Is this motherboard *good*?

[joshedgar]

Well, I'm kind of n00b when it gets down to the nitty-gritties of motherboards and CPUs and PSUs. (e.g. I can add/replace CD drives, hard drives, add/remove PCI cards)

I'm not sure if this motherboard is exactly what I want. This is what I need it to do:

- HTML and PHP and MySQL Programming (In lighter terms, I need to run Notepad. I'm sure it can do that much.)
- Run Windows Vista (Home Premium or Ultimate. Not Sure)
- Work with a PCI Express x16 ATI Radeon X1300 PRO card.
- Work at a decent speed.
- Work with an Intel Pentium 4 processor (maybe later a Core 2 Duo)
- Run Windows XP Media Center Edition (as a dual boot on a second hard drive)
- Needs to work with at least 1 IDE-based DVD+RW Drive, and at least 1 IDE-based Hard Drive (40 gb-to run xp)
- Needs to work with at least 1 SATA-based CD-ROM Drive, and at least 1 SATA-based Hard Drive (80 gb-to run vista)
- Needs to run more simple games at a reasonable speed ("More simpler games being: 18 Wheels of Steel: Haulin', Bus Driver, Roller Coaster Tycoon, Soldat, and RuneScape.
- Needs to be able to run the Java 2 Runtime Environment

Mostly stuff like that. NOTE: I do not plan to do any overclocking at all.

I would appreciate any help with this.

Also, it says in the stats on newegg that it has a 24 pin ATX connector, but what cpu connector does it have? It doesn't say. Here's a picture of the mobo if it helps:

[minsonngo]

I would recommend the ASUS P5B motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131030

[Cricket]

Biostar motherboards are "okay" but the one minsonngo linked to is much better.

The Biostar motherboard you have in your post has a 4 pin 12v CPU power connector...it's that small square 4 pin connector right next to the 24 pin connector.

Do you have to use IDE devices?

Do you already have the P4 processor? Which one? Is it a Socket 478 or LGA775 processor?

Cricket

[joshedgar]

Thanks for the replies guys. Firstly, I forgot to mention I am on a budget. I'm trying to save as much money as I can, and therefore, a $115 mobo is not exactly viable for me, I'm in the market for something less than $90.

My budget is the precise reason why I must be able to use IDE devices -- I recently ordered a new DVD+RW LightScribe drive from newegg for my old Dell. It was expensive, and the first was DOA, so i've gone through enough hell that I'm keeping this drive. I don't have the money, the time, or the cardiovascular health to order a new SATA based drive.

I do not own the Pentium 4 yet, as Newegg seems not to carry it. As I don't own it, I would probably purchase either a Socket or LGA one, depending on what accomadates the board.

Thanks for your help!

[minsonngo]

If you are on a limited budget... then the the BIOSTAR motherboard you have picked out is fine.

The board will take Core 2 Duo / Pentium D / Pentium 4 / Celeron D processors based on Socket 775.

[joshedgar]

thank you very much. For my last question, the Dell computer I currently use is using a Pentium 4 CPU... 1) How would I find out if it is based on Socket 775 and 2) if it is socket 775 based, could I just take the Pentium 4 from this machine and pop it in the new homebuilt?

Also is LGA 775 the same as Socket 775? And what is a recommend GHz processor for what I would be using my PC for, as stated above?

[Panama Red]

LGA 775 and Socket 775 mean the same thing. We need to know the specifics of your existing cpu before we can bless the compatibility with a new mobo. Unless you need all the pci slots available on a full ATX mobo, take a look at this mATX board. I've used this on several builds. The price and features you describe make it a better choice than the Biostar in my book.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131041

[Cricket]

I gotta agree with Panama Red...the ASUS is a much better choice. It will support 2 IDE drives so that covers your IDE drive requirement.

Cricket

[joshedgar]

Thank you for the suggestion, but my case is a mid tower ATX, and I don't really want to change the tower -- I've done that about 20 times and am finally satisfied with the case.

Also, does this Biostar support IDE drives? at ALL? And does it support SATA drives? at ALL?

[minsonngo]

The BIOSTAR you have picked out supports up to two IDE/ATA devices on the single IDE channel it has.

It also supports FOUR SATA devices.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by joshedgar Thank you for the suggestion, but my case is a mid tower ATX, and I don't really want to change the tower -- I've done that about 20 times and am finally satisfied with the case.

All micro-ATX motherboards will fit into mid-tower ATX cases easily.

Cricket

[joshedgar]

Well, I'm kind of noob with homebuilts, so the thing is, I'll need extra guidance if I'm going to be putting a Micro ATX board into an ATX case, because well, I'm not that familiar with the "You know, you can actually do this, even though they say that" stuff.

What differences are needed to make to put a Micro ATX board into a mid tower ATX case?

Do I need to change my power supply for it?

[freakitchen]

Micro ATX boards fit in ATX cases exactly the same way as a standard ATX board. ATX cases have numerous mounting holes (into which standoffs are placed) that correspond with varying sizes of ATX boards. All you need to do is make sure you install a standoff underneath each screw hole on the motherboard, and you'll be set. mATX boards tend to be slightly wider, but considerably shorter, than standard ATX boards (usually 9.6" square)

This decision won't affect the physical size of the power supply you need, but you will need a quality ATX2 unit with a 24-pin main power connector for any modern build.

[joshedgar]

I'm still n00b in this area and don't really understand anything about these standoff things. Are there instructions that come with the case on doing this? And how do I know my case will actually work with a micro ATX board?

And, then what kind of power supply do i need? I'm using newegg.com for everything, and this is what i have so far for power supply:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16817148027

Also, I'm getting a Pentium 4 processor for this machine. Is a "Cedar Mill" what I've heard? Because I've heard Prescotts are different and have problemes with certain mobos:
This is the processor I'm getting, tell me if its wrong:
http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819116003