reformat my C drive (losing all my programs) and reinstall the OS? Or, as I think LeftyAce is suggesting, I can do a "repair-installation". Is that an option in the Windows XP installation disk?

The computer was not a self-built computer. However, I have a full Windows XP installation disk. Can I use that, and then use the serial number from the original installation?

[minsonngo]

Yep... all you need to do install the new board and then run the repair feature off of your XP CD.

Here are the instructions if you need them...

Repair Reinstallation of Windows XP (using XP CD)

[ericfree]

Looks good. Thanks for the instructions.

How about this MOBO as a replacement? It has hardware monitoring as well (which I want):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138262

[Alaron]

Double whammy. Biostars are ok at best, plus Via chipsets are poor matches for Intel chips.

You can't go wrong with a genuine Intel board and chipset. The second one I linked to earlier is still available. http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?inv...ESO-WB&cat=MBB Pick it up soon, good 478 boards are very hard to find these days.

[ericfree]

Thanks for the heads up. But I was hoping to get some hardware monitoring as well. It appears the Intel board doesn't have this. I'll still go with your suggestion, but do you have any other suggestions with hardware monitoring?

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by ericfree But I was hoping to get some hardware monitoring as well. It appears the Intel board doesn't have this.

Intel motherboards have Active Monitor to monitor system temps, fan RPMs and voltages.

Cricket

[ericfree]

What about:
ASUS P4V8X-MX Socket 478 VIA P4M800 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131573

The chipsets are:
North Bridge VIA P4M800
South Bridge VIA 8237R PLUS
(don't know if this matters.)

[Cricket]

Intel and VIA don't mix well and you could end up with a flakey, unstable system. I wouldn't use that motherboard.

Cricket