What Motherboard to buy

[dustybeer]

I need to buy a motherboard for a cocktail table I am designing. Currently I am having sound issues with GameEx on my PC. I would like to get a motherboard with built in video and sound. Most motherboards have either Realtek or AC'97 audio, what works better with GameEx? Is there a preference to VIA or NVIDIA video? AMD vs Intel? Any suggestions on a specific board/Processor would be awesome - I don't want to spend much over $100 for board with processor.

Thanks

[Will]

I got a Sempron 3000+ and Biostar Geforce6100 M9 combo from Tigerdirect recently for about $90. Works wonderfully. The onboard video is more than adequate, and the onboard sound works flawlessly. You don't need too much processing power for emus except PSX and such. I noticed Newegg has Opterons on sale for $69 that will overclock almost 200%. Great deal there. My best advice is get something that doesn't overdo it--I personally like something that gets the job done quietly. For me the most important components are motherboard and RAM. You want stability and features, and minimal harddrive swapping. My only negative advice is stay away from P4s and PentiumDs. They are hot and will usually run their fans into loud territory.

[Ricci]

I got a Sempron 3000+ and Biostar Geforce6100 M9 combo from Tigerdirect recently for about $90. Works wonderfully. The onboard video is more than adequate, and the onboard sound works flawlessly. You don't need too much processing power for emus except PSX and such. I noticed Newegg has Opterons on sale for $69 that will overclock almost 200%. Great deal there. My best advice is get something that doesn't overdo it--I personally like something that gets the job done quietly. For me the most important components are motherboard and RAM. You want stability and features, and minimal harddrive swapping. My only negative advice is stay away from P4s and PentiumDs. They are hot and will usually run their fans into loud territory.

Fully concur with this. You don't need to go crazy on cost,as these don't require much in a system. Just make sure to have memory!! Even a 128 video card will do fine with any board.